cosmicgirlie cello chronicles

Ep. 15 – I Lost My (Music) Voice!

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:18:00 +0000

Musician burnout, and how it practically broke me down...

Ooook so I’m…sort of back with my podcast? WHO ONLY KNOWS. (That’s half the fun. Heh.)

After reaching absolute burnout last year, I stepped away from a lot of things in order to find my voice again, and remember what I actually love. It has felt like a looonnnng and painful process. But it needed to be done.

Today I talk about the concept of “losing my voice”, dealing with burnout, and some of the things I had no choice but to do, in order to find and reclaim myself again.

Oh, and I’m doing video podcasts, because it seems far more fun than just audio.

Hello! 👋🏾

#musicians #motivation #cellist #cello #Creative #burnout

Ep.14 – How I Manage My Cello Career With ADHD

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 12 May 2025 08:27:00 +0000

The real talk on getting sh*t done as a neurospicy creative.

Ever wondered how I manage being a full-time, professional cellist while navigating the chaos that is ADHD? Well... welcome to the ride 😂 In this episode, I’m literally sat in bed, half-awake, following a bolt of inspiration - because THAT is sometimes the only way anything gets done around here. I’m sharing how I actually run my career when executive dysfunction hits hard, why I’ve got six pairs of headphones (yes, really), how I prep for gigs without frying my brain, and the surprising ways I use AI to help streamline my business - but also where I draw the line. 👀 It’s messy. It’s honest. It’s very me. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help you feel less alone in figuring your own thing out. 🎧 Hit play, let the pigeons coo in the background, and let’s talk ADHD + cello life. 🎻 Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review - it really helps! Jay x

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SUBSCRIBE to my email list and NEVER miss an update! https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1230924/140869275920368929/share 🌍 Jay Émme Wedding & Session Cello: https://jayemme.com for the professional cello performances and wedding music support 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicgirlie 📹 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cosmicgirlie for more cello chaos, and creative confidence boosts ❓ More links: https://bio.site/jayemme/ for more goodies!

Ep.13 – Do I Even Practice? The Truth About My Cello Practice Routine

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 05 May 2025 09:01:00 +0000

Spoiler alert… it's not what you'd expect. Ever wondered what a professional cellist’s practice routine really looks like? You might think I’m running scales for hours on end, bowing in front of a metronome 'til I drop… but nope. This one might ruffle a few feathers 😅🎻 In this episode, I’m spilling the full tea on how I actually practice (or don’t). From chaotic schedules to creative bursts, I’m sharing why traditional practice routines don’t work for me – and how I’ve found a rhythm that honours my energy, creativity, and mental well-being. I’ll also chat about my setup, why jamming is a game-changer, and why “practice until you can't get it wrong” is my golden rule. You’ll either feel totally called out… or incredibly seen. Maybe both. 💁🏾‍♀️✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review - it really helps to support and encourage your creative artists! Thanks for listening, Jay x

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Ep.12 – Cello Performance Envy And How I Deal With It

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Why envy has no place in my journey (and what I choose instead) Ever felt a stab of envy watching someone else do exactly what you dream of doing? 🎻✨ Yeah… same. This episode is one of those raw, real, slightly rambly but totally from-the-heart ones. Someone recently mentioned “cellist envy” and it got me thinking - do I actually get jealous of other musicians? Or is it something else entirely? I dive into what it's really been like growing up as a working-class Black girl in classical music, battling microaggressions, a lack of support, and feeling like I was always playing catch-up. I share how envy never really took hold, but intimidation? Yep. And more importantly - how I flipped it into inspiration instead of bitterness. If you’ve ever felt behind, different, or like the path isn’t meant for someone like you… this one’s for you. 💛

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Ep.11 – Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Cellist

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:54:00 +0000

The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Ranty… Ever wondered what it’s really like being a professional cellist? Like, behind the glam wedding venues and the serene classical vibes? In this episode, I spill the honest truth - yes, including the weird jokes, the painful thumb positions, and the brutal nail sacrifices (RIP to long, pretty nails 💅🏾😩). I’m chatting from my sunny patio doors (finally spring?! 🙏🏾☀️) and diving deep into the things I seriously wish someone had told me before I picked up this magnificent beast of an instrument. Expect laughs, a little rage, some very relatable chaos, and a lot of “wait, people actually say that to you?!” energy. Whether you’re a fellow muso or just nosey about the cello life, this one’s for you. Come hang out with me. It's a ride. 🎢✨ 🎻 Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review - it really helps! Jay x

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Ep.10 – What Music Do I ACTUALLY Listen To?

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:19:41 +0000

And, what do I absolutely NOT listen to...

Everyone assumes I binge Bach and loop Elgar on repeat. But truth is... classical cello music? Barely features in my playlists. 😳 So what do I actually listen to as a full-time professional cellist? And what definitely doesn’t make the cut? I’m diving into the question that always gets me in a twist — What music do I listen to? From old school garage to cinematic scores, dubstep to DnB, I’m spilling the tea on what soundtracks my life, and why it’s definitely not what most people expect. This is your all-access peek into the real-life soundtrack behind the cellist. And yes, I do have a “No Bloody Way” genre... 👀🎶 Come hang out with me for a little audio surprise, and maybe discover a few new faves too. 💜 🎻 Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review - it really helps to support and encourage your creative artists!

Jay x

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🌍 Jay Émme Wedding & Session Cello: https://jayemme.com for the professional cello performances and wedding music support 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicgirlie 📹 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cosmicgirlie for more cello chaos, and creative confidence boosts ❓ More links: https://bio.site/jayemme/ for more goodies!

Ep.9 – The Most Bizarre Cello Requests

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:14:00 +0000

You will NEVER GUESS some of these!

Hey hey, welcome to another episode of Cosmicgirlie Cello Chronicles! I’m Jay Émme, your luxury wedding cellist and music coach, and today, we are diving into the most bizarre, unexpected, and downright baffling wedding cello requests I’ve ever received.

When someone first asked me, “Jay, what’s the weirdest request you’ve had at a wedding?”—I honestly thought, Weird? Nothing seems weird to me anymore. But then, I really thought about it… and OH. MY. DAYS. There have been some absolute corkers.

I’m talking about requests that made me pause mid-email, tilt my head like a confused puppy, and go “…Wait. You want me to WHAT?!” 🤨😂

I’ve picked out a few of the best (or worst?) for this episode, and trust me - they're true, and they're BIZARRE. Let’s get into it, hope you enjoy!

🎻 Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps!

Jay x

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Ep.8 – Cello Performance Anxiety

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:57:00 +0000

How I Manage My Bow Shakes

In this episode of Cosmicgirlie Cello Chronicles, I dive into a topic that isn't discussed nearly enough - performance anxiety. As a solo cellist, I’ve battled stage fright for most of my 40-year playing career. From bow shakes to panic attacks, I’ve tried everything to get it under control - beta blockers, alcohol, hypnosis, therapy, EFT, NLP... you name it. Some methods helped in the moment, others left me feeling detached and out of control.

I share my journey of overcoming the crippling fear that once made performances unbearable, how I’ve learned to manage my nerves without relying on substances, and why performance anxiety carries so much stigma in the classical music world.

If you’ve ever struggled with stage fright, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

The impact of performance anxiety on musicians (and why we don’t talk about it enough).
The methods I’ve tried over the years to control stage fright—and which ones actually helped.
The dangers of relying on beta blockers and alcohol for performance nerves.
How mindset work, coaching, and alternative techniques like EFT have transformed my approach to playing.
The importance of support and understanding in overcoming performance anxiety.

Resources & Mentions:

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Beta blockers & performance anxiety
The role of mindset coaching in music performance

🎻 Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps!

Jay x

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Ep.7 – The Worst Cello Gig I Ever Did

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:15:00 +0000

And the painful lessons I learned from it!

🚨 Ever shown up super prepared for a gig, only for everything to go sideways? Yeah… this was that gig. Picture this: 🎻 A last-minute booking at a "casual" folk festival ⏳ Hours of waiting around with zero communication 🎭 A very unexpected performance structure (or lack thereof)

Oh, and did I mention the artist I was meant to be playing with didn't even show up until hours after we were supposed to start? 🙃

This gig taught me so much about boundaries, professionalism, and knowing when to walk away—lessons that honestly shaped my entire music career.

So grab a cuppa (or something stronger), and let’s dive into the chaos together. You are not gonna believe how this one played out.

👉 Hit play to hear the full story! 🎧🔥

Jay x

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Ep.6 – Saying NO as a Freelance Cellist

cosmicgirlie@gmail.com (Jay Emme - cosmicgirlie) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:32:00 +0000

You need the "3 M system"...

Ok, BEFORE you even listen, sometimes I forget the name of my own podcast, but here we are, still thriving. Also, I’ve had my morning coffee, and it’s HIT, so let’s get into it! 😅☕️

Today, we’re talking about something BIG: saying no as a musician. We musicians are notorious for saying yes to everything—because we want the gigs, we don’t want to be forgotten, and let’s be real, we need the money. But then what happens? We get overworked, underpaid, and totally burnt out. Been there, done that.

Saying no can feel terrifying. What if they never ask again? What if I miss an opportunity? What if my career implodes? (Dramatic? Maybe. But tell me I’m wrong.) The truth is, saying no is actually a way of making space for something better. For me, that meant turning down certain unpaid community orchestra gigs—no shade, love them!—so I could say yes to well-paid gigs, new opportunities, and work that aligns with where I actually want to go.

And this is where the magic formula comes in: The 3M System. Shoutout to a fave conductor I adore for this gem of wisdom, and make sure to listen in to find out what those "3 M"s are. If the system doesn’t hit at least two out of three? BYE. 🚪✨

This simple rule has saved me from burnout and helped me build a career that actually works for me. You can tweak it to fit your life—make it the 3S’s, 4P’s, whatever works. But at the end of the day, know this: it’s okay to ask, what’s in it for me? You’re giving your talent and energy, and that has VALUE.

So, my loves, let’s start saying NO to things that drain us, and YES to opportunities that elevate us. Who’s with me?! 🙌

🎧 Listen now and let me know—what’s YOUR version of the 3M System? DM me, drop a comment, let’s chat! 💬✨

Jay x

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🎻 For cello coaching, performance tuition, support & cello badassery, join me in the Confident Cello Lounge: https://subscribepage.io/theconfidentcellolounge

SUBSCRIBE to my email list and NEVER miss an episode! https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1230924/140869275920368929/share

🌍 Jay Émme Wedding & Session Cello: https://jayemme.com for the professional performances 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicgirlie 📹 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cosmicgirlie for more cello chaos, and creative confidence boosts ❓ More links: https://bio.site/jayemme/ for more goodies!