“I’m married to my violin” John Chang on the gifts from music and managing audition jitters Artwork

The Sage Sayers

A weekly podcast on ways to stay calm and compel others as you communicate. Along with executive communications tips and strategies, we interview intriguing individuals who've found the "Sage approach" by finding gifts, opportunities, and knowledge within trying situations. New Zealander show host, Debbi Gardiner McCullough, has written on social and business trends and struggles for the Economist, the Guardian, and Financial Times of London. She's a self-retired college professor of writing, an executive communications and narrative coach. Visit her at: www.hangingrockcoaching.com

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The Sage Sayers

“I’m married to my violin” John Chang on the gifts from music and managing audition jitters

April 05, 2024 • John Chang and Debbi Gardiner McCullough • Season 4 • Episode 7

John Chang moved to the U.S. from a balmy part of China with one core goal: To perform violin for orchestras. His practicing’s intense and rigorous as are his auditions. We spoke a few days after auditioning for Chicago’s opera where he and other players must perform their excerpts to faceless judges separated from the musician by a black curtain.

Chang tells us of his early years in the U.S., settling in to a new land as a younger student and man, his love for the violin which brings him happiness and calm (he even plays for us some.) And he offers us as business communicators some hacks and tips for staying on course, even when our fear feels intense. Ways exist for us to talk ourselves down.

Want to work with me or join my podcast(s)? Write to me at hangingrockmedia@gmail.com You can follow me also on LinkedIn and find details on my coaching and trainings via my website.