Guest: Nikki Abissi, professional trombonist
Key Topics:
Nikki's musical journey from growing up around NYC to attending Juilliard, New World Symphony, and becoming an orchestral musician
Dealing with performance anxiety, negative self-talk, and the importance of mindset work
The "3 envelope" audition preparation strategy
Bringing a sense of "play" back into music practice
Losing your professional identity and how to rebuild
Nikki's invention of the "Extend Bone" slide extension device
Being newly diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
The value of normalizing struggles and being vulnerable
Takeaways:
Have strategies and techniques for audition prep beyond just the music
Find ways to quiet the analytical brain and focus on performing
Titles don't matter as much as value you provide - build an authentic platform
Normalize discussing mental health, mindset, and personal struggles
Read "Peak" by Anders Ericsson on developing expertise deliberatively
Memorable Quotes: "My other superpower is I don't care about being vulnerable and honest." "Your title doesn't matter. What matters is can you solve a problem for someone."
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Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by the Yamaha Corporation of America.
Visit Yamaha Corporation of America to learn more about their products and services.
