A conversation around mindfulness, perfectionism, well-being, and rewriting the audition story from the inside out.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with James Patterson, Tredjestilling Horn (3rd/1st horn) player with the Oslo Philharmonic, to explore the intersection of mindfulness, performance, and the audition journey.

James shares how mindfulness first became a steadying force for him during school—helping him manage stress, explore healthy hobbies, and cultivate balance beyond the practice room. But the heart of this episode lies in his story of transformation: from feeling trapped in perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking to completely reimagining his approach to auditions—with his well-being front and center.

We unpack what it means to decide to feel good in the process itself—and how that single mindset shift reshaped not just his preparation, but his entire experience. By rebuilding his audition process from the inside out, James discovered the curiosity and self-acceptance that ultimately led him to win two orchestral jobs back to back.

We also talk about what life looks like after the audition—the ongoing practice of letting go of perfectionism, staying connected to music in new ways, and redefining what work-life balance can truly mean.

Whether you’re in audition mode, mentoring others, or navigating the day-to-day of professional performance, this episode offers practical insights and compassionate reminders about honoring yourself and your well-being—at every stage of your musical journey.

Episode Highlights

(06:40) Mindfulness, school and supportive hobbies

(18:52) Audition struggles

(28:44) Audition 180

(43:31) Audition process breakdown

(56:41) Post audition life, job +well-being exploration

(59:44) Rapid fire questions

Also - Come say hi! @mindfulopus on Instagram, or mindfulopus.com