I've played for more auditions and competitions in my life as a violinist than I can remember.

I won or placed highly in almost all of those, resulting in international prizes, featured solo performances and jobs with top-level orchestras, and many amazing life experiences I will never forget.

I didn't win every audition or competition I entered, of course.

But I don't think I EVER felt unsuccessful after an audition – whether I won or not.

…Even the time I ran out of the room in TEARS after playing for Nathan Milstein for the first time, auditioning for his summer masterclass in Switzerland at age 12. I knew I'd done my best, but I was sobbing because he wouldn't let me play Bach, my favorite – because I “wasn't old enough to understand Bach” (that's a longer story for another day). I actually DID win that audition, played Bach for him multiple times, and studied with him at the masterclass for five summers.

…Even the time I auditioned for Marlborough and was literally YELLED at by one of the faculty members from Juilliard listening to the audition – because I chose to play Bach in BAROQUE style instead of the old-fashioned traditional-romantic style which he clearly preferred. (In hindsight, playing it that way for this particular audition was a stupid choice, but I didn't know any better at the time. Another story for another day.)

…Even the time I auditioned for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra where I live, and I didn't even pass the preliminaries – despite having a colleague from the orchestra who was listening at the door tell me afterwards that I sounded fantastic. (Another story…another day.)

I think I was – and felt – so successful because of a combination of at least three factors. I was very fortunate to have:

1) Wise teachers (including my parents) to guide me on multiple levels every day

2) A deeply personal and lifelong passion for music and a strong, determined desire to be successful

3) A natural aptitude and temperament for competing in a healthy way, which included a generally positive attitude and an intuitive understanding of what I needed to focus on to have a successful experience.

Another important factor was that I didn't push or force myself, and I wasn't pushed or forced by anyone else.

My point is, my own personal experiences over time have taught me that it IS possible to enjoy the entire audition/competition process and feel REALLY GOOD about yourself as you go about preparing for the audition, during, and after the actual audition.

A lot of successful performers don't actually know HOW they are successful, and they don't know how to teach what seems like a natural ability.

Another one of my unusual gifts is that I also have extensive training and experience as a mind-body expert and coach for musicians, specializing in touch-free Primal Alexander Technique for musicians.

This gives me an uncanny ability to pinpoint how a musician is thinking in self-sabotaging ways or pushing themselves in ways that are creating unnecessary difficulties and excess tension taking them in the wrong direction; and I know how to teach them to help themselves get quickly back on the road to ease, flow, and efficient progress.

This week, I'm putting the finishing touches on a new 3-month private coaching program designed specifically for professional (and aspiring professional) musicians who are preparing for an audition or upcoming performance that feels stressful and less-than-joyful.

I would LOVE to help you feel really good about your process, and even ENJOY yourself – from now all the way to the other side of the event – in a way that will allow you to find balance in your everyday life, make good use of your time, and play your best, regardless of the circumstances.

This program will include six private sessions with me, an enjoyable self-study course, a treasure trove of proven mindset tools and strategies, opportunities for mock auditions by going live on a “virtual stage”, and much more.

If you'd like some foundational, comprehensive support from a world-class musician who has “been there and done that”, and who has a deep and compassionate understanding of how the mind, body, and energetic movement can work together with your musical instrument for amazing music-making – even under stress – get in touch with me so we can talk.

I just quietly released this 3-month coaching program in response to two interested musicians interested in the Alexander Technique for violinists who expressed a need for it and have recently signed up, so my available spots are already being filled. As of today, I have room for four more students in this program for musicians of ANY instrument who are ready to experience a breakthrough on their auditions journey.

While continuing to dedicate regular practice time to excerpts, required repertoire and skills improvement, these students will explore new, more holistic and broadly effective ways of thinking about the entire preparation process that prioritize overall well-being, happiness, ease; efficient practice methods; and save themselves time and energy for better life balance.

By the end of the three months, you'll have powerful new strategies in place to support your audition journey, and feel much more relaxed and positive about your future.

You'll feel less guilty about spending time with your family instead of holed up in the practice room every time you have a free moment.

You'll have clear goals and a strong sense of purpose, but without the unfair stress of NEEDING to win. You'll know how to let go in a visceral way that allows you to accept whatever happens with relaxed ease and renewed confidence.

Because, as we all know, competitions are unpredictable and the best person doesn't always win.

I strongly believe that things happen in function of a deeper purpose and greater life-design, and there's always much to learn from everything that happens. And anything is possible!

All of these things I've outlined above will give you a deep sense of satisfaction and success on the inside… and a much better chance of winning on the outside! 🙂

Curious to know more details? Send me a private message or email so I can send you specifics and possibly set up a time to chat over zoom to make sure this is the best program for you. I'm excited to speak with you and help you enjoy your audition/performance breakthrough with ease!

With Love,

Jennifer ❤️

p.s. Just message me for the details – I have four more openings for students ready to begin their learning adventure this month!