It has been a transformative year for Elizabeth Rowe since stepping down from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as she reflects on the profound emotions tied to her final performances. This episode explores themes of transition, the importance of presence, and the balance between loss and new beginnings, underscoring the idea that personal growth often entails embracing the ‘both/and’ philosophy in navigating life's challenges.

• Elizabeth shares her emotional journey since leaving the BSO
• Reflects on the complexities of her final performances
• Discusses the ‘both/and’ philosophy regarding loss and new beginnings
• Explores her evolving relationship with playing music
• Highlights the importance of community and support during transitions
• Emphasizes the parallels between music and coaching work
• Encourages listeners to embrace their own transitions and growth

Elizabeth Rowe is a Leadership and High-Performance coach working at the intersection of personal and professional development. She helps high achievers across all industries learn to thrive in demanding work environments and successfully navigate career or personal transitions. She is also the former principal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a social justice advocate, and a public speaker. After her landmark equal pay lawsuit in 2018 The Boston Globe honored her as a Bostonian of the Year, calling her “The Fighter.” Her ongoing commitment to opening up dialogue about complex subjects led to her TEDx talk, The Lonely Onlys. Learn more at iamelizabethrowe.com

When the symphony of life hits a dissonant chord, how does a musician find harmony again? This is just one of the soul-stirring questions Russell Rybicki answers as he joins us for a rich tapestry of tales on personal transformation, mental health, and the art of self-discovery in the demanding world of classical music. From playing horn and arranging to finding silence in meditation, Russell unveils the intricate journey of an artist seeking balance amid professional peaks, personal trials, and the quest for inner peace.

SPECIAL EVENT: On April 21st, Sound Mind will be hosting its very first in-person panel event at the New World Center in Miami Beach, FL titled “between the notes: exploring identities as artists”. Join us to explore the multifaceted career path as musicians and the diverse identities that shape the art and artists within it. Register now at this link.

Russell Rybicki is currently acting third/assistant horn in the San Antonio Philharmonic and is the hornist and arranger for the Monarch Chamber Players. He’s previously held positions with the San Antonio Symphony, the Vancouver Symphony, and the New World Symphony. Russell is also a certified Holistic Life Coach passionate about deep personal work involved in self-acceptance and self-compassion through a holistic process.

Percussionist Alana Wiesing joins us on the podcast to talk about her musical journey (which included almost walking away from music entirely), the importance of taking care of your body and brain, the ability to compartmentalize and focus, and much more.

Alana Wiesing is the principal Timpanist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of Arizona. She’s an alumni faculty member at the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, and serves as the President and Chair of the board of directors for the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion.