254 Finding Your Way Back to Playing - Gabriel Radford on rebuilding after fear, injury, and loss of control

If you've ever felt your body work against you in a performance, if tension, fear, or a loss of control has crept into your playing and you don't know why, and if you've wondered whether it can actually get better, this episode is for you. Gabriel Radford, Third Horn of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, was diagnosed with focal dystonia at the height of his career. He came back playing better than before, and co-founded the Embouchure Project to help other musicians do the same. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of things musicians rarely hear spoken out loud. What you'll take away: ·         Why fear can show up long before a playing problem becomes visible, and what that early signal means ·         What neuroscience tells us about why the body stops cooperating, and how to reverse it ·         Why rigid practice routines may be working against you ·         The one daily habit that can rewire your relationship with your instrument ·         What the Embouchure Project is ·         And much more! If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.   Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE   GABRIEL RADFORD AND THE EMBOUCHURE PROJECT Bio: https://www.tso.ca/about/orchestra/members-of-the-orchestra/gabriel-radford Website: https://www.theembouchureproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theembouchureproject/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881319796540674/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmbouchureProject Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jOd5wjakuvJmZuiaGoKqP     Mind Over Finger Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me. Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources. Connect: https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/     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.