A conversation around vulnerability, long-haul artistry, and the case for communication over perfection—through the lens of a 35-year run in one of the most high-pressure chairs in the orchestral world.
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and musical hero, Joshua Smith—Grammy-nominated Principal Flute of The Cleveland Orchestra. We trace his early musical journey (yes, it all started with a cool flute case), how showtunes and theatre taught him phrasing and stage presence, and why he's not interested in perfection as a goal. Josh shares how curiosity helps him meet the pressures of a 35-year career, why he resists having a rigid "formula," and how meditation, yoga, and his recent sabbatical re-anchored him into his "beginner's mind". We also talk about his new audition books, The Audition Method and how his core artistic value – communication – has guided him all these years.
Favorite quote: "You can't really have freedom and safety at the same time".
Who this is for
If you're in a high-pressure performing environment and want to know how to cultivate a healthy long-term approach to high-standards and limitless curiosity and freedom in the process, this one's for you.
Timestamps
(03:10) Early days in music (acting, musicals, phrasing, communication)
(12:10) Life is the high-pressure chair (pressure, curiosity, authenticity, perfection, inner-critic, shame, vulnerability, freedom)
(36:50) Yoga, meditation, sabbatical, hobbies + creativity, audition book
(58:25) Rapid fires
Mentioned
Guest
Joshua Smith — Principal Flute, The Cleveland Orchestra (Grammy-nominated), author of The Audition Method (flute; series also includes clarinet & violin).
IG: @JoshuaSoloFlute • Web: soloflute.com
Connect with me
IG: @mindfulopus • Web: mindfulopus.com
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