“As musicians, especially as performers, we're always hoping for those moments where we don’t doubt ourselves and we’re not afraid.”
01. Sometimes You Win,
Sometimes You Learn
Justin Copeland
Justin is a trumpet player, pianist, educator and composer based out of the Central Valley City of Fresno, California, whose improvisations and original compositions exude virtuosity, intentionality and depth.
He has been performing extensively as a professional musician for the past 10+ years all over the United States, and is currently based in Portland, Oregon.
Episode Themes:
Performance anxiety and its effects on the body – Justin describes extreme nervousness that manifests physically and how that physical response feeds back into confidence and playing
Acceptance, playfulness, and not taking yourself so seriously – Learning to smile, laugh at small mistakes, and “love everything that comes out of your instrument” as practical ways to move past perfectionism and recover in the moment.
Character vs. reputation; inner work shaping artistic voice – Justin contrasts external reputation with inner character and says cultivating character (teachability, integrity) strengthens one’s musical voice and relationships
Questions for Artists:
What keeps me coming back to my craft even on hard days?
When I make a mistake, do I tend to punish myself or move forward? How can I be kinder to myself when I make a mistake?
Am I more focused on how others see me or on who I want to be? Where can I invest more in character today?
Want to dive deeper into your own personal artistry?
Click here for the downloadable journal prompt