Podcast appearances and mentions of Susan Blackwell

On today's episode we're diving deep into the art of creative resilience and the power of community with two incredible guests: Creativity Coaches and Co-Hosts of The Spark File podcast Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien. These originating artists share their transformative journeys, from interpreting others' creative visions to defining their own. Laura emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and navigating fears to pivot toward joy and innovation in your craft. Susan offers invaluable advice on managing both your creative output and its promotion, reminding us that every artist must wear multiple hats.We'll explore personal stories of overcoming self-doubt, the significance of supportive relationships, and the courage to take creative risks. We dissect how to handle rejections, make thoughtful collaboration requests, and maintain an egalitarian approach in a hierarchical world.We unpack valuable lessons on persistence and tenacity, discuss the birth of "The Spark File", and encourage you to embrace your creative potential and pivot toward growth and fulfillment.  Podcast Instagram  Podcast Patreon Podcast Merch  Podcast Youtube Channel   Laura Camien and Susan Blackwell Website Instagram  Ayana Major Bey  Website  Instagram  Show Sponsors:  WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/ Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey  Editor: Kieran Niemand  Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey   Part of the Atabey & Co Network  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you been wanting to start that next big project or creative hobby this year? Get ready to ignite your creative flame with this episode featuring the hosts of The Spark File podcast, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien! Lily is thrilled to welcome Susan and Laura to the show, together they dive into a candid conversation about creativity and overcoming perfectionism. In this episode, Lily opens up about her creative journey, from battling self-doubt to manifesting her dream of writing a book. Discover how Susan and Laura's New Year's Creativity Kickoff planted the seeds for Lily's inspiring ideas and fueled her audacious declaration to write a book and start a podcast. Tune in for moments of celebration, insightful reflections on the creative process, and a deep dive into the challenges of increased visibility. Grab your favorite beverage, cozy up, and join Lily with guests Susan and Laura for a chat that's equal parts inspiration and real talk.  Links: Pre-order Lily's upcoming book, Thank You, More Please! The Spark File 2024 New Year Creativity Kick OffThe Spark File Show notes: http://datebrazen.com/blog/sparking-your-creative-power  

On this Artist Exploration, Susan, Laura and Charlie discuss:  The journey of Title of Show from NYMF to Broadway Accountability buddies  Creating more than what you are consuming  Changing your choice & transferable skills of a BFA If you are interested in hearing more about Susan and Laura's projects, check them out in the following places:  The Spark File Side by Side  @susanblackwell @laura.camien Join us for MTCA's Launching Your Audition Process If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you're interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtcollegeauditions.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.  Follow Us!  Instagram: @musicaltheatercollegeauditions YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)  TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions  Charlie Murphy:@charmur7  Meghan Cordier:@meghanmarie2014 About MTCA:  Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching acting and musical theater students through the college audition process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.  About Charlie Murphy:  Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre's “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC. With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.nyc], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process. This episode was produced by Meghan Cordier and Charlie Murphy. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special aftercast, Wheels shares her coaching conversation with Susan and Laura after their podcast session ended and showcases why it's so important to have coaches. Music: Joyride by Skandinavianz

Wheels sits down with her coaches and creators of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, to talk all things creativity, business partnerships, communication, and owning your value. If you'd like to connect with Susan and Laura, you can check out their Annual New Year Creativity Kickoff on Jan 1 and 2nd. You can also tune into their podcast, The Spark File. Workshop: The Spark File New Year Creativity Kickoff!Listen: The Spark File PodcastRepresent: Spark File MerchMusic: Joyride by Skandinavianz

Insight-packed conversation with guitar player and YouTube sensation Brandon Acker.   Sign up today for PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE: The workshop for curious musicians who want to find the FLOW that powers new PEAKS of PERFORMANCE   MORE ABOUT BRANDON ACKER: Website: http://brandonackerguitar.com/contact-2/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-GiI_5U-WkPIKqsq056wvg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon.acker.guitar/   Brandon J. Acker is a classical guitarist and specialist on early plucked instruments such as the lute, baroque guitar and theorbo.  His latest passion has been to run his successful Youtube channel which now has over 260,000 subscribers and 14 million views.  His channel provides educational content about early plucked instruments as well as guitar tips and artistic performance videos. His interest in education has led him to found a new online music school with his wife called Arpeggiato which offers lessons in “All things that go pluck.”  In the few months since it opened in 2020, the school has already taught over 500 lessons to students around the world and in countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, The Nethislands, Germany, the UK, Australia and more. Brandon's performance career has varied from starting out playing electric guitar in metal bands to his current main focus researching and performing on early plucked instruments from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.  He has toured extensively through England, Canada, Scotland and Wales, and performed with notable groups such as the Leipzig Baroque Orchestra, Piffaro, the Joffrey Ballet, the Chicago Philharmonic, the Newberry Consort, Haymarket Opera Company, Music of the Baroque, Third Coast Baroque, Opera Lafayette and Bella Voce. He can be heard on his CDs: “A Wanderer's Guitar,” Schubert lieder arranged for guitar and baritone, “Favorites” a CD of his dearest solo repertoire; and “Strung Up,” minimalist music arranged for harp and guitar.   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider.  I genuinely appreciate your support.     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, his fantastic podcast The Spark File, and his work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

Today is a special episode: I'm bringing you a conversation I had with Dr. Kimberly Hankins on her podcast, The Aligned Musician.  We had a great time covering a wide array of topics including practicing mindfully, self-compassion in practice and performance, and performance anxiety.  I love Kimberly and her work and I'm happy to have more opportunities to bring awareness to everything she does with the Aligned Musician here on the Mind Over Finger platform.   Check out my brand new workshop: PERFORMING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE – PROVEN TOOLS TO FIND THE PRACTICE FLOW THAT POWERS PEAK PERFORMANCE August 13-15, 2021     MORE ABOUT KIMBERLY HANKINS: Website: www.thealignedmusician.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealignedmusician/ Kimberly Hankins is a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Breathwork Facilitator. Combining her passions for both music and yoga, she performs sound meditations on viola and helps musicians find freedom while performing through movement, meditation, and breathwork. As a Musicians Wellness Content Creator, she works to remove the stigma associated with playing-related injuries, chronic pain, and mental health-related issues.     Join the Mind Over Finger Community for access to weekly live Q&As and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice.  It's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your playing to new heights!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/  

For you today: an insight-packed gem of a conversation with star violinist Esther Abrami. This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Community and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared! We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we'll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August. All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger.  If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!     MORE ABOUT ESTHER ABRAMI: Website: https://www.estherabrami.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/estherabrami Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estherabramiviolin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherabrami/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/estherabrami TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estherabrami? Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zCkKfOMcIx8ISU53JBPng?si=4_N2pS4SSlStoCbrX83kwg&nd=1   Violinist Esther Abrami's story is that of a young, modern day women of the internet age who has succeeded on international stages and secured a coveted recording contract with a major label due to her courage, determination and willingness to share the ups and downs of her own remarkable life as a musician with a wide online audience. Born in 1996 and raised in Aix-en-Provence, Esther Abrami knows how it feels to grow up in a culture far from towering classical institutions. “I had a countryside childhood” she says. “I went to a small, country school and I was always outside as I loved nature. We had a wild garden at home; my dad built me a little bench up on the hill where I could go to read and play my violin”. Aged just three, Esther was given her first tiny violin by her grandmother, who herself had been a gifted violinist but, as was the custom at the time, gave up her own music-making when she got married.  “I remember her trying to teach me how to hold the little violin” Abrami recalls.  Although enchanted by this small, beautiful object, it would not be until the age of ten before Esther started to learn how to play in earnest, taking to the violin immediately. “I loved the feeling of the violin tucked in so close to me, like a living creature.  I loved the sensation of the warm sound traveling through my body.  After just half an hour with the bow in my hand, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life”, she recollects fondly. Always serious about her art, even as a child, Esther would watch concerts on television and try to recreate the sounds she heard.  Being extremely motivated and having studied incredibly hard, at the age of 14 she eventually became a boarding student at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, often getting up very early at 5am to spend extra time in the rehearsal rooms. Her hard work paid off and in 2017 Esther was accepted as a student at the world-leading Royal College of Music in London.  Alongside her lessons, Esther also began to build her online career,  playing popular classical music on her social media channels. She was more surprised and gratified by the positive response, however, when she started uploading practice videos, sight-reading videos and tips and helpful techniques for aspiring young musicians. Esther has approached social media with the same open mindedness with which she performs her music. She has a sense of fun and fashion and delights in her collaborations with leading fashion houses like Givenchy. She has also entertained people online by demonstrating the difference between the sound of a priceless Stradivarius and a copy and is not averse to including the rescue cats she fosters in her posts. A recent YouTube video of her practising with a kitten snuggled in a pouch around her waist has received over 100,000 views. Of her upcoming debut single on Sony Classical showcasing Clara Schumann, Esther Abrami notes: “I'm passionate about highlighting the work of women composers overall. It is such a pleasure to discover and perform their works, some of whom are only just beginning to be celebrated.  For International Women's Day, I'm especially delighted to be recording a piece by the wonderful Clara Schumann”. Esther believes people have connected with her because she has opened up and told her own real story - not just one of the glamour of international travel and performing on stage but also the truth about the hours of practice and toil that otherwise goes unseen and unnoticed. Esther confirms: “It actually makes me feel vulnerable to put practise videos out there as it's rather intimate, but I do want other people to see what happens behind the scenes, because I think that is much more inspiring.  When I first came to England, I often felt that I was behind many of my peers in terms of technique and at times that was discouraging, but I've come so far. I've learned that it's never too late and that you can always improve – that's the positive message I wish to convey. I am always humbled and heartened by the messages I receive from people all over the world, telling me that somehow I have encouraged them to start to learn to play an instrument.  That never fails to inspire me”. In 2019, Esther Abrami became the first classical musician to be nominated in the Social Media Superstar category at the Global Awards. She has been awarded a full scholarship for a master's degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under the guidance of Professor Wen Zhou Li. Esther Abrami plays a fine Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume violin, kindly loaned to her through the Beare's International Violin Society.   Join the Mind Over Finger Facebook Community for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/ Podcast: www.mindoverfinger.libsyn.com

For you today: an insight-packed gem of a conversation with LA Phil trumpet player and Honesty Pill founder, Christopher Still! This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Tribe and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared! We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we'll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August. I hope you can join us live for the upcoming sessions. All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Tribe at facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe.  If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!   MORE ABOUT CHRISTOPHER STILL AND HONESTY PILL: Website: https://honestypill.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-still-056423108/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0_NS1GmKSc0viEcbyoQSQ?view_as=subscriber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honestypill/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honestypill/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HonestyPill   CHRISTOPHER STILL joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2007. Before coming to California, he was the Principal Trumpet of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He has also held the positions of Associate Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony and Principal Trumpet of the Charleston (SC) Symphony. Additionally, Christopher has served as Assistant Principal Trumpet with the Grant Park Festival Orchestra in Chicago's Millennium Park and Guest Principal with the St. Louis Symphony. He has performed with numerous other orchestras including the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops, and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia in La Coruña, Spain. He has appeared as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of Northern New York and the Colorado and the Littleton (CO) symphonies. He can be heard on recordings with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Grant Park, Dallas, and Albany (NY) symphony orchestras. A Yamaha Artist, Christopher is a dedicated educator and an active clinician. Having grown up in a musical household, Christopher originally intended to become a band director and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Crane School of Music (SUNY – Potsdam). Switching to performance, he received his Master of Music Performance degree from the New England Conservatory in Boston. He was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow in 1995 and 1996. Christopher's favorite aspect of his job is the orchestra's frequent performance of contemporary music, especially the Green Umbrella concert series. Christopher lives in Altadena with his wife, clarinetist Amanda McIntosh, and two children. He enjoys distance running, skiing, brewing beer, and hiking in the trails behind his house.   HONESTY PILL Honesty Pill is the project of Christopher Still, a trumpet player with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Chris creates focused, actionable plans that help musicians and other creatives address the issues standing between them and their goals. Intermediate through professional instrumentalists and singers can benefit from Honesty Pill coaching. This includes motivated high school students, college students, serious hobbyists, and professionals of all ages and levels of accomplishment. Honesty Pill is for anyone who wants to master their art. Even if you've already achieved some level of success, Honesty Pill has information and tools that will help you take your musical life to the next level.   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider.  I genuinely appreciate your support.     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In our second pancake minisode, Celia continues to share her feelings and thoughts on readjusting to life post-vaccine as well as following up on her conversation with Karen Olivo. Weekly Round-Up:Get to know The Spark File, founded by creativity coaches Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and listen to their podcast.Read this article in The Atlantic entitled “Post Vaccination Inertia is Real” by Katherine J. WuRead Rachel Miller’s Vice article “How to Say Goodbye to This Garbage Year.”How to officially say goodbye to this garbage yearRead this New York Times article, “The Case for a National One-Week Vacation” by  Dodai StewartLearn about Nicole Brewer’s Conscientious Theatre Training, focused on ensuring equitable anti-racist representation in all areas of theatre.Read Kelsey Blackwell’s The Arrow article, “Why People of Color Need Spaces Without White People” and then read her article, “Expanding Awareness: How Patterns of Interaction Support White Supremacy.”Please send your thoughts, feelings, curiosities, and questions to Celia at sundaypancakespod@gmail.com.

This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you a fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Tribe and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared! We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we'll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August. I hope you can join us live for the upcoming sessions. All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Tribe at facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe.   If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.     MORE ABOUT KONSTANTIN SOUKHOVETSKI: Website: https://www.konstantinthepianist.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/konstantinstar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRockStarPianist/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konstantinstar/ Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/TheRockStarPianist/   Following the premiere of his transcription of R. Strauss' Four Last Songs at L'Esprit du Piano Festival in Bordeaux, France  Konstantin Soukhovetski has cemented his place as one of premiere pianist/composers of his generation. His transcriptions have been heard around the world from South African to Hong Kong; in United States' NYC's Lyric Chamber Music Society, New Orlean's MASNO, Sacramento's Crocker Museum and Pianofest in The Hamptons, where Konstantin is Artist-In-Residence since 2011. Konstantin has won 2019 Innovation Award from Music Academy Of The West. Konstantin Soukhovetski continues the Golden Age traditions of piano performance instilled in him by his mentor- the great American pianist Jerome Lowenthal.   Pending post-COVID schedule will take Konstantin Soukhovetski to Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall with Rachmaninoff Concerto #4 with Pegasus Orchestra, and UC Davis's Mondavi Arts Center with Brahms Concerto #2 with Auburn Symphony. Konstantin will premiere a new ballet by Russian-American award-winning composer Polina Nazaykinskaya commissioned by MorDance in November of 2021. Konstantin is currently working on his first opera libretto for “Tear Down This Wall” in collaboration with Polina Nazaykinskaya commissioned for the 75th Anniversary Season of Mississippi Opera in 2023. In 2018 Konstantin gave world premiere of Ms. Nazaykinskaya ballet “Nostalgia” with Rioult Dance at the Joyce Theater in New York City. Acting credits include: as a narrator with Miami Symphony's Musimelange performance  Stravinsky's Soldier's Tale, Forbidden Juilliard as multiple characters at The Juilliard School and Club Makkor in NYC and Victor or Children in Power as Young Victor at  Moscow State Satire Theatre, Moscow, Russia. Feature film: Dishonorable Vendetta directed by Andre Josef. Short features: Decent Men, Ossetia and Hansel and Gretel, Carbon Based  and  Pictures. Konstantin is a producer and host of “The Real Pianists of The Hamptons" filmed at Pianofest in The Hamptons. Highlights of career: Johannesburg Philharmonic and Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra on multiple South African tours after winning Silver at UNISA International Piano competition in Pretoria, South Africa; Miami Symphony Orchestra, Richmond, Austin,  Auburn, Westmoreland, Virginia and Asheville Symphony Orchestras. He appeared at London's Wigmore Hall, New York's Weill Recital and Zankel Halls at Carnegie Hall, Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, Auditorium Du Louvre in Paris, France and Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern, Switzerland to name a few. Following his debut at Alice Tully Hall, in New York's Lincoln Center asThe Juilliard School 's 2006 William Petschek Debut Recital Award winner The New York Times headlined: “Romanticism so intense it warms up Philip Glass.” ​Mr. Soukhovetski has worked with distinguished conductors: Daniel Meyer, Gérard Korsten, Eduardo Marturet, James DePreist, Jahja Ling, François-Xavier Roth, Doron Salomon, Conrad von Alphen, Michael Goodwin, Stephen Ramsey, Omri Hadari, Andrew Grams and Emil Tabakov. Mr. Soukhovetski is a board member of Southampton Cultural Center, NY where is an Managing Director of The Rising Stars Piano Series and has served on the juries of numerous competitions including Hong Kong Music Schools Festival. Mr. Soukhovetski is an Adjunct Faculty and an alumnus of The Juilliard School where he has earned his BM, MM, and AD degrees with Jerome Lowenthal. Born in Moscow to a family of artists he studied at the Moscow Central Special Music School, under the auspices of the Moscow State Conservatory, with Anatoly Ryabov. ​Awards: ​Second Prize, 2011 Iowa International Piano Competition Third Prize, 2011 Bosendorfer International Piano Competition Second Prize and Audience Prize, 2010 Ima Hogg International Competition First Prize and Audience Prize, 2007 New Orleans International Piano Competition William Petschek Debut Recital Award Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans Second Prize, 2004 UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa Third Prize, 2003 Cleveland International Piano Competition The Juilliard School's Arthur Rubinstein Award The Juilliard School's 2003 Gina Bachauer Competition First Prize, 2002 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Second Prize, 2002 Walter W. Naumburg International Piano Competition Grand Prize and First Prize at 1997 World Piano International Competition         Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

100 EPISODES!!!!!  This calls for a celebration! We did this in a sweet way at Mind Over Finger with my own children interviewing me!  It's a short and cute one, where you'll hear my own kids asking me questions about why we should all play music, mindfulness in practicing, my experience learning to play the violin, and dealing performance anxiety, before putting me in the hot seat for a round of rapid-fire questions! Enjoy!     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.     Also…   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider.  I genuinely appreciate your support.     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

In this episode, Marc Gelfo from Modacity and Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier from Mind Over Finger discuss elements of masterful instrumental practice and are excited to announce the Masterful Practice Challenge.   JOIN THE 7-DAY MASTERFUL PRACTICE CHALLENGE TODAY!   Learn skills & approaches that will forever elevate the quality of your learning. Join us May 2-8, 2021 for this rare opportunity that includes live Q&A! SIGN UP HERE!   Over the course of 7 days, starting May 2nd, Marc and Renée will take you along on a journey to masterful practice.  During that week, we will cover: TIME MASTERY To practice well, you must simultaneously manage your time well, and live in the timeless present.  Day 1 you will get set up in Modacity app to take advantage of its time budgeting, tracking, & planning features. We will also cover important strategies like interleaving and timeboxing. In right relationship with time, anything becomes possible.   INTENTION MASTERY By taking the time to set your intention, you bring awareness and direction to your practice. “Priming” is a key technique for getting what you most desire from your practice sessions. Learn the best principles for intention setting and “flexible rigor”.   ATTENTION MASTERY The quality of your life is determined by the focus of your attention. On Day 3 you'll receive a very special guided meditation download that will build your attentional capacity. In addition, we'll go through the various focus points that are most constructive in the practice room, and talk about how misguided attention can derail you.   BODY MASTERY The body is your primary instrument. Learn how to warm up and align your body for optimal practice results. Physiology influences mindset, emotions, ability to focus, and so much more. Get an overview the most effective movement modalities for music practice, and explore the role of tension in performance.   EMOTIONAL MASTERY Your emotions can elevate you to greatness or completely destroy your day. Begin to master the emotional aspect of practicing. Challenging, strange, complex emotions can arise during practicing. Learn how to identify and regulate yourself so that a wave of frustration becomes an inspiration for change. This day will cover the roles of reward & punishment, as well as our favorite tools for emotional awareness and mastery.   Impact/Output Mastery Your music practice impacts your body, mind, emotions, and life trajectory. Explore the inputs, outputs, and holistic impact of your music practice. This day will help you connect to a bigger picture for the role of music in your life and relationships. Specific journaling prompts and exercises from permaculture design will help you identify regenerative, energy positive ways to make the most of your practice.   INTEGRATION MASTERY No matter what you're learning, maximize your chances of remembering it and making it your own through a conscious integration practice.   This final day offers the key to compounding lifelong learning: effective integration. We'll discuss the role of reflection, planning, and testing. A final live Q&A session on Zoom will offer the chance to make sure you walk away from this challenge equipped to continue your path of practice mastery.     THE MASTERFULL PRACTICE CHALLENGE A CLEAR PATH TO MASTERY       Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.       Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.       THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

ZACHARY QUINTO hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Carnegie Mellon where he received a BFA in Acting. In 2007 he was cast as 'Sylar' on the hit NBC series Heroes. That same year, he was cast as ‘Spock’ in the JJ Abrams directed reboot of the Star Trek franchise. He starred in the first season of American Horror Story in 2011, and then won a Critic’s Choice Award and Emmy Award nomination for his portrayal of ‘Dr. Oliver Thredson’ on American Horror Story: Asylum. Quinto appeared in the 2010 Signature revival of Tony Kushner’s Angels In America, for which he won a Theater World Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination. He made his Broadway debut in the 2013 Tony Award winning production of The Glass Menagerie. He was also seen in Noah Haidle's Smokefall and in the Joe Mantello directed revival of The Boys in The Band, which won the 2019 Tony for Best Revival of a Play. He's hosted the reboot of In Search Of on the History Channel, and starred in the AMC series NOS4A2. Most recently, he reprised his role as 'Harold' in the film adaption of The Boys In The Band on Netflix. Quinto began his production company Before the Door Pictures in 2008 and produced such films as Margin Call, All Is Lost, A Most Violent Year, and Aardvark. At the end of 2019, the new iteration of Before The Door signed first look deals with AMC Studios for scripted projects and with Spoke Studios for unscripted fare.Weekly Round-Up:Listen to Brene Brown’s  Unlocking Us podcastepisode featuring Sonya Renee Taylor on “The Body is Not An Apology.”Follow that by reading Sonya Renee Taylor’s book The Body Is Not an Apology.There are Vedic and Transcendental meditation courses available throughout the US - apps like Ten Percent Happier, Calm, and Insight Timer (I really like the teacher Sarah Blondin) are easily accessible and can travel with you wherever you go.Listen to Krista Tippet’s On Being podcast episode, “You are not alone across time” with Brian Doerries focused on his public art project, The Theater Of War.Read Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art which Zach (and Susan Blackwell) recommend.

I'm very exciting to have international violin soloist Leila Josefowicz on the show for the second time. Leila shares incredible wisdom in our conversation, including: Her outlook for how things are going to be like in the coming months How her recent incredible project at The Metropolitan Museum of Art unfolded, from where it originated to the vision coming to reality The significance of her performing Bach, and how she sees Bach as the music of infinite possibilities What she calls the performance headspace Thoughts about performance preparation and performance anxiety What having fun in performance means to her And many other wonderful musings !   This discussion is a window on the way artists like Leila approach a project - the power of the intention and the thoughtfulness they put behind each decision. How each aspect is carefully evaluated, weighed, and curated, and very angle crafted with care and love.   Partita   for Leila Josefowicz   Unseen in the field a sapling trembled naked. You touched   its slim trunk with flayed fingertips, tenderly and hard,   and it gave forth a cry, oh. Sun ran like water on line upon   line of buds. Bare, you stood, electric, head in this world,   feet planted. We heard what we never knew before. _________ Natania Rosenfeld Writer Independent Scholar Professor Emerita of English, Knox College     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!     MORE ABOUT LEILA JOSEFOWICZ: Website: https://www.leilajosefowicz.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leila+Josefowicz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeilaBJo Leila Josefowicz at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Condo Concerts: Fred Sherry String Quartet: In Performance: Leila Josefowicz at Hauser & Wirth  Leila's first conversation on the Mind Over Finger Podcast: Episode 82 - The Art of Authentic Music Making Biography Leila Josefowicz's passionate advocacy of contemporary music for the violin is reflected in her diverse programmes and enthusiasm for performing new works. In recognition of her outstanding achievement and excellence in music, she won the 2018 Avery Fisher Prize and was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2008, joining prominent scientists, writers and musicians who have made unique contributions to contemporary life. Highlights of Josefowicz's 2019/20 season include opening the London Symphony Orchestra's season with Sir Simon Rattle and returning to San Francisco Symphony with the incoming Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen to perform his Violin Concerto. Further engagements include concerts with Los Angeles Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras, where she will be working with conductors at the highest level, including Susanna Mälkki, Matthias Pintscher and John Adams.   A favourite of living composers, Josefowicz has premiered many concertos, including those by Colin Matthews, Steven Mackey and Esa-Pekka Salonen, all written specially for her. This season, she will perform the UK premiere of Helen Grime's Violin Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska. Other recent premieres include John Adams'Scheherazade.2 (Dramatic Symphony for Violin and Orchestra) in 2015 with the New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert, and Luca Francesconi's Duende – The Dark Notes in 2014 with Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Susanna Mälkki. Josefowicz enjoyed a close working relationship with the late Oliver Knussen, performing various concerti, including his violin concerto, together over 30 times. Alongside pianist John Novacek, with whom she has enjoyed a close collaboration since 1985, Josefowicz has performed recitals at world-renowned venues such as New York's Zankel Hall, Washington DC's Kennedy Center and London's Wigmore Hall, as well as in Reykjavik, Chicago, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. This season, they appear together at Washington DC's Library of Congress, New York's Park Avenue Armory and Amherst College. She will also join Thomas Adès in recital to perform the world premiere of his new violin and piano work at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the Japanese premiere at the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation. Recent highlights include engagements with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Washington's National Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and Boston and Finnish Radio symphony orchestras. In summer 2019, Josefowicz took part in a special collaboration between Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Royal Ballet, and Company Wayne McGregor featuring the music of composer-conductor Thomas Adès. Josefowicz has released several recordings, notably for Deutsche Grammophon, Philips/Universal and Warner Classics and was featured on Touch Press's acclaimed iPadapp, The Orchestra. Her latest recording, released in 2019, features Bernd Alois Zimmermann's Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted byHannu Lintu. She has previously received nominations for Grammy Awards for her recordings of Scheherazade.2 with the St Louis Symphony conducted by David Robertson, and Esa-Pekka Salonen's Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.     Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In this fourth episode of my series on building an amazing practice routine I talk about the about how to create a efficient practice session breakdown You will hear about the three basic qualities you want in a practice session, the mindsets to nurture to be productive in your work, and the general sections to include in a solid musical progression. Download your free guided visualization exercise here: DOWNLOAD   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.    THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back on June 1, 2021 This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS! The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance and create the musical life you want. Spots are limited Save yours now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early bird bonuses   Ziva Meditation – Emily Fletcher: https://zivameditation.com/ Emily's book: Stress Less, Accomplish More: Meditation for Extraordinary Performance       THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you! Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Instrument and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, instrument, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In this episode, I'm really happy to bring you a very special artist, cello professor and Feldenkrais practitioner Uri Vardi. In our conversation, Uri talks to us about the basic principles of the Feldenkrais method, how it aims to bring new awareness and possibility into every aspect of our life using gentle, mindful movements, and he elaborates on his philosophy of teaching, which I think you will find very beautiful!   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!     MORE ABOUT URI VARDI: Website: http://www.harmoniousmovement.com/ YouTube channel: Find videos here Your Body Is Your Strad: http://www.yourbodyisyourstrad.com/   Uri Vardi has performed as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber player across the United States, Europe, South America, Asia, and his native Israel. Born in Szeged, Hungary, Vardi grew up on kibbutz Kfar Hahoresh, Israel. He studied at the Rubin Academy in Tel Aviv, was an artist diploma student at Indiana University, and earned his master's degree from Yale University. His teachers have included Janos Starker, Aldo Parisot, Eva Janzer, and Uzi Wiesel. Vardi has recorded and toured widely with the Israel Chamber Orchestra and was a founding member of the Sol-La-Re String Quartet. He has served as assistant principal cellist of the Israel Chamber Orchestra and principal cellist of the Israel Sinfonietta. In 1990, following an extensive teaching and performing career in Israel, Vardi was appointed professor of cello at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to his work at Wisconsin, Vardi has taught and conducted master classes at numerous music schools, including: Juilliard, Eastman School, New England Conservatory, Indiana University, Yale University, Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Music, University of Iowa, Ohio State University, Geneva Conservatory (Switzerland), Paris Conservatory (France), Tunghai University (Taiwan), Bartok Conservatory (Budapest, Hungary) , and the Jerusalem Music Center (Israel). In recent years, Vardi has initiated four major projects. –The St. Petersburg School – Music for Cello. In the St. Petersburg project, Vardi researched, performed and recorded (with pianist Uriel Tsachor), compositions written by Russian-Jewish composers, many of which had never been previously recorded. In 1977 Beth Hatfutzot (the Diaspora Museum in Tel Aviv) released the recording on a CD, which was favorably reviewed by the Jerusalem Post. —Fusions, a chamber music project sponsored by the University of Wisconsin- Madison and the Consulate General of Israel in NYC. Fusions was a chamber music project of Jewish music and Arabic art music, culminating in a commissioned Trio for Oud, Cello and Piano. In this project, Vardi collaborated with Oud artist Taiseer Elias and pianist/composer Menachem Wiesenberg. The project toured Israel and the U.S and was positively reviewed by major newspapers such as the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. This successful chamber music project was the inspiration for the commission of a full orchestral composition. —Forty Steps, a double concerto for cello, oud and symphony orchestra. In 2007 Joel Hoffman composed Forty Steps for Taiseer Elias and Uri Vardi. It was premiered on the Madison Symphony Orchestra's 2007-2008 concert series in March 2008. –The National Summer Cello Institute in conjunction with the Feldenkrais for Musicians Workshop. The National Summer Cello Institute is a unique program exploring the relationship between body awareness, creativity in performing and teaching, and prevention of music related injuries. This Institute is geared towards professional and graduate cellists and other performing musicians. It has been co-sponsored by The College Music Society and the UW-Madison Mead Witter School of Music, since 2010. Internationally renowned cello teachers, including Timothy Eddy, Laurence Lesser, Steven Doane, Ralph Kirshbaum, and Richard Aaron have been involved in instruction and in conducting masterclasses. Vardi's students have been successful as soloists, chamber players, faculty members of major music schools including Oberlin College, and the Peabody Institute, and members of major orchestras such as The New York Metropolitan Opera (associate principal), the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (principal), the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in Caracas, Venezuela (principal), and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Click here for full list. In his teaching, Vardi puts great emphasis on the relationship between movement and sound. In order to further his understanding of this approach, Vardi has specialized in the Feldenkrais Method, for which he received the 1999 UW-Madison Arts Institute Faculty Development Award. He completed a Feldenkrais Practitioners Training and in 2003 was certified by the Feldenkrais Guild of North America and by the International Feldenkrais Federation as a Feldenkrais practitioner. For five years, Vardi taught a Feldenkrais for Performing Artists course at UW-Madison. Vardi was awarded the UW-Madison Arts Institute Emily Mead Baldwin Award to create a program for somatic education in the performing arts at UW-Madison. My Teaching Philosophy I believe that my principal role as a teacher is to help my students become aware of who they are and to help them grow. It is not to define their faults nor cure them. The driving force in this process is my curiosity in the unique makeup of each of my students. As a cello teacher, I not only challenge my students to understand the intentions of each composer, I also help them to explore their inner world, and to express their unique voice within the context of the composition. Most of the learning occurs in the process of working towards a musical goal. When I teach a musical composition, I often guide my students to attend to their habitual ways of musical expression. Musical expression encompasses the whole range of human emotions. Although the exploration of expressive nuances does not necessarily lead directly to the ultimate mastery of a composition, it frequently results in the expansion of the student's personality and music-making abilities. This way of learning is organic rather than linear. Instead of setting concrete, simple goals and learning the prescribed tools to attain them, in organic learning, the experimentation with different ideas provides the student with the freedom to choose among a whole array of options for expressing a musical intention. The same principle of encouraging the search for a variety of options applies to the technical mastery of the musical instrument. In order for my students to gain the ability to meet any composition's demands, they must have a vast repertoire of movements that will give them the freedom to use their bodies with maximum efficiency. Most of us accept the ways we move as if they are a part of our genetic makeup, whereas in reality, we learned to move by trial and error, and our nervous system is wired according to our experiences. Unless we are challenged to question this wiring, and to explore new possibilities of movement, we limit our range of expression. I constantly challenge my students to explore new ways of moving while playing, and to correlate them with minute differences in the quality of sound. Through my experience, I have found that when students discover the power of becoming aware of minute differences in their movement, it is not only their sound that changes, but also their coordination, and overall technical proficiency. The most fascinating aspect for me in approaching teaching in this manner, is that my students come to not only discover their personal involvement in the communication of a musical composition, and their ability to efficiently express it on their instrument, but they also very often gain self-confidence and imagination. The benefits of body awareness also help them in the prevention of injury, and in the healing after a disabling injury.    Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

For this episode, I'm really excited to bring you and extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful , and inspiring musician: horn player, pedagogue, and author Eli Epstein. I'm particularly excited about this episode because Eli's philosophy and approach to practicing and music making embody so much of what mind over finger is about. Eli elaborates on: His inspiring journey from picking up the horn to teaching at NEC and Berklee, via a 16- year tenure with the Cleveland Orchestra The importance of listening to music in order to ignite our interest, refine our ears, and improve our playing The process of myelination and how it affects our work Ways to deal with our negative inner voice Ways to express authentic emotions through sounds The “Magic If” … and so much more! I I know you're going to love this conversation!     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!     MORE ABOUT Eli Epstein Website: https://eliepstein.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabKpW2k2vQDAkpmI4H2D7w Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eliepsteinproductions/   Eli Epstein enjoys a multi-faceted career as performer, educator, conductor and author. Epstein was second horn of the Cleveland Orchestra (1987-2005), and horn professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music (1989-2005). He has appeared several times as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra. Epstein left Cleveland in 2005, and moved to Boston to devote more time and energy toward educational and creative endeavors. He is currently on faculty of New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory at Berklee. At NEC, Epstein is on the college faculty, NEC at Walnut Hill, and Brass Chair of the Preparatory School. Epstein's students hold positions as chamber musicians and teachers, and have won posts in more than 30 major orchestras in North America. An active performer, Epstein has appeared on chamber programs at Jordan Hall, Severance Hall, Tanglewood, Philadelphia's Academy of Music, Kennedy Center, Music Academy of the West, where he was on faculty (2005-2013), and the Aspen Music Festival, where he served as principal horn of the Aspen Chamber Symphony (2000-2012). Epstein has collaborated with the Borromeo and Brentano String Quartets, and has been guest principal horn for the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony. Epstein performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra from time to time and has played on the BSO Community Chamber Concerts series. Director of the NEC Youth Brass Ensemble since 2009, Epstein has conducted college ensembles at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Cleveland Institute of Music, Longy School of Music, Music Academy of the West, NEC, and El Sistema in Venezuela. Advocating the idea that music can be a meaningful and uplifting force in society, in 2009 Epstein won Grand Prize in the Entrepreneur the Arts Contest for his Inside Out Concerts, and appeared on Heartbeat of America with William Shatner. Drawing on years of experience as a performer, educator and entrepreneur, in 2013 Epstein joined the NEC Entrepreneurial Musicianship faculty to teach their survey course The Entrepreneurial Musician. Epstein's book, Horn Playing from the Inside Out, A Method for All Brass Musicians (Third Edition) was celebrated in Horn Matters: "Without a doubt the most physiologically correct book ever published on horn playing. Epstein presents a pedagogy that is truly informed by science, with new insights that should not be ignored." Orchestral Excerpts for Low Horn, Epstein's album released in 2014, was acclaimed in HornWorld as "a perfect sequel to (Krebiehl's) original horn excerpts CD...you would be hard pressed to find more nuanced, musically substantial performances anywhere."   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In this third episode of my series on building an amazing practice routine I share my favorite tips on how to create an effective warm up regimen. I also offer you another priming guided visualization exercise. Enjoy!     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.    THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021 This is a LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS! The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early bird bonuses     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In this episode, high-performance coach and respected author Dr. Amy Baltzell discusses the power of mindfulness.  She elaborates on: The Olympic journey that led her to devoting her life to helping athletes and performers How mindfulness and self-compassion are transformative and liberating, and how they can help us deal with fear, anxiety, and self-doubts How accepting reality as it is – including all of our emotions – can be profoundly helpful The concept of Fierce Presence and the Domino of Goodness The power of self-compassion The Mindful Meditation Cycle – how meditation can help train your mind and your heart so you can be more efficient in your practice Tips to cope with undesirable results and things we can focus on to improve our performance The power of acceptance and surrender What Reiki is and how it can be helpful Why we must let go of our fears of mistakes Her message of hope: there's a way out of anxiety     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get the RESULTS YOU WANT. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!     MORE ABOUT DR. AMY BALTZELL: Website: https://www.mindflowperformance.com/dr-amy-baltzell Her books: The Power of Mindfulness: Mindfulness Meditation Training in Sport Living in the Sweet Spot: Preparing for Performance in Sport and Life Mindfulness and Performance (Current Perspectives in Social and Behavioral Sciences)   Dr. Amy Baltzell, Ed.D., is an Author, high performance coach, Sport Psychologist, Speaker, Reiki Master, Potter, mother-of-three, and the co-creator of Mindful Meditation Training in Sport.    Dr. Baltzell is a high performance and well-being coach for athletes, musicians, sport coaches and business. She has offered invited keynote talks and workshops in the US, Canada, England, The Netherlands and Sweden. She has worked with Olympians, professional athletes, athletic coaches as well as classical musicians, and was Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University for over 20 years. ​ Dr. Baltzell is a CMPC-AASP Certified Mental Performance Consultant via the Association of Applied Sport Psychology and a Reiki Master Teacher, Men Chhö Rei Kei certified practitioner. In 2016 Amy was elected president of AASP, serving 2017-2018.  She was a member of the 1992 Olympic Rowing Team and a racing team member of 1995 America's Cup women's sailing team.    Dr. Baltzell is the author of The Power of Mindfulness (2018, Springer International); Mindfulness and Performance (2016, Cambridge University Press) and Living in the Sweet Spot: Preparing for Performance in Sport and Life (2011, FIT).  ​ Dr. Baltzell will offer insights and lessons learned from creating, implementing and studying Mindful Meditation Training in Sport (MMTS), a 6-hour program designed to help athletes integrate a mindful approach into practicing and competing. Synthesizing her academic and applied understanding, she offers a conceptual model of the intersection of mindfulness, self-compassion and flow in sport.     Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, thank you for leaving a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!   THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

Today, I speak with a wonderful storyteller of sound, Assistant Principal Clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony John Bruce Yeh. In our conversation, John shares how his artistic journey unfolded.  He takes us on an amazing trip, featuring great musical figures, which shows the various elements that go into the making of a world-class musician. He also talks about how to prepare fully for an audition (it involves “raiding” the stage... in a way!), how to enter the professional life, and he gives us amazing insight on music-making in general. This was a great conversation and I know you'll walk away inspired and motivated!   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.    THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021 This is a LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS! The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to start performing at your best! Save your spot now here and get access to all the early bird bonuses   MORE ABOUT JOHN BRUCE YEH:   Website: https://cso.org/about/performers/chicago-symphony-orchestra/clarinet1/john-bruce-yeh/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXbWXWXVo6xV7jn4GE5oyig Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagopromusica Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyehcondor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jyehcondor   The first Asian musician ever appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as the longest-serving clarinetist in CSO history, John Bruce Yeh joined the CSO in June of 1977, having been appointed solo Bass Clarinet of the Orchestra at the age of nineteen by Sir Georg Solti. Two years later, he was named Assistant Principal and solo E-flat Clarinet. He served as Acting Principal Clarinet of the CSO from 2008-2011. Recently he has also performed as Guest Principal Clarinet of The Philadelphia Orchestra as well as of the Seoul Philharmonic in Korea and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in China. Yeh has performed concertos with the CSO on several occasions, including the 1998 American premiere of Elliott Carter's Clarinet Concerto with Pierre Boulez conducting, and the 1993 performance of Carl Nielsen's Clarinet Concertowith Neeme Järvi. A concert recording of the Nielsen was released on the CSO CD set Soloists of the Orchestra II: From the Archives, vol. 15. In 2004, Yeh was featured in Leonard Bernstein's Prelude, Fugue and Riffs in collaboration with the Hubbard Street Dance Company and the CSO conducted by David Robertson. An enthusiastic champion of new music, John Bruce Yeh is the dedicatee of new works for clarinet by numerous composers, ranging from Ralph Shapey to John Williams. A prizewinner at both the 1982 Munich International Music Competition and the 1985 Naumburg Clarinet Competition in New York, Yeh continues to solo with orchestras around the globe. His more than a dozen solo and chamber music recordings have earned worldwide critical acclaim. In 2007, Naxos International released a disc titled “Synergy,” of single and double concertos with clarinet and symphonic wind ensemble featuring John, his wife Teresa, his daughter Molly, and the Columbus State University Wind Ensemble conducted by Robert Rumbelow. Yeh is director of Chicago Pro Musica, which received the Grammy Award in 1986 for Best New Classical Artist. He frequently appears at festivals and on chamber music series worldwide, and he has performed several times with Music from Marlboro; the Guarneri, Ying, Colorado, Pacifica, Calder, and Avalon string quartets; as well as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. With his wife, clarinetist Teresa Reilly, erhu virtuoso Wang Guowei, and pipa virtuoso Yang Wei, Yeh formed Birds and Phoenix an innovative quartet dedicated to musical exploration by bridging Eastern and Western musical cultures. In their debut performance in September 2006, the group performed works by Victoria Bond, Pamela Chen, Lu Pei, and Bright Sheng, all commissioned for them by Fontana Chamber Arts in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Passionately committed to music education, Yeh served for twenty-six years on the faculty of DePaul University's School of Music, and he joined the faculty at Roosevelt University's Chicago College for the Performing Arts in 2004. He has taught master classes at many universities and conservatories including the Juilliard, Eastman and Manhattan Schools of Music, The Cleveland Institute of Music, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan. In addition, he is on the faculty of Midwest Young Artists in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Los Angeles, John Bruce Yeh pursued premedical studies at UCLA, where he also won the Frank Sinatra Musical Performance Award. He entered the Juilliard School in 1975 and attended music schools in Aspen, Marlboro, and Tanglewood. He cites Gordon Herritt, Gary Gray, Michele Zukovsky, Harold Wright, Ray Still, Marcel Moyse, Allan Dennis, and Mehli Mehta as influential mentors.         Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works so hard to make the podcast sound as good as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

In this second episode of my series on building an amazing practice routine I share my favorite tips about a powerful ritual that can transform the results you get in the practice room: PRIMING. When we're priming, we prepare the body and mind to be fully engaged and productive. By setting up a priming ritual before a practice session, you can significantly affect your level of presence and focus.  The pay off?  Get more results during your practice. A total game changer! (I also squeeze in a little gift at the end: my priming guided visualization exercise!) Enjoy!   DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDED VISUALIZATION HERE   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.    THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021 This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS! The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early bird bonuses   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!   THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

I'm very excited to welcome Dr. Frank Diaz to the show this week to cover a topic that is at the core of everything Mind Over Finger is: mindfulness. In our conversation, Frank elaborates on: How he defines what mindfulness is Mindfulness techniques that can be helpful for musicians The sequence he likes to use when he teaches mindfulness Performance-related trauma How we owe it to ourselves to tap into our inner resources … and much more!    Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.    THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021 This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS! The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early access bonuses   MORE ABOUT FRANK DIAZ: Website: http://www.mb-wp.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbwpinstitute/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/musiczendude Some fun YouTube videos featuring Frank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzA87p8B6zE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoIhqKAqlW8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSKyy66M-Is Frank's book recommendation: In Tune: Music as the Bridge to Mindfulness by Richard Wolf Dr. Frank Diaz is associate professor of music at the Jacobs School of Music and affiliate faculty for the department of cognitive science at Indiana University. He is also the founder and Director of the Institute for Mindfulness-Based Wellness and Pedagogy, where he collaborates with an international group of musicians, educators, and scholars on disseminating research and best practices on the art of mindful living, teaching, and performance. Frank has taught mindfulness to thousands of students across the US and internationally, and has served as a guest scholar, teacher, and advisor for numerous academic, civic, and arts institutions across the US and abroad. His research on mindfulness has been published in peer-reviewed and practitioner journals and has been featured on NPR, CNN, Science Daily, and the Huffington Post.     Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

089 Leon Bosch: Musical Ambassador In this episode, I'm so happy to bring you an exceptional person and artist, and one of my favorite musicians, internationally renowned classical double bass virtuoso Leon Bosch. We covered a wide variety of topics, including: How his artistic journey has unfolded until now Some of the fundamental principles he applied along the way How he is mission driven to be an advocate for the double bass and how he has pursued this mission throughout the years The importance to recognize opportunities and be prepared to deliver when they appear The two ingredients he thinks are among the most important when it comes to success The system he developed and teaches for learning repertoire efficiently and fully His enormous impact on the repertoire of the double bass His views on the importance of curiosity, perfection of execution, artistry … … and so much more!   Leon is a force of nature and a brilliant soul!  As you'll hear in our conversation, his wisdom runs deep and he sets an outstanding example of humanity and artistry for all of us.  It was a great honor to speak with him and I know you'll love our discussion!   ABOUT LEON BOSCH:   leonbosch.com imusicanti.co.uk imusicantipublishing.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonboschdb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonenriquebosch/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leonbosch Leon Bosch on Contrabass Conversations Episode #213: Leon Bosch – the Sherlock Holmes of the double bass Episode #520: Leon Bosch on getting things done   Leon Bosch is an internationally renowned classical double bass virtuoso. With over a dozen solo CDs to his name, he regularly commissions repertoire for the instrument, making recital and concerto appearances around the world. He is professor of double bass at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. But he also gives masterclasses in the US, Europe, South Africa and the Far East, and coaches young eastern European musicians at the I, Culture Orchestra in Poland and the young South Africans who make up the Miagi Orchestra. He also acts as a mentor for South African musicians worldwide. Leon Bosch grew up in 1960s and 70s South Africa, the son of the political activist Jonas Fred Bosch – he himself spent time in a police cell for organising protests while at school. He left the apartheid regime there to come to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester after achieving one of the highest ever marks awarded for the B Mus performance examination by the University of Cape Town Remaining in the UK – he is now a British citizen – he was soon appointed principal double bass with the acclaimed Academy of St Martin in the Fields. He left the post in 2014 to devote himself to his solo career, to teaching and to establishing his now thriving chamber ensemble, I Musicanti. He also conducts and has a passion for researching lost or forgotten music for double bass such as by the Catalan Josep Cervera and the Danish court musician, Franz Keyper. Away from music, Leon Bosch is a regular runner of marathons and ultra-marathons (winning silver medal for his age group in the 2017 86-mile Ridgeway Challenge) and holds a master's degree in intelligence and international relations from Salford University. ‘I've always had a very wide range of interests,' he says. ‘For example, the thing I'm highest qualified for in my life is international relations, not music. But this is a part of who I am: I'm not just a musician, I'm a human being.'     THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

088 Efficient Practice Planning with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier This winter, I'm bringing you a series of four episodes about building your amazing practice. In this series, I'll be covering many of the components that I think are essential in having a great productive practice session.  At least, for me! I'll be talking about planning and scheduling, priming for an efficient practice, building a great warmup regimen, and, finally, I'll take you through my favorite practice session breakdown. This episode is all about planning and scheduling efficiently for better results.  I share strategies on how to plan for productive practice and how to schedule it in a way that maximizes your time so you can operate at the highest level possible.   THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Hankins, discusses the multiple benefits of breathwork.  She elaborates on: How she came to discover yoga and breathwork and how it helped her discover her own voice How the breath is central to all systems in the body and to how we interact with the world How Breathwork affects the nervous system Why the goal is not always to be calm: the goal is to react to stress in an appropriate way The difference between pranayama and other different styles of breathwork How breathwork can help musicians in their various functions … and much more! Dr Hankins is also going to guides us through a couple of breathing exercises that you can easily replicate as needed!   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!   I'm also incredibly happy to announce that THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my life changing, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS in the practice room, the teaching studio, and on stage! Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme!     MORE ABOUT KIMBERLY HANKINS: Website: www.thealignedmusician.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealignedmusician/ Kimberly Hankins is a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Breathwork Facilitator. Combining her passions for both music and yoga, she performs sound meditations on viola and helps musicians find freedom while performing through movement, meditation, and breathwork. As a Musicians Wellness Content Creator, she works to remove the stigma associated with playing-related injuries, chronic pain, and mental health-related issues.       SOME PRANAYAMA & BREATHWORK PRACTICES: 5 Step-By-Step Breathing Exercises For Beginners: https://yogalondon.net/monkey/5-beginner-breathing-exercises/ Sukha Purvaka Pranayama:  https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/8904/sukha-purvaka-pranayama The Power of Breathing: 4 Pranayama Techniques Worth Practicing: https://www.onemedical.com/blog/live-well/breathing-pranayama-techniques Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255 Wim Hof method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises       Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians! Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

Kritiken zu "Der Weiße Tiger", "Yes, God, Yes" und "Necromancer" Review, Kritik Titel: Der weiße Tiger Originaltitel: The White Tiger Startdatum: 22.01.2021 Länge (min): 125 FSK: ab 16 Regie: Ramin Bahrani Darsteller: Priyanka Chopra, Rajkummar Rao, Adarsh Gourav uvm. Verleih d. Netflix Trailer Titel: Yes,God,Yes -Böse Mädchen Beichten Nicht Original: Yes,God,Yes Startdatum: 5.2.2021 Länge(min): 78 FSK: keine Angabe Regie: Karen Maine Darsteller: Natalie Dyer, Timothy Simons, Susan Blackwell uvm. Verleih: Capelight Trailer Titel: Necromancer Stay Metal Original: Lad De Dode Hvile Startdatum: 15.1.2021 Länge(min): 104 FSK: 16 Regie: Sohail A. Hassan Darsteller: Jakob Hasselstrom, Razi Irawani, Sidse Kinnerup uvm. Verleih: Meteor Film GmbH Trailer Lockere Filmkritiken zum selbst mitmachen! Meldet euch via Mail (info@tele-stammtisch.de), Facebook, Twitter oder Instagram für den nächsten Podcast an! Haupt-RSS-Feed | Filmkritiken-RSS-Feed iTunes (Hauptfeed) | iTunes (Filmkritiken) Spotify (Hauptfeed) | Spotify (Filmkritiken) Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Skype: dertelestammtisch@gmail.com Teilnehmer*innen: Eva Facebook Mo Facebook | Instagram Nina Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Hertz 87,9 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Christopher Facebook | Instagram Stu Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Moviebreak Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Hannah Twitter Luisa Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Torben Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Thank you very much to BASTIAN HAMMER for the orchestral part of the intro! i used the following sounds of freesound.org: 16mm Film Reel by bone666138 wilhelm_scream.wav by Syna-Max backspin.wav by il112 Crowd in a bar (LCR).wav by Leandros.Ntounis Short Crowd Cheer 2.flac by qubodup License (Copyright): Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Folge direkt herunterladen

Whether you want to rock the stage for your next performance, win an audition, land your dream job, transform your teaching studio, or start a new music business: IT'S POSSIBLE! And this episode will help you set things up for your massive success! You will walk away with: A renewed vision for the future Clear goals and specific strategies to implement and create an incredible musical reality for yourself Unwavering confidence in your ability to succeed A feeling of dedication to the process The motivation to get started and, more importantly, to KEEP GOING!   Gear Up for 2021!   Links: Gear Up 2021! Handout: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources Mind Over Finger Podcast Episode #71 – Motivation: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/podcast/episode/b4c36827/071-motivation-with-dr-renee-paule-gauthier Blog post about the Argument of the Growing Heap: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/post/the-growing-heap   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone and I CAN HELP!  Visit https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme  to learn more and book your call! Let's discuss how to get you from where you are to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an incredibly productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   Don't forget to visit the Mind Over Finger Resources' page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly! 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

In this episode, I speak with world-class pianist and composer Kenny Werner who's prolific output of compositions, recordings and publications continue to impact audiences around the world, and author of the impactful book, Effortless Mastery, Liberating the Master Musician Within.  In our conversation, Kenny expands on: His incredible journey, leading to the exploration of effortless mastery How the need to play well is the thing we should – yet will never – surrender How focus behaves like water How to let “the master” play Fear-based practicing and performing How detachment can help us play better than ever & where lack of flow in performance comes from Effortless Mastery in a nutshell: Go into the space (it's easier than you think, and Kenny shows us how…) and play a note in that state Move around the instrument freely while in that space (think Ouija Board! Or try playing something as fast as possible.) Play something you know really well in that state of effortless mastery Practice in that state (and the state becomes your teacher!)   Kenny is an artist and pedagogue of great depth and I know the things he talks about today could transform your approach to practicing and performing!      Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone and I CAN HELP!  Visit https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme  to learn more and book your call so we can discuss how to get you from where you are to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!     MORE ABOUT KENNY WERNER: Website: https://kennywerner.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgHDUXumPbIfYbCcMozdEYg Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kennywerner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennywernermusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effortlessmastery/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kennywerner   For Kenny's full discography and credit list, click here.  For Kenny's educational credits, awards, published works and educational videos, click here.  For musician and press quotes about Kenny, click here.   Biography   Kenny Werner is a world-class pianist and composer. His prolific output of compositions, recordings and publications continue to impact audiences around the world. Kenny was recently awarded the 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship Award for his seminal work, No Beginning No End. No Beginning No End is a musical journey exploring tragedy and loss, death and transition, and the path from one lifetime to the next. Utilizing over 70 musicians, Kenny's third album for Half Note Records is an expansive composition featuring Joe Lovano, Judy Silvano, Wind Ensemble, Choir and String Quartet. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 19, 1951 and then growing up in Oceanside, Long Island, Kenny began playing and performing at a young age, first recording on television at the age of 11. Although he studied classical piano as a child, he enjoyed playing anything he heard on the radio. In high school and his first years of college he attended the Manhattan School of Music as a classical piano major. His natural instinct for improvisation led Kenny to the Berklee School of Music in 1970. There he sought tutelage of the renowned piano teacher Madame Chaloff. Her gracious wisdom and inspiration became a driving force in Kenny's conception: music conscious of its spiritual intent and essence. From Boston, Kenny traveled to Brazil with the saxophonist Victor Assis Brasil. There he met Victor's twin brother, Brazilian pianist Joao Assis Brasil. He studied with Joao, who provided another piece of the puzzle for Kenny's conception that would lead to Effortless Mastery, his landmark opus on how to allow the master musician from within to manifest. Kenny started his own trio in 1981 with drummer Tom Rainey and bassist Ratzo Harris. The Kenny Werner Trio matured for fourteen years, wowing audiences in America and Europe and recording four albums along the way. Kenny had written many original compositions featuring trios and other small group configurations, but in the mid 1980s, he became the pianist for the Mel Lewis Orchestra (currently known as the Village Vanguard Orchestra). Challenged by Mel and Bob Brookmeyer to write for the band, he produced his first compositions and arrangements for jazz orchestra, consequently leading him to write for the major bands in Europe including the Cologne, Danish, and Stockholm Jazz Orchestras, The Umo Jazz Orchestra of Finland and several times as the guest composer and soloist with the Metropole Orchestra of Holland. Since then Werner has had many commissions to write for large ensembles such as jazz orchestras, full orchestras and most recently, wind ensemble, choir and string quartet as featured on his latest CD, No Beginning, No End. Several outstanding musical partnerships began in the 1990s. Kenny continues to play duo with Toots Thielemans, the legendary harmonica player. For twenty years he has played with and arranged for Betty Buckley, a Broadway legend. They made six albums together and she has sung his arrangements for small band and orchestras across the globe.  He also has had a nearly forty-year friendship and musical collaboration with Joe Lovano. They have recorded on a number of each other's projects. In 2000, Kenny formed a new trio with Ari Hoenig on drums and Johannes Weidenmueller on bass.  They played nearly a decade together and released three albums, with Kenny acting as composer, arranger, and pianist.  Their last album, Peace - Live at the Blue Note, released in 2004, began a wonderful relationship with Half Note Records, the recording arm of the Blue Note Jazz Club.  He created three CDs before the release of his masterpiece, No Beginning No End.  In 2007, Kenny Werner released his first album for Blue Note Records. Lawn Chair Society, featuring Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, Scott Colley, and Brian Blade, received critical acclaim for its fusion of electro and acoustic elements. Kenny's groundbreaking work on Improvisation, Effortless Mastery - Liberating the Master Musician Within, was published in 1996. Using his life experiences as a microscope into the artist's mind, Effortless Mastery is a guide to distill the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of an artists' life. Today it is one of the most widely read books on music and improvisation. The book is a required reading at many universities. Werner, without intention, touched off a revolution of inspiring musicians to do inner work on the mind, body, and soul in attempt to upgrade their musical experience from the mundane to the profound. The book is also popular with artists of other mediums and business professionals.  Kenny continues to teach and give clinics in the United States and abroad. He is currently on the Jazz Piano Faculty at New York University.     Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   Don't forget to visit the Mind Over Finger Resources' page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly! 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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

In this episode, I share with you the conversation I had with Angela Ezeonyeka and Andrew Coleman on their show - The Musician's Toolbox Podcast. With the Musician's Toolbox Podcast, Andrew and Angela aim to equip musicians with the information, inspiration, and imagination to pursue and achieve a career in music.  And they do this by interviewing professionals in the industry and exposing listeners to all facets of a musician's life. We cover a lot of ground in our chat, including mindful and effective practicing, anxiety management, and audition preparation. I had a great time speaking with Angela and Andrew and I hope you find tons of value in our discussion!  And when you're done with the episode, don't forget to head to themusicianstoolboxpodcast.com or search for the musician's toolbox podcast in your favorite podcast player and make sure to check out their wonderful content.   Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!     MORE ABOUT ANGELA, ANDREW, AND THE MUSICIAN'S TOOLBOX PODCAST: Website: https://www.themusicianstoolboxpodcast.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvFWEGoy67ZiU62tRuNt3iQ?view_as=subscriber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusicianstoolbox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusicianstoolbox/   The vision of Musician's Toolbox is to equip musicians with the information, inspiration, and imagination to pursue and achieve a career in music by finding professionals in the industry, interviewing them, and exposing listeners to all facets of a musician's life. Additionally, Musician's Toolbox will showcase a contemporary composer monthly (or as regularly as possible) to further listeners' understanding and appreciation for contemporary music.     ANGELA EZEONYEKA Angela Ezeonyeka is a multi-faceted musician currently residing in Port Hueneme, CA.  Her formal education began with a Bachelors of Music from Brigham Young University, emphasizing in Viola Performance.  In 2010, she relocated to UCSB to study viola with Helen Callus in her graduate studies which she completed in 2016.  While in her graduate studies, she performed for famous artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, and members of the Silk Road Ensemble as a member of the Young Artists String Quartet in Residence. Angela's freelance work includes teaching and coaching for Santa Barbara Strings and Santa Barbara Symphony youth education programs, private studio instruction for piano, violin, viola, and beginning cello, studio recording, orchestra gigs with numerous orchestras along the coast, and performing for weddings and special events with the Santa Barbara String Quartet.  Angela has performed on a few television programs like The Amazing Race Season 28 Finale Episode with the String Quartet. From a young age, Angela has been interested in many different genres and styles of music.  This interest makes her adaptable and desirable for recording artists in the studio.  She has recorded on albums in folk, singer-songwriter, reggae, Irish, and Bluegrass.   ANDREW COLEMAN From a young age, Andrew Coleman has always loved music. As an 18-month-old, young Andrew sat unmoving while his aunt's student played "Rhapsody in Blue" during a masterclass. Just a few years later at the ripe age of 4, Andrew gave his full attention to a family rehearsal of Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major. Starting at age 6, Andrew began learning the piano from his grandma. From family reunions, to living rooms, to funerals, music is an essential piece that not only makes up a part of Andrew, but the entire family. Most of Andrew's years developing his career as a musician are in front of him; yet, his beginning years are still full of achievement. Through his childhood and teenage years, Andrew developed a love for the piano, and Andrew is currently studying with Sue Miller at the College of Southern Idaho and will graduate in May 2021. In October of 2018, he performed with the Magic Valley Symphony. At the beginning of his college years, he was a part of many ensembles at the College of Southern Idaho including, CSI Honors Chamber Quintet and Magic Valley Chorale. During the 2020 pandemic and shutdown, Andrew and cousin Michael produced an online senior recital. Andrew also competed, and won, in the 2020 international at-home-edition of #PlaywithRay. Recently, Andrew co-founded "Musician's Toolbox" with his cousin, Angela Ezeonyeka, whose goal is to equip musicians with the tools to achieve a career in music.     Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

Emotional Freedom Technique specialist and coach Jenny Clift talks to us about this powerful modality and how it can help musicians become more productive and handle emotions in an effective way. Tapping information and resources: https://abetterlifetapping.com/eft-tapping/   MORE ABOUT JENNY CLIFT: Website: https://abetterlifetapping.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMK-XV7QjEKh6FvJnBaajcw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abetterlifetapping/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyclift.coach/ Jenny's book – The Music Inside: https://www.amazon.com/Music-Inside-Techniques-Potential-Fulfilling/dp/1523404744/ref=sr_1_1 Jenny Clift is a classically-trained violinist, and an EFT Tapping Coach, based in Madrid, Spain. She is passionate about working with musicians, stage artists and coaches from all over the world, to help them achieve success, wealth, joy, and inner peace. Having experienced lots of stops and starts in her own musical career Jenny feels strongly about helping others who've gone through similar things like: Experiences with unsympathetic teachers Traumatic past lessons, auditions, competitions etc Frustration over technical limitations & difficulties Struggles with confidence Self-doubt and lack of belief that you can succeed in this challenging industry… Or just the ‘normal' blocks and anxiety around auditions, competition, job scarcity, money woes, performance stress etc. Her secret weapon is EFT which stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, also known as Tapping. EFT is an Energy Healing Technique which uses acupressure points – as in Acupuncture – but, instead of sticking needles into yourself, you tap – on your face and body - to stimulate the points. While doing so, you talk about the issue you are experiencing – and this focus, along with the tapping, helps to clear the energy, and to heal the associated emotions, limiting beliefs and memories, allowing you to move forward with ease and joy. Jenny loves to help individuals and groups to discover and clear the hidden blocks, past and present traumas, and subconscious limiting beliefs around their money, their inner music and their work. This enables and empowers them to take action, achieve their goals, and feel excited, secure and fulfilled in the career that they love. She's looking forward to sharing this technique with you and to giving you a powerful experience of Tapping. Are you curious to know how EFT Tapping can benefit you? Book your free 30 minute call today!     Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change? Whatever you're facing, I can help.  Visit https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to book your call and let's discuss how to get you from where you are to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!     Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

A new business reality requires a new kind of leader – it’s the rise of the experience maker! Dynamic-duo hosts Laura Camien and Susan Blackwell from the popular podcast The Spark File sit down for a brilliant chat with Tina Dear, VP of Global Marketing with Rockwell Automation. Amazing experience makers come from all types of background – including chemical engineers from MIT. Tune-in as we define what it means to be an experience maker and why it matters now more than ever. Get to know Tina and learn why change, new horizons, and big thinking have always come naturally. Tina explains that in today’s rapidly shifting world, we must be advocates for the customer. The current climate has the B2C world raising expectations for B2B customers. It will take an experience maker to challenge norms and disrupt industries while delighting customers with best-in-class technology and game-changing ideas to reimagine the customer journey. Subscribe to Designing Momentum: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/desi…um/id1531934072 Subscribe on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5lFmAQhVoRkcV05itP1UEz Subscribe on Google Podcasts: www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR…yLmZtL21vbWVudHVt

This week’s links:Series of articles in NY Times about musicals that never quite made it to Broadway Side by Side by Susan Blackwell with stars of Falsettos revivalFalsettosNY Times Article from 1992 -Frank Rich takes his kids to see Falsettos2016 Broadway revival Falsettoland Original Cast RecordingMarch of the Falsettos Original Cast Recording Promises PromisesTurkey Lurkey Time! Listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording She Likes Basketball Follow My Favourite Musical on Instagram!Follow My Favourite Musical on Twitter!Email us – myfavouritemusical@gmail.com Listen to the My Favourite Musical Gateway Songs Playlist! Follow our Spotify Account for ALL the My Favourite Musical PlaylistsTheme Music and Sound Engineering by Andrew Sampford

I'm very excited to have world-renowned violinist Leila Josefowicz on the show for you today! As you'll hear in our discussion, Leila is a profoundly passionate and dedicated musician who approaches her craft with great depth and she shares incredible wisdom with us. Among many things, Leila elaborates on: The power of memorization What the “practice of violin playing” means to her How exploring new repertoire helped her transition out of her “child prodigy” years Her advice to all musicians suffering from lack of motivation The importance of desire and dedication in the cultivation of talent How our need to feel comfortable while performing is counterproductive Vivid mindful practice This is a particularly powerful conversation, and I know you'll find inspiration and incredible value in this episode.   MORE ABOUT LEILA JOSEFOWICZ: Website: https://www.leilajosefowicz.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeilaBJo   Find all the details for Leila's World Premiere performance of ‘la linea evocativa. un disegno per violino solo' by Matthias Pintscher HERE. On the occasion of ‘George Condo. Internal Riot' we are honored to host classical violinist Leila Josefowicz in the gallery to perform a new piece of original music in response to ‘George Condo. Internal Riot,' an exhibition of the artist's new paintings and works on paper that runs through 23 January 2021 at Hauser & Wirth New York. ‘Music is such a huge part of my life, without it I don't know if I'd ever have painted anything. There are so many great pieces of music that have inspired me to paint…My favorite thing is to put on a record in the studio and to still be painting without noticing the fact that the music has stopped playing for hours and is just running through my head.'–George Condo The performance comes at an incredibly challenging time for professional musicians. Condo is deeply aware of the adversity they face, and this specially organized event signifies his support for live music and for new ways in which it can reach people. Join us on Friday 20 November 2020 11 am PST / 2 pm EST / 7 pm GMT.  Click here to register. The performance will be streaming live from New York City on hauserwirth.com     Leila's last Pre-Covid performance in Prague, Performing the Alban Berg Violin Concerto with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra:  https://prso.czechradio.eu/leila-josefowicz-and-prso-8179758   Biography Leila Josefowicz's passionate advocacy of contemporary music for the violin is reflected in her diverse programmes and enthusiasm for performing new works. In recognition of her outstanding achievement and excellence in music, she won the 2018 Avery Fisher Prize and was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2008, joining prominent scientists, writers and musicians who have made unique contributions to contemporary life. Highlights of Josefowicz's 2019/20 season include opening the London Symphony Orchestra's season with Sir Simon Rattle and returning to San Francisco Symphony with the incoming Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen to perform his Violin Concerto. Further engagements include concerts with Los Angeles Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras, where she will be working with conductors at the highest level, including Susanna Mälkki, Matthias Pintscher and John Adams.   A favourite of living composers, Josefowicz has premiered many concertos, including those by Colin Matthews, Steven Mackey and Esa-Pekka Salonen, all written specially for her. This season, she will perform the UK premiere of Helen Grime's Violin Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska. Other recent premieres include John Adams'Scheherazade.2 (Dramatic Symphony for Violin and Orchestra) in 2015 with the New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert, and Luca Francesconi's Duende – The Dark Notes in 2014 with Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Susanna Mälkki. Josefowicz enjoyed a close working relationship with the late Oliver Knussen, performing various concerti, including his violin concerto, together over 30 times. Alongside pianist John Novacek, with whom she has enjoyed a close collaboration since 1985, Josefowicz has performed recitals at world-renowned venues such as New York's Zankel Hall, Washington DC's Kennedy Center and London's Wigmore Hall, as well as in Reykjavik, Chicago, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. This season, they appear together at Washington DC's Library of Congress, New York's Park Avenue Armory and Amherst College. She will also join Thomas Adès in recital to perform the world premiere of his new violin and piano work at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the Japanese premiere at the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation. Recent highlights include engagements with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Washington's National Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and Boston and Finnish Radio symphony orchestras. In summer 2019, Josefowicz took part in a special collaboration between Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Royal Ballet, and Company Wayne McGregor featuring the music of composer-conductor Thomas Adès. Josefowicz has released several recordings, notably for Deutsche Grammophon, Philips/Universal and Warner Classics and was featured on Touch Press's acclaimed iPadapp, The Orchestra. Her latest recording, released in 2019, features Bernd Alois Zimmermann's Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted byHannu Lintu. She has previously received nominations for Grammy Awards for her recordings of Scheherazade.2 with the St Louis Symphony conducted by David Robertson, and Esa-Pekka Salonen's Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.     Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights. You can check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday by visiting: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!   And click here for details on how to work with me: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithdrg   And don't forget to join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing!   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

Today I'm bringing you a conversation previously aired on the Violin Podcast, hosted by Eric Mrugala.  On the Violin Podcast Eric interviews violinists worldwide on a bi-weekly basis discussing violin news, practice tips, career advice, and their journey with the violin. Now, this was for the Violin Podcast, but it's valuable information for all musicians, regardless of the instrument. Eric and I talked about How to solve problems in the practice room How to prepare optimally for performances, auditions, and competitions Effective mindful practice that yields results The importance of knowing yourself when it comes to working efficiently …and much more! I hope you enjoy this conversation with Eric Mrugala from the Violin Podcast, and that you find some useful tips and inspiration for your work today! Let's go to the show!   MORE ABOUT THE VIOLIN PODCAST We interview violinists worldwide on a bi-weekly basis discussing violin news, practice tips, career advice, and their journey with the violin. The podcast: https://violinpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violinpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violinpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/violinpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzi3HNgHFQ5ndr9K2OeJYag   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an outstanding practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing. If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

Laura Camien is a Broadway producer, playwright and screenwriter, and, along with Susan Blackwell, Laura is Co-host of the popular creativity podcast, The Spark File. She was a long time VP of Communications for Blue Man Group, as well as Creative Director and Head Writer for Blue Man Group's book, Blue Man World. As a teacher, she specializes in public speaking, media training, writing and communication. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com

For this episode, I bring you a powerful conversation with world-renowned Alexander Technique teacher Lori Schiff. As Lori shares on her website, the Alexander Technique “is a method for living better through your own mindfulness in action.”  It can help you gain confidence and reduce pain, tension and fatigue. It allows you to connect with yourself to nourish presence and mobility and, from there, leads to performing better in all areas of your life. Lori expands on: How Alexander Technique affected her life and her journey Who the Alexander Technique is for What the Alexander Technique is: a method for living that teaches us to pay attention and choose our reactions to stimuli How the Alexander Technique encourages the connection with our self – our wholeness – and the development of conscious control (mind body connector) How the Alexander Technique is a means to more freedom, for the whole person and their whole life How it can help in class and in lessons, in the practice room, and on stage This is an information and inspiration packed episode and I know you will appreciate Lori's knowledge and wisdom and lover her energy as much as I did!   MORE ABOUT LORI SCHIFF: Website: http://lorischiff.com/ Ms. Schiff is a full-time professor of The Alexander Technique at The Juilliard School and a guest teaching artist for various schools and organizations nationally and internationally. She has been a faculty member of The Juilliard School since 1991 and was in residence at The Aspen Music Festival and School from 1993 - 2015. Ms. Schiff joined The Riverside Initiative for The Alexander Technique as Associate Director and Senior Teacher for Teacher Training in 2018. Ms. Schiff was Certified as a Teacher of the Alexander Technique at ACAT-New York in 1987. She continued with years of postgraduate training with Walter and Dilys Carrington at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Music in Trumpet Performance and has her Masters in Music from Manhattan School of Music. She served as the Alexander Technique Teacher for the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artists Development Program, and at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. She also served on the senior faculty of the American Center for the Alexander Technique's Teacher Certification Program. Institutions where she has been a guest teaching artist include: The New World Symphony, The U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, The U.S. Army Field Band and U.S. Army Soldier's Chorus, The San Diego Symphony, ToneBank International Music Festival, National Youth Orchestra of China, University of Maryland Opera Studio, and The Internationale Meistersinger Akademie in Neumarkt, Germany. She has presented Master Classes at institutions including The Metropolitan Opera, Opera America, West Point Military Academy, Fort Meade, The Academy (ACJW) at Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, The National Orchestral Institute, The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra and The New York Youth Symphony, Theater Aspen, MorseLife Senior Residences, and Holland and Knight, LLP. In 2013, she assisted in organizing and taught the Alexander Technique for actress and playwright, Anna Deavere Smith's Acting and Empathy course in San Francisco. She returned to San Francisco in 2014 to work with Ms. Smith's course, Personal Narratives: Global Identities. Ms. Schiff is a recognized senior teacher of the Alexander Technique by the American Society for the Alexander Technique and has presented master classes at the AmSAT Annual Meetings in San Francisco, Ann Arbor, Las Vegas, New York City, Boston, and Minneapolis. She was a guest lecturer on Teaching the Alexander Technique in schools of music for The International Congress for the Alexander Technique in Lugano, Switzerland. Ms. Schiff served on the Board of Directors of the Aspen Music Festival and School as Chair of the Music Committee for nine years and was President and Chairman of the Board of The American Center for the Alexander Technique for five years. More recently, she completed two years on the Board of Directors of The American Society for the Alexander Technique. Ms. Schiff has a private Alexander Technique practice in NYC. She is the founding director of Flight Feather Productions, LLC, an organization for creating and supporting uplifting educational experiences for corporate and artistic communities. With composer Lance Horne, she is the Co-Director of Creativity Lab, a program for inspiring community and collaboration through collective creativity. As a committed recreational runner, she has completed four marathons, several half marathons, and countless 10ks, 5 Milers, 4 Milers, and 5ks.   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights! Don't forget to visit the Mind Over Finger Resources' page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!   And don't forget to join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing! If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/    

In this episode, we review how PD-L1 inhibitors and COVID-19 have changed the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Jeffrey Crawford, MD, and Susan Blackwell, PA, both of Duke Cancer Institute, join host David H. Henry, MD, to discuss the use of pembrolizumab in NSCLC, two studies of PD-L1 inhibitors presented at ESMO 2020, and how COVID-19 has affected NSCLC care, particularly the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC What information should be obtained from a biopsy? Is this lung cancer? If so, what kind of lung cancer is it: Small-cell lung cancer or NSCLC? Which subtype? Molecular studies for targets, including ALK, KRAS, EGFR, PD-L1. Treatment with pembrolizumab: If, for example, a patient has NSCLC and is positive for PD-L1, the treatment of choice is pembrolizumab. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to provide comprehensive education and care to patients taking pembrolizumab (and other immunotherapies). Pembrolizumab can have many side effects, including itching, fatigue, thyroiditis progressing to hypothyroidism, hypophysitis, or another off-target “-itis.” Ms. Blackwell and Dr. Crawford recommend listening to patients, checking the thyroid routinely, and checking cortisol based on index of suspicion. NSCLC studies presented at ESMO 2020 KEYNOTE-024 5-year OS update: First-line (1L) pembrolizumab (pembro) vs platinum-based chemotherapy (chemo) in patients (pts) with metastatic NSCLC and PD-L1 tumour proportion score (TPS) ≥50%. The 5-year survival is greater than 30% with pembrolizumab in this study. Historically, 5-year survival has been 1% to 2% in patients treated with chemotherapy alone, Dr. Crawford said. In the control arm of this study, patients received chemotherapy and then crossed over into the pembrolizumab arm, so overall survival was 16% at the 5-year mark. The results suggest immunotherapy should be used first-line if patients meet criteria, Dr. Crawford said. Source: Abstract LBA51. https://bit.ly/3mMYLTK. EMPOWER-Lung 1: Phase III first-line (1L) cemiplimab monotherapy vs platinum-doublet chemotherapy (chemo) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) ≥50%.  The PD-L1 inhibitor cemiplimab improved overall and progression-free survival in NSCLC patients when compared with chemotherapy alone. Abstract LBA52. https://bit.ly/3mLT6xb. The effects of COVID-19 on NSCLC care Logistically, it’s more difficult to see patients during the pandemic, Dr. Crawford noted, but the many potential side effects of immunotherapy make it necessary to see patients regularly in person. How has COVID-19 affected the concern of febrile neutropenia and the use of G-CSF? Dr. Crawford said the pandemic has heightened the concern about infection risk. Prior guidelines for G-CSF: Before the pandemic, guidelines suggested routine prophylactic G-CSF in patients with a greater than 20% risk of febrile neutropenia. In patients with 10% to 20% risk, the recommendation was to consider the use of G-CSF based on the patient population and risk factors. Pandemic-specific guidelines for G-CSF: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended relaxing guidelines during the pandemic. If the risk is greater than 20%, NCCN still recommends giving G-CSF. If the risk is 10% to 20%, NCCN recommends giving G-CSF even in the absence of additional risk factors. Dr. Crawford noted that lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are typically in the 10% to 20% risk category. Download the COVID-specific NCCN guidelines: https://bit.ly/3jQIco5. G-CSF biosimilars The most common complaint with biosimilars is bone pain. Ms. Blackwell advises first treating bone pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and warm blankets. For refractory pain, she suggests a low-dose narcotic or dexamethasone. Consider an antihistamine for prophylaxis, as patients report this can help with symptoms. Show notes written by Ronak Mistry, DO, a resident at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia. Disclosures: Dr. Crawford is on advisory boards at Amgen and Merck, makers of Onpro/Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Ms. Blackwell and Dr. Henry have no conflicts of interest. * * * For more MDedge podcasts, go to mdedge.com/podcasts Email the show: podcasts@mdedge.com Interact with us on Twitter: @MDedgehemonc David Henry on Twitter: @davidhenrymd

In this inspiring and motivating conversation, National Symphony double bass player Ira Gold shares his wisdom on practicing and on leading a meaningful musical life. Ira expands on: How the things he does are reflections of his passions How serving the community and those who are following the artistic path has become vital part of his career How his career grew out of him making the conscious decision of seriously dedicating himself to his musical education The important of adopting a growth mindset and of being mindful of the information that is available to you and how you can apply it to nurture your long-term goals The importance of being teachable The new metrics he uses to define success How the pandemic has allowed him to take a step back and reflect Practicing strategies: Constructing and deconstructing Adding and subtracting How to bring life experiences into your art – everything you experience and everything you are influences your playing How to maximize your learning experience – in college and beyond       MORE ABOUT IRA: Website: https://irajgold.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BassRabbi   Ira Gold made his Carnegie Hall solo debut in 2011, performing the Vanhal Bass Concerto with the Catholic University of America Symphony Orchestra. Prior to joining the National Symphony in 2005, he performed with several American orchestras, as Section Bass with the Minnesota Orchestra and as guest Principal Bassist with the San Francisco Symphony and Detroit Symphony.  He has attended festivals such as Grand Teton Music Festival, Domaine Forget Music Academy, Bach Festival Leipzig, Aspen, and Tanglewood.  Mr. Gold spent several summers at the International Festival Institute at Round Top both as a student and faculty.  He is continually in demand for recitals and masterclasses, including recent visits at The Colburn School, University of Southern California, The Moscow State Conservatory, Boston University, New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, University of Colorado (Boulder), The Juilliard School, Boston University Tanglewood Institute,  The International Society of Bassists Convention, and The Manhattan School of Music.   Mr. Gold maintains a studio of private students, has taught lessons and coached chamber music in the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship program, and has been a Double Bass Faculty member of Peabody Conservatory since 2009.  He is also a co-founding member of Peabody Bass Works, a one week bass camp held every July at Peabody Conservatory. Mr. Gold has been interviewed multiple times by Jason Heath for the podcast Contrabass Conversations, and more recently as a featured guest on The Audition Breakthrough Summit, which launched in March 2017. In 2016 he published an article for the ISB's journal Bass World, in which he discusses the qualities of teaching that affect the relationship of teacher and student. An active chamber musician, Mr. Gold has performed with East Coast Chamber Orchestra, the NSO Millenium Stage Prelude Series, Peabody Conservatory Faculty, and the New Orchestra of Washington. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree at Boston University's College of Fine Arts, and his Master of Music degree at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, where he won the strings division of the 2005 Concerto Competition.  His primary teachers include Edwin Barker and Paul Ellison, and additional studies with Albert Laszlo, Kenneth Harper, Dennis Whittaker, Mark Shapiro, and Harry Lantz.   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!   And don't forget to join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing! If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!     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. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home. Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

On this episode, we talk with theater artist, writer, teacher, host, and overall badass - Susan Blackwell - on her disciplined pursuit of creativity.

In this weeks episode of the world’s-fastest-movie-review podcast Jackson and Mike review two new films. ‘THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM’ A drama Based on the 2006 best-selling book The Secret. Starring Katie Holmes, Josh Lucas, and Jerry O’Connell. And an quick review of ‘YES, GOD, YES’ filmmaker Karen Maine’s semi-autobiographical coming of age comedy. Starring Natalia Dyer, Wolfgang Novogratz and Susan Blackwell.

Thanks for coming back to join me and Mo for the final five! This is a bonus conversation covering topics and five specific questions we didn’t address on the last episode. Today, Mo talks about his love of NEXT TO NORMAL and how Susan Blackwell from TITLE OF SHOW inspires him.    Don't forget to check out all the offers and resources available to you through WINMI: resources.winmipodcast.com    Follow Mo: Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog  Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast 

This week on The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, the doctor who risked his career and went to his grave trying to convince the medical profession that hand washing matters, plus the incredible true story of the uplifting oratorical festival presented by California students for the benefit of us all.

This week, I wanted to share with you an extra-special conversation from my friends over at The Spark File podcast. Now, if you haven’t heard of The Spark File podcast, I want you to open up your podcast app and and subscribe to them right now. The Spark File is hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien - two bad ass bitches with gobs of experience in the theatre space who are obsessed with sparking creativity and inspiration in others.  I’ll take a page from their stump speech and share with you that a spark file is a place where one consistently collects creative inspirations and fascinations. Laura and Susan are on the hunt for fresh ideas, images and inspiration that spark creativity and peak curiosity. Things that inspire all of us to get up off of our asses and make something! Plus, they have a kick ass theme song that makes my butt bounce every time I hear it.  I’ve been obsessed with The Spark File since its launch last fall, but when I heard this conversation with Phillipa Soo I knew I had to share it with you. In this selected short, Phillipa, who you probably know for originating the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in Hamilton, takes about the disappointment she felt during her next Broadway outing, Amelie, and the lessons she learned from it. Here’s their conversation… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of To a T I finally get to watching the first episode of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist! I have been wanting to watch this show since it first aired and now the time has finally come. This episode is sort of a two parter in that today only touches on the first episode of the show, while next week's will touch upon the other 4 plus the newest one from this coming Sunday. Also within this discussion of the show, I talk about the idea, importance, and meaning of connection in all art. Also mentioned in this episode is Amber Ardolino's music video for Paris Ooh La La gorgeously shot by Rebecca Michelson, Demi Lovato's new single and music video, Rob McClure's instagram post about the Mrs. Doubtfire quick change, the cosplay costume story from Emojiland, and Bernadette Peters. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paris Ooh La La (shot by Rebecca J Michelson @rebeccajmichelson): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o3ukCKKLMI Demi Lovato's "I Love Me' music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vImvzQCb0o8 Side by Side by Susan Blackwell ft Elizabeth Stanley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Np4m4PvOhs Marina Abramovic reuniting with Ulay from The Artist is Present: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS0Tg0IjCp4

What Kind of Girl is She? The kind that does an episode on [title of show], of course! We talk the value in creativity, early internet phenoms, and proposing with musical numbers. PLUS: we're still hoping for a voicemail cameo from JLM. Theme music by Cullen Vance. Original Broadway cast album: Amazon | iTunes | Spotify  Watch: Susan Blackwell's Youtube channel, Side by Side by Susan Blackwell.

In this episode, we celebrated the end of a decade and the end of the 2019 season of The Producer's Perspective Podcast with inspirational and funny quotes from previous guests! Thank you to Julie Halston, Mark Sendroff, Stephanie Lee, Susan Blackwell, Adam Gwon, Anthony Veneziale, Ali Stroker, Mara Isaacs, Charlotte Wilcox, Ken Cerniglia, Glen Kelly, and Alan Cumming for joining me on the podcast this season! Thanks, Terry Knickerbocker, for supporting this episode. Terry Knickerbocker Studio offers a two-year acting conservatory, workshops, studio rentals, one-on-one coaching, beginner acting classes, and the best actor training in New York. For more information, visit terryknickerbockerstudio.com.  The final #SongWriterOfTheWeek for the 2019 season is . . . Kerrigan-Lowdermilk! And my good friend and Godspell company member, Lindsay Mendez is singing their song called Hand in Hand from their immersive house party musical THE BAD YEARS. If you like what you hear and want to learn more, check out www.kerrigan-lowdermilk.com or @kerrigan_lowdermilk on Instagram.  We'll be back with a BRAND NEW season of The Producer Perspective Podcast on February 24, 2020. During the break, keep up with me on Instagram, @KenDavenportBway, and check out my blog for weekly content. www.theproducersperspective.com www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com This episode was edited by Mary Dina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Waitress (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify  Who knew we would ever reference Come On Eileen on the podcast outside of a ‘SMASH’ reference? Anyway, here is uncategorically the worst live vocal you’ll ever hear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3rg4psdHxw A fun game! A weird concept! Tweet us what you think certain musical lobbies would smell like?  Sara Bareilles has spoiled us with ‘Waitress’ supplementary content. Here you can check out her version of the ‘Waitress’ OBC, the songs from the cutting room floor, and a commentary on the origins and meanings of every song!  If you want the ‘Part of Your World’ story in full, check out this amazing ‘Side by Side by Susan Blackwell’ episode!  We pose you the question, if you would have any recording artist write a musical - who would you want and what it would it be? Hit us up over on Reddit! Last 5 years podcast If you’re at all interested in our views on monogamy and infidelity then it’s worth having a listen to our ‘Last 5 Years’ episode! What do you think about the idea of ‘Waitress’ being a feminist musical? Have a read of the Vox article and let us know what you think!  And if you want to get yourself riled up, then have a gander at Michael Riedel’s article on ‘Waitress’ before it was on Broadway... Tommy would never be critical of anything. Ever. One of Jimi’s biggest Broadway inspirations, Laura Heywood, held a fantastic interview with Jesse Mueller and Sara Bareilles. ——— A Quiz Question Currently in Development This musical accidentally shut down a so-called “musical theatre lab” because it premiered first. The lab was working on ‘The Secret Garden,’ ‘My Favorite Year’ and this show. Hal Prince is of the opinion that the lab would still be functioning today had The Secret Garden premiered first instead of this musical. What show?

In this Creativity Sparks episode, co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss the original spark that inspired Susan to write the piece 'Golden Palace" for the Off-Broadway show NOW.HERE.THIS at the Vineyard Theatre, as well as the overflowing gift of sparks poet Mary Oliver left for the world.

Susan Blackwell is an actress, writer, and singer, best known for playing characters based on herself in the original musicals [title of show] and Now. Here. This. She has appeared in other plays, musicals, films, and television shows, and even created and hosts her own talk show Side by Side by Susan Blackwell on Broadway.com. In this episode, we talk about . . . Finding the time to pursue your dream, while working your day job . . . like literally while your boss is standing over your desk as you work on lyrics! What "dollar-cost-averaging" has to do with a career in the theater. Life of a freelance artist and how she structures her day for success. Why being a multi-hyphenate and focusing on many things is important to her, and should be to you too. How did Title of Show happen - and what's it like now watching people play her! Tune in and enjoy this inspiring artrepreneurial episode and when you're done, turn that dial over to Susan's new podcast (created with her wonder twin, Laura Camien), The Spark File, which is now live! This week’s #SongwriterOfTheWeek is Jacinth Greywoode (@j.greywoode on soundcloud)! Check out "Myrtle's Lament" at the end of this episode (music by Jacinth and lyrics by Rebecca Hart). If you enjoyed the outro music in this episode, go on over to www.jacinthgreywoode.com/ for more tunes. No matter where you are in life . . . whether you are just starting out and need a kick start, or you have already achieved a certain level of success and want more, or you’ve been slacking lately (we’ve all been there) and need to get back on track . . . you’ve decided to take your life, your dreams, and your destiny into your own hands . . . literally . . . with this journal. Start your 90-day journey today, visit: http://www.actionjournalforartists.com/ Keep up with me: @KenDavenportBway This podcast was edited by Stanley Wiercinski.  www.theproducersperspective.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part Two of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Get to know the thoughtful, original mind of this prolific maker as he shares experiences from a creative life full of blockbuster films (Star Trek), television hits (Heroes, American Horror Story), Broadway theater (Boys in the Band, Glass Menagerie), and his personal off the beaten path Netflix options.

In this episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss a dark spark -- the legacy of Larry Nassar and the powerful, inspiring army of survivors and champions who told their stories, including Katelyn Ohashi, Lindsey Smith, Valorie Kondos Field, Rachael Denhollander and Kate Wells. They also look beneath the surface of Reservoir Noir and the spark-filled stories of towns that drowned. From Andrew Carnegie's South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and the South Fork Dam causing the tragic flooding of Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the American Corp of Engineers intentionally flooding towns such as Willow Grove, Tennessee in order to form Dale Hollow Lake.PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes (physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, body issues). Please use your discretion.

Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to television to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to American Horror Story to Star Trek and well beyond.

Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up some delicious creative sparks in the form of little-known controversies surrounding the beloved Little House on the Prairie series and its author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. We also explore the Mokita -- the truth everyone knows but no one will talk about -- how it defines our work cultures and how it can be used to great dramatic (or comedic) effect.

This is the second helping of creative conversation with master creator, Sara Bareilles. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien dig in deeper to hear what is next for Sara and what is inspiring her now. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life as a singer, songwriter, author, producer and performer.

Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien talk to favorite songwriter, actor, producer, author and all around prolific creator, Sara Bareilles. Hear how Sara tackles the fear of not knowing, and how she continues to thrive creatively regardless of bouts with anxiety and depression. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life.

Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up the basics of The Spark File podcast -- what is a Spark File? What do you put in it? and why does every creative need one? From the visual artists to performing artists, writers, dancers, filmmakers, instagramers -- artists, makers and creators of all kinds need to restock our creative fishponds and build a reserve of ideas and inspirations. Listen, then take it and make it!

Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their personal Spark Files and share inspiration from artist Hilma af Klint, a woman whose other-worldly work was way ahead of her time (and her male contemporaries'), and their fascination with the The Diderot Effect, and how one man's spiraling consumption became his enduring legacy.

Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien once again surprise each other with ideas and inspiration from their personal creative spark files. They explore the benefits of breaking up with technology and the impact it could have on your outlook, your productivity, and your creativity. And they discuss the sparks within the award-winning documentary film, Free Solo, looking at the parallels between a life-threatening solo climb of El Capitan and the emotional risk-taking of an artist.

Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien share two new sparks of inspiration from their creative spark files. John Mulaney's interview on You Made It Weird and his personal experiences with failure (perceived or otherwise) give hope to everyone who has ever attempted to create something. There is strength to be gained from Robert F. Kennedy, John Mulaney and others who have lived through public defeat. Meanwhile, who knew the number 9 might be the reason why you (or the characters you are writing) behave the way you do. The nine-enders just might be the character motivation you were looking for.

The needs of people going through divorce are changing. People have less time and money to spend on their legal matters and want to avoid court. Family law is changing and the services lawyers provide are changing as well making it easier for clients. This week I talk with special guests Susan Blackwell and Lisa Eisen, two family law lawyers who have changed their practice to an "a la carte" style service and their clients couldn't be happier. Listen to what they have to say about the changes and how this style of family law can help you with your divorce. Leah's Likes: Brain: Daily Inspirational Quotes Get a Quote: https://www.insightoftheday.com/ Health Like: breathing - practice breathing properly for optimal blood flow and oxygen, it makes you feel great Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV4n555lQ3o Indulgence: Shoes - a good pair of shoes completes your outfit and that makes you feel good and look good. Buy some Shoes: https://www.shoedazzle.com/ Special Guests: Susan Blackwell Blackwell Family Law https://www.blackwellfamilylaw.ca susan@blackwellfamilylaw.ca Lisa Eisen Family Law A La Carte http://familylawalacarte.ca info@familylawalacarte.ca Write us and share your stories we love to hear from you. leah@consciouscoachinginc.com Brought to you by: Conscious Coaching Inc. www.consciouscoachinginc.com leah@consciouscoachinginc.com Audio Production by: East Coast Studio www.eastcoaststudio.ca Music by: The Music Assembly www.themusicassembly.com

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Crack open those spandex dungarees as we head over to the beautiful Greek islands and talk all about the super-smash hit ‘Mamma Mia!’ In a bid to drive Tommy over the edge, the boys are once more going head-to-head over the merits of this show. They talk all about what has made it such a phenomenon, Jimi explains away the mysteries of the Eurovision Song Contest and the guys finally open up about their opinions on jukebox musicals. Mamma Mia (Original Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify Do you say ABBA or ABBA? End the debate over on Twitter! If you are yet to listen to ‘My Dad Wrote a Porno’ then get right on it now and find out exactly why Cher is The Duchess in the movie sequel. The Eurovision Song Contest is a sight to behold for anyone, anytime. Here’s the winner from the last competition. Compare that with another classic from the UK here. Camp for all! ‘Mamma Mia!’ was so important in the healing process post-9/11 and was one of the first shows to re-open. Here’s an article where Meryl Streep talks about her relationship with the show and how it helped her family cope with the tragedy. If you were wondering how ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’could possibly shoehorn in ‘Waterloo’ into the main narrative then look no further! Featuring the IMMENSELY adorable Hugh Skinner (any W1A fans out there? Speak to Jimi.) Here’s the article with the brilliantly sassy quote that talks about how an immensely fun and unapologetic experience ‘Mamma Mia!’ is. We’ve managed to go 65 episodes without talking about Jukebox Musicals properly. But the time is now, come on over to Reddit to weigh in on the endless musical theatre debate! What do you make of Lisa Howard and Susan Blackwell’s exchange over ‘Escape to Margaritaville?’ JIMI’S BIG QUATEMENT MOMENT Jimi fought tooth and nail to get a line in our next show, that he has mentioned on a couple of previous podcasts. The line is: “This’ll wake them up!”

Susan ([title of show], SIDE BY SIDE BY SUSAN BLACKWELL) tells Rory the incredible story of how [title of show] started around a kitchen table, then went downtown and made it all the way to Broadway. All along the way, Susan maintained her "survival job" and learned how to be grateful for it. Susan talks about how her song DIE VAMPIRE, DIE came from fighting the demons in our head that tell us we aren't good enough to be artists.  She has started a workshop to help other writers conquer their vampires. Susan and Rory chat about how they met, and the kind of folks that they gravitate towards in this business in order to stay grounded. www.susanblackwell.com This episode is sponsored by Goldstar! If you are one of the first 200 listeners who use the promo code RORY, you'll get $10 off your purchase of tickets to live events in your area! Use promo code RORY here: www.goldstar.com/rory

Susan Blackwell is currently getting ready to open Encores! Off-Center’s Gone Missing at New York City Center . She has previously been on Broadway in [title of show] and is the host of Broadway.com’s Side by Side by Susan Blackwell. Her screen credits include Law & Order, P.S. I Love You, and Speech and Debate. Be sure to follow her on Twitter at @Susan_Blackwell and on Instagram @SusanBlackwell.(Hosts: Paul Wontorek, Beth Stevens, Caitlin Moynihan)

Susan Blackwell is on a mission to free people’s self-expression. As a performer, writer, speaker and educator, she champions this cause around the world, on Broadway, off-Broadway, in classrooms and writing, and on TV, film, sound recordings and the Internet. As the founder of Susan Blackwell & Co, she partners with like-minded, compassionate artists and thought leaders to deliver inspiring entertainment and educational offerings aimed at freeing people’s creative self-expression. As an educator, she has empowered thousands of people to identify and slay the vampires that stop them from being free. In this podcast Michael and Susan discuss: The value of defining your purpose for yourself and others. How leaders can build instant rapport and connection. How to bring play and fun into the workplace. Why an acting class might be the education all leaders need. How to build fun, memorable, and engaging learning experiences. Susan’s tips for dealing with resistance in meetings and workshops. How to access creativity in your life and work.

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Happy 50th Annibirthary to Jim and Tomic’s Musical Theatre Happy Hour! In honour of this monumentous occasion, the gang have chosen to discuss one of musical theatre’s most beloved shows - ‘Into the Woods.’ The lads discuss what makes this some of Sondheim’s best writing, muse on low-budget Milky Whites and ponder what makes Sondheim shows just so bloody good. They also tease a brand new segment kicking off in honour of the 50th celebrations! Wish no more, it’s here! Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Fancy some Musical Mash nostalgia? Check out Tommy’s first ever video - all about Into the Woods! Fancy some (less nostalgic) asinhendrix nostalgia? Have a swatch at Jimi’s first YouTube video! We’re best friends with her now, but he’s the source of our quiz question! Joanna Gleason trimming the tree with Susan Blackwell. Bliss. If you’re a writer, reading ‘Into the Woods’ by John Yorke is a vital step in your development. Are you obsessed with what happened After Ever After too? Let Jon Cozart spell it out for you! If you want to know Tommy’s opinions on which Witch is which, have a look at his Miscast Witches video! If you want to know Jimi’s opinions, tweet him! If you’ve never seen the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Into the Woods, check it out now! In the meantime you can watch Hannah Waddingham’s stunning rendition of Children Will Listen here. Is this the best Witch transformation ever? We’ll invite you to show us a better one! If you want to see something cute as heck, check out Tommy in the biggest hat ever as Jack in Into the Woods!  No one can explain this one man rendition of Your Fault. AN ALL-STAR QUIZ QUESTION One of the co-collaborators on this musical has worked with a laundry list of famous musical theatre names: Lin Manuel Miranda, Jeremy Jordan, Ramín Karimloo, Betsy Wolfe, Annaleigh Ashford, and Sierra Boggess…but not in the way you think. What show? 

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Benvenuto and welcome to the land of “naked marble boys” with this week's musical fairy-tale “The Light in the Piazza.” We marvel over beautiful lighting design, talk the differences between opera and musical theatre, and contemplate the discussion of mental health in theatre. The Light in the Piazza (Original Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Watch the wonderful Heidi Blickenstaff on Side by Side by Susan Blackwell confess vacuuming and dusting to songs from Piazza. Two fabulous musical theatre composers in one touching interview: take a look at Adam Guettel interviewing his mentor and friend, Stephen Sondheim. Need more Adam Guettel in your life? Check out two of his other musicals: Myths and Hymns and Floyd Collins. On the topic of opera companies doing musical theatre, take a look at the fabulous English National Opera's production of Sweeney Todd starring Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson. Also, want to learn Italian in 10 minutes? (Complete with the requisite hand gestures?) Check out this guy! A REALLY DIFFICULT QUIZ QUESTION… Jimi and Tommy tweeted these things about next week's show:“DOLLY PARTON BIOPIC?!”“Aww. Shit. I'm in Moscow.”“YES CYCLORAMA!”“If Queen Latifah started mamboing at me, I'd be terrified too.”…what show?

We sit down with the boys of Bash'd! (the gay hip-hop opera), Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow. We also get to hear the opening number from the show. We also have the two lovely ladies of [title of show], Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff. They bring along a couple of songs from the hit musical. Patrick Huguenin, playwright of Paper Dolls, drops in to give up the dirt on his new production. Mark Brown drops in to talk about his new musical comedy, China - the Whole Enchilada, and let us hear a couple of songs from the show as well. And finally the back stage antics of Greek theatre come to life in Carter Anne McGowan's new show, The Grecian Way.