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The Honesty Pill Podcast

The Honesty Pill Podcast

Written by: Christopher Still
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About this listen

 This is a podcast for classical musicians who want to practice smarter, perform better, and win auditions. Whether you're prepping for your first big audition, stuck in a practice rut, or trying to figure out why you keep choking when it counts — this show is for you. I'm Christopher Still, Second Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I went through over 40 auditions before I won my job, so I know what it's like to fail, adjust, and finally figure out what actually moves the needle. Now I coach musicians through the same gauntlet: building a practice system that works, performing under pressure, and navigating auditions without losing your mind. You'll hear from conductors, committee members, personal managers, and coaches who've seen it all — plus solo episodes where I cut through the noise and tell you what really matters when the stakes are high. No motivational garbage. No theory without application. Just honest, practical insight from someone who's been on both sides of the screen. Want more? Join the Audition Accelerator, my 16-week intensive coaching program, or become part of HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — a space for musicians who are serious about growth and done with spinning their wheels. Proudly sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation of America. Welcome to the Honesty Pill Podcast.© 2022 Honesty Pill, Inc. All rights reserved. Respect. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Music
Episodes
  • S5E46 Anna Handler: A Leading Voice in Classical Music on Fire, Vulnerability, and Showing Up

    S5E46 Anna Handler: A Leading Voice in Classical Music on Fire, Vulnerability, and Showing Up
    Feb 22 2026
    Anna Handler — "I'm Not Looking for Perfection." Today's Guest Anna Handler is a 29-year-old German-Colombian conductor and pianist currently serving as Kapellmeister at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and incoming Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra. She's worked with the LA Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and orchestras around the world, and was the first conductor ever to receive the prestigious Kovner Fellowship at Juilliard. Episode Description In this conversation, we dig into what really happens on both sides of the audition screen, from Anna's experience taking auditions herself to now working with orchestras worldwide. We talk about visualization techniques, the power of "acting as if you've already won," what people are actually listening for beyond technical perfection, navigating the industry as a woman, and why the future of classical music depends on technology, youth engagement, and breaking down walls. Anna also shares her work with refugee musicians and why she believes classical music can be like a church — a place where we find solace. This Episode Is Brought to You By Yamaha Corporation of America — Bringing world-class craftsmanship to musicians at every level, from beginners to marquee players in symphony orchestras around the world. HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — A community of musicians who share the same passion, deal with the same challenges, and actually get what you're going through. Monthly coaching, real talk, and support for musicians serious about growth. Learn more at honestypill.com/acceleratorcommunity In This Episode We Discuss: Growing up with engineer parents "obsessed with math" and how Anna and her sister both ended up in musicThe path from piano to podium and winning the first-ever Kovner Fellowship for conducting at JuilliardWhat it's like to be a Dudamel Fellow with the LA PhilharmonicWhy Anna sometimes conducts from the piano and what it gives her musicallyTaking auditions as a young musician vs. evaluating musicians now — what's actually being assessedThe biggest mistakes musicians make in auditions (hint: it's not about perfection)Visualization and mental performance: acting as if you've already won the jobThe "pretend to be asleep" principle — how everything in life works this wayWhat people are really listening for: personality, fire, love for musicNavigating the classical music world as a woman — the industry is "woefully behind"Finding mentors who believe in you and the importance of supportive communitiesYouth projects and working with refugee musicians on Eva und Adam at Bayerische StaatsoperWhat young musicians teach professionals that we sometimes forgetTechnology and the future of classical music — why we can't keep doing the same concerts for 300 yearsWhat the next generation of concertgoers actually wantsWhy classical music can be like a church: a place where we find solaceThe hard truth: keep fighting for music, for the sake of inviting more people in Memorable Quotes "I'm not looking for perfection. I'm looking for personality. And I want to see fire. I want to see love for life, for music. Because life is hard enough. We need to find some kind of joy, some hope every day." "If I had already won this audition, how would I walk on this stage? I wouldn't show up to prove myself. Maybe I would show up to express. I don't have to prove my worth to anybody. I can just show how much I love this music and who I am." "Think about this: if you want to go to sleep, the first thing you have to do is climb into bed and pretend to be asleep. Everything in life kind of works like that." "Classical music can be like a church. We find solace there." "Keep fighting for music. For the sake of inviting more people into our audience halls and making them feel welcome." Links & Resources Anna Handler's Website — Concert schedule and moreFollow Anna on social media for updates on her work around the world Ready to Level Up Your Practice and Performance? Join Audition Accelerator — my 16-week intensive coaching program for musicians serious about winning auditions. We'll build a bulletproof practice system, work on performing under pressure, and get you ready to walk into that audition room with confidence. Join HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — a space for lifelong learning musicians who want to grow without the noise. Monthly coaching, community support, and real talk about what it takes to stay sharp. Learn more at honestypill.com
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S4E44: Kelly Riordan on Building a Thriving Music Studio

    S4E44: Kelly Riordan on Building a Thriving Music Studio
    Nov 24 2024
    Honesty Pill Podcast Episode 44: Kelly Riordan - Outside the Bachs

    Show Notes

    Episode Overview

    In this episode, Chris dives deep into the world of private music studios with Kelly Riordan, a powerhouse in music education, hybrid teaching, and marketing. Kelly shares her journey from building her own thriving private studio to helping over 3,000 teachers and students grow their music careers worldwide.

    This conversation explores everything from setting rates, avoiding burnout, and managing student anxiety, to leveraging marketing strategies for long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

    Key Sections

    1. Building a Thriving Studio

      • Transitioning from a traditional "dollars-for-hours" model to flat-rate tuition.
      • Managing a teaching schedule to avoid burnout.
      • Understanding the importance of identifying and working with aligned students.

    2. Mastering Hybrid Teaching & Marketing

      • Strategies for breaking out of local teaching into online, hybrid models.
      • Effective, non-salesy ways to promote your studio using social media and local outreach.
      • The importance of creating a balance between relatability and professionalism.

    3. Supporting Musicians Worldwide

      • How Kelly helps music educators build sustainable studios.
      • Using tools like the "nice file" for self-confidence and imposter syndrome.
      • Offering scholarships while maintaining a thriving business.

    4. Mindset Shifts for Success

      • Reframing performance anxiety as an opportunity for growth.
      • Understanding the "portfolio career" as a way to create fulfilling, multifaceted music careers.
      • Using self-belief and intentional thought patterns to shape your success.

    Memorable Quotes

    • "Sales isn't a dirty word—it's about showing up authentically and serving others."
    • "If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you?"
    • "Letting go of students who aren't the right fit isn't rejection; it's leading them toward better opportunities."
    • "Raise your rates to lead with service—you can't help others if you're barely making ends meet."

    Key Takeaways

    • Marketing Strategies: Start locally by building relationships with schools, community groups, and local music organizations. Use social media as a long-term strategy to showcase your teaching style and build credibility.
    • Mindset for Growth: Don't let fear of pricing or imposter syndrome hold you back. Confidence in your value leads to stronger connections with aligned students.
    • Studio Organization: Avoid burnout by streamlining admin tasks with software, creating structured tuition models, and focusing on your ideal student.
    • The Power of Testimonials: Ask students and parents for testimonials after big wins and use them to attract more students.

    Links & Resources

    • Kelly Riordan's Website: Outside the Bachs
    • Join the Facebook Group: A supportive space for music teachers to share insights and advice.
    • Free Strategy Call: Request Here
    • Subscribe to Inbachs: Kelly's free weekly newsletter for actionable tips and mindset shifts.

    Call to Action

    If these topics resonate with you, subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube channel, and share this episode with your fellow musicians. Let's keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts or questions in the comments or on social media!
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • S4E43: Angela Beeching: Music Career Coach, Speaker, Author

    S4E43: Angela Beeching: Music Career Coach, Speaker, Author
    Sep 19 2024
    Welcome to Episode 43:

    In this episode of the Honesty Pill Podcast, I sit down with career coach and author Angela Beeching. Angela, the author of Beyond Talent, has helped countless musicians break through the overwhelm and frustration of building a sustainable career in the music industry. We dive into goal setting, time management, and even overcoming fear and self-doubt to create a career that you not only enjoy but one that pays the bills—crazy, right?

    In this Episode:
    • How to develop a "portfolio career" and balance multiple roles without burning out.
    • Practical tools for managing fear and impostor syndrome.
    • Strategies for moving beyond overwhelm to set goals that actually move your career forward.
    • Mindset shifts that can help musicians tap into their full potential.
    Highlights:
    • (00:33) Angela talks about how musicians can find jobs they're great at, that people need, and that they might actually love.
    • (03:33) "What does it take for people to be happy?" Angela explores the balance between success and enjoying the journey.
    • (07:01) The "Magic Index Card" exercise—how simple actions today can move you toward your career goals.
    • (16:53) Angela guides me through her "Cosmic Rage" tool to quiet fear and resistance.
    • (26:49) We discuss the importance of mindset and how to shift from a victim mentality to one of empowerment.
    Memorable Quotes:
    • "What we think of as success in terms of our career is just one component, and not being so obsessed with the outcome that you can't enjoy the journey is key."
    • "We are all capable of so much more than we realize, and we don't know how much we are standing in our own way."
    • "Successful musicians engage in specific patterns of thinking and behavior. It's these habits, beyond talent, that help them move ahead despite the inevitable challenges."
    Connect with Angela:
    • Website: AngelaBeeching.com
    • Sign up for the Pathfinder Guide: A free guide to help musicians who feel stuck or unsure about their next career move.
    • Follow Angela on social media for more tips and advice on managing your career in music.
    Additional Links:
    • Angela's book: Beyond Talent – A must-read for musicians looking to take control of their careers.
    A Big Thank You:

    Big thanks to our sponsor, the Yamaha Corporation of America. Yamaha has been a huge supporter of my career and the Honesty Pill Podcast since day one. Their commitment to music education, from marquee artists to beginners, is truly inspiring. Check them out at usa.yamaha.com. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and diverse perspectives on music, practice, performance, and the business behind it all.

    Honesty Pill Links:
    • Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter
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    Additional Programs:
    • Audition Accelerator Program: Dive into our intensive course designed to unlock your audition potential, empowering you with strategies, feedback, and insights to nail those high-stakes auditions. Learn more & Enroll
    • Online Business Accelerator Program: Elevate your musical career with our program geared to equip you with the essential tools, strategies, and insights to build and scale your online music business effectively. Learn more & Enroll
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
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