Self Management and Mindset for Musicians - by Mike del Ferro
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
Episodes
49 episodes
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......
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 th...
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—...
41 Echoes of Toots Thielemans - Mike del Ferro (yours truly) being interviewed about Toots
A Note on This Episode: I’ve also released this Episode on my personal Podcast (The Mike del Ferro Podcast), but because I’m now also focusing on Mindset Episode...
40: Important Update: The Future of this Podcast & Name Change.
Hi Everybody, Mike del Ferro here.First off, I want to say that the success of Self Management for Musicians has been incredible, and I deeply appreciate every one of you who listens and shares the show.However, I have face...
45: Bulletproof Entrepreneurs: Pianist Mike del Ferro on Success, Discipline & Music (in Dutch)
In Dutch, but you can also watch this Episode on YouTube with English Subtitles or Listen with Automatic Translation. Pianist en Wereldreiziger Mike del Ferro vertelt openhartig over muziek...
44 Should you still release CD's (or Vinyl) in a Streaming World?
In a world dominated by streaming, the choice to release CDs is a decision that artists and creators grapple with. Join me as I delve into the heart of this dilemma, exploring the pros and cons of releasing CDs in a digital age. From the nostal...
43 Pitch Perfect: How to Sell Your Music in 60 Seconds!! (Elevator pitch explained)
Picture this: You step into an elevator, and standing right beside you is the music industry heavyweight of your dreams. Let’s say it’s the artistic director of a big Music festival you always wanted to play. You’ve got 60 seconds to captivate ...
42 Why Every Musician Needs Showcases – Insider Secrets with Marieke Meischke
I know your time is precious, especially when you're eager to get back to creating your music!That's why most of my episodes are short and to the point, ensuring you get the valuable insights you need quickly:-)However, I also ha...
41: MONEY!! Navigating the Tricky Terrain of Musicians and Finances.
In this Episode I talk about a tough subject for many Musicians: discussing MONEY.When it comes to discussing money, many of us find ourselves in uncharted waters, grappling with uncertainty, fear, and even imposter syndrome.<...
40 Why I Believe Every Musician Needs a Website (Yes, Even in the Age of Social Media)
In this episode, I want to talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for any serious musician: having your own website.I know—social media is powerful. But platforms come and go, algorithms change, and relying...
39 Claim Your Spotlight: Put your own (Artist) name out there first!
In this episode, I dive into a powerful yet often overlooked principle in building a sustainable music career: putting your own artist name out there first. Whether you're collaborating, producing, or performing, making sure your name is...
38 Why You Should Upload Videos Natively on Facebook (and NO YouTube Links)
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the simplest yet most powerful strategies for boosting your reach on social media: uploading videos natively on Facebook. I’ll share why Facebook’s algorithm heavily favors native uploads over external li...
37 How to send Emails that get Music Promoters to say YES.
How do you ensure that your emails to Music Promoters and Bookers are efficient and effective?In this Episode, I will explore the art of crafting emails that will catch the attention of music promoters and increase your chances of gettin...
36 How to create an efficient Contact List / Database: A Step-by-Step Guide.
As a musician, your contact list is your lifeline, but how do you keep track when it grows into the thousands? With my method you will always find the person you are looking for, but you have to be persistent with writing down the details!<...
35 Music, Travel, Education – Why giving Workshops Matter on the Road - with Philipe Lemm
In this episode I sit down with renowned drummer and educator Philippe Lemm to explore the importance of giving workshops while touring—not just as a way to share knowledge, but also as a valuable income stream for musicians on the road....
34 Breaking into the Scene When You're (still!!) an Unknown Artist.
Two useful strategies to get your foot in the door at Venues and Music Festivals. Are you an aspiring music artist who is struggling to land gigs because you're still relatively unknown? Well, fear not! In this podcast, we'll be ex...
33 DON'T try to remember things: The Underrated Power of Taking Notes all the time: Unlock Your Music Career!
In this episode, I dive into one of the most valuable habits every musician should master: staying focused and making notes—without distraction!Ideas come at the most unexpected moments, but the trick is to capture them effortl...
32 Music Promoters don’t know Me ( Yet!! ) - What to do????
In this episode, I’m sharing one of the easiest and most effective networking strategies I’ve ever used to grab the attention of music promoters—and it works like magic in life too! Whether you're trying to break into the music business, connec...
31 How to find a Music Manager (replay)
HOW TO FIND A MUSIC MANAGER: 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 su...
30 What to Do When Music Promoters Don’t Respond to Emails
In this episode, I dive into the challenges of connecting with music promoters who don’t seem to answer emails. Joined by drummer and bandleader Philippe Lemm, we share personal stories and practical tips on navigating the sometimes frustrating...
29 Setting Goals for your Music Career (replay)
🎙 Setting Goals to Shape 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 c...
28 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...
27 Essential Tips and Tricks to Know Before Contacting Promoters (replay)
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 att...
26 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—...