In this episode, I share a personal story about preparing for a major event—and struggling to find joy in the process.

We explore:

• Why it’s normal to feel disconnected from familiar repertoire
• How to stay motivated when the spark is gone
• A mindset shift to help you keep showing up
• Practical tools to bring freshness back into your practice
• How reconnecting to your purpose can carry you through challenging times

If you’re ready to build consistency, confidence, and performance readiness without the overwhelm, The Music Mastery Experience is for you.

Inside this small group coaching program, I help committed musicians grow through intentional, inspired practice so they can reach their next level with clarity, ease, and joy.

The next cohort is starting soon and spots are limited, so now is the time to take the next step.

Visit mindoverfinger.com to apply and learn more. Let’s get you the structure, support, and strategies you need to thrive, on stage and beyond.

Apply to join the new cohort of the Music Mastery Experience HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Grab your Joyful Practice Guide HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In this episode, bassist and educator Nina DeCesare shares the mindset and strategies that have helped her build a confident and fulfilling career in music. We explore what it means to practice with purpose, prepare for high-stakes performances, and create lasting change in the industry.

Nina also talks about the Artemis Bass Initiative and how it’s supporting women and non-binary bassists through mentorship, training, and community.

You’ll hear about:

• Her take on representation, mentorship, and the need for change in the orchestral world, and her work with the Artemis Bass Initiative
• Simple tools to stay focused and motivated in the practice room
• How injury deepened Nina’s musicality and reshaped her approach
• Why switching to “performance mode” is key to confidence
• A practical tip you can implement today

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT NINA DECESARE

Website: https://www.ninadecesare.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-18Idk_dit0drfsgodU7A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_decesare/?hl=en

Artemis Bass Initiative:

· Website: https://www.artemisbassinitiative.com/

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemisbassinitiative/?hl=en

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

You’re putting in the work, but something’s not clicking when it counts. Why does your playing still feel inconsistent—even though you’re practicing hard?

In this episode, I’m bringing two essential mindset and training shifts to the forefront—because these are the mistakes that keep talented musicians stuck, and the changes that help them finally break through.

We’ll cover:

• Why “more practice” isn’t the answer if you’re still struggling under pressure
• The missing piece in most musicians’ practice routines
• The real reason confidence feels out of reach—and how to start building it
• How to stop waiting to “feel ready” and start showing up like the musician you want to become

If you’re ready to move past stuck and into solid, confident performances—this one’s for you.

If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.