Self Management and Mindset for Musicians - by Mike del Ferro

Hosted by Mike del Ferro - Pianist & World Traveler

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

www.mikedelferro.com Host: Mike del Ferro | International Award-Winning Pianist & World Traveler. " As long as you don't have a manager, you are your own manager" Based on the highly successful clinic that has already helped thousands of artists worldwide, this podcast is the essential toolkit for musicians of any genre who are ready to take control of their careers. Join Mike del Ferro as he distills decades of experience into short, high-impact episodes. Going beyond just logistics, this show tackles the crucial combination of practical Self-Management , strategic Networking , and the resilient Mindset required to thrive in the modern music industry. What you’ll learn: How to organize your career without a team. The art of authentic networking. Mental strategies for longevity and success. The Inner Game (The Mind): Mike dives deep into the internal hurdles that hold musicians back. From overcoming stage fright and insecurity to optimizing your practice routine , he offers specific tools to build your confidence. You will find advice on handling rejection, staying motivated, and much more mindset tips designed to keep you mentally strong. Get in touch: For private online sessions, access to monthly free Q&A sessions, or to request specific topics, email: clinics@mikedelferro.com Explore Mike's Music: Music Videos | Piano Transcriptions (PDF) Podcast Episodes | Bio | Tour Dates | https://www.mikedelferro.com Mike also hosts another Podcast: "Mike del Ferro - Pianist and World Traveller". Listen to Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people he has been encountering on his international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2109345

Listen to episodes

56 recent

October 9, 20266 min

51 The Mind Trap: Why Your Concert Feels Different From How It Sounds

Have you ever walked off stage sure it was a disaster, only to find the recording sounded great? Or felt on top of the world, and then heard that you were rushing the whole time? I’ve fallen for this more times than I can count, and I think almost every musician does. In this episode I talk about the “mind trap”: the gap between how a concert feels on stage and how it actually sounds. I explain why your feelings in the moment are unreliable, and I share the approach I use after every gig Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

September 25, 20266 min

50 Slow Down to Play Fast: The Biggest Practice Mistake

Want to play fast? Stop practicing fast. In this episode of Self Management and Mindset for Musicians, I explain why slow practice is the quickest route to speed, accuracy and confidence on your instrument. When you practice at full tempo before you're ready, you're practicing mistakes, and unlearning them costs you weeks. When you practice slowly and with focus, using a metronome, your brain can map every movement correctly the first time. That way you master difficult passages in less time, and they stay in your hands. In this episode: Why "almost right" is the most expensive habit in practice What the world-class musicians I've met on every continent have in common My four-step method: choose 8–16 bars, start at half tempo, play five clean repetitions, then increase by 5–10% A challenge to try on your own "impossible" passage this week If you want to play fast tomorrow, you have to play slow today. Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, and find more at mikedelferro.com. #practicetips #musicianmindset #jazzpiano Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

September 8, 20267 min

49 Your Contact List / Data Base Is a Lifeline — Here's My System

Your contact list can make or break your career as a touring musician — so why do so many artists still keep it all in their head? In this episode I break down the exact 6-element system I use to build and maintain an efficient contact database, so nothing falls through the cracks: Contact Name Role/Organization Timing Strategy (when to reach out before their season/festival) Email Address City Country Consistency is everything — do this right and your network becomes an asset instead of a mess of scattered emails. Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

June 17, 20265 min

48 How do I get on the radar of music promoters when they don't even know I exist?

If you are struggling to break into the music business or connect with the right booking agents, this episode is for you. I am sharing one of the absolute easiest, most practical networking tricks I have ever used. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

June 7, 20262 min

47 Do You Really Need a Music Manager? (And How to Find One)

The answer in this short Episode will probably surprise you, but it will also save you a lot of hassle and disappointments. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

May 31, 20263 min

46 Setting Goals for your Music Career

In this episode, Mike del Ferro dives into the art of setting goals as a musician—how knowing the direction of your journey can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling music career. Setting clear objectives can help guide your artistic choices, foster the right mindset, and inspire growth, regardless of where you are in your career. Tune in for practical advice, real-life examples, and a powerful discussion on how intentional goal-setting can shape both your career and creative identity. Perfect for musicians, creatives, and anyone looking to turn passion into purpose! Host: Marcin Cieslak. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

May 8, 20264 min

45 The 200% rule for a successful career in Music. ( any Musical genre ) - replay

In this episode, we unpack a truth that hits home for so many creatives: "If a great artist does not work, it's 95% because of a mentality problem." Join me as we explore why talent and skill alone aren’t enough and how the mindset of an artist can be the single biggest factor in their productivity and success. We’ll dive into the mental blocks that hold artists back, from fear of failure and perfectionism to self-doubt and procrastination, and discuss practical strategies to overcome these hurdles. Whether you're struggling to stay motivated, doubting your worth, or facing the pressure of creative burnout, this episode is here to remind you that mindset is everything—and changing it can unlock your true potential. Tune in and start transforming your artistic journey from the inside out. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

March 30, 20263 min

44 The Spotify Trap: Why 2 Million Streams Nearly Ruined My Mindset

A solo piano recording of mine that was featured on a major Spotify editorial playlist. The track reached nearly two million streams, and my monthly listener count soared to as many as 58,000. And then something happened...... Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

March 24, 2026Episode 434 min

43 What If Promoters Don't Answer Your Emails?

Today, I’m tackling one of the most frustrating things in the music business: sending the perfect email to a venue, festival, or booking agent and hearing absolutely nothing back. It's so easy to let your ego take over and convince you that your music just isn't good enough. But I'm here to tell you the first rule of self-management: do not take it personally . In this quick episode, I break down exactly what’s actually happening behind the scenes in a promoter's inbox. I also share my go-to strategies to help you cut through the noise and finally get a response Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...

March 17, 20262 min

42 How to find balance between your creative Process and the Music Business

In this (replay) Episode: Managing the business side of music can feel overwhelming for many artists, often putting a strain on their creative flow. In this short episode, I share two practical tips to help you strike the perfect balance—so you can stay focused on your art without sacrificing your music career. Tune in to keep both your creativity and your business thriving, I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's Music, Schedule, Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to: clinics@mikedelferro.com Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro Join the forum/user groups on Telegram. I also host another, personal Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast". Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more. Listen on your favorite Podcast app Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel Listen to Mike on Spotify / Apple Music and Tidal Instagram Facebook Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike Piano Tutorials Twitter ...