The Cello Sherpa Podcast

Bach’s cello suites are some of the most recorded, most studied music ever written, which raises a risky question: can you add anything to them without breaking what makes them timeless? We explore that question with Brick House Duo, cellist Jennifer Kloetzel and violinist Peter Wilson, as they share the story and craft behind their album The Bach Wilson Project and the life partnership that powers it. Peter’s path is anything but standard: he spent 30 years as a Marine violinist with “...

He had the conservatory training, the orchestral chops, and the “proper” classical path laid out ahead of him, but Sebastian Plano couldn’t ignore the stronger call: make his own music. We sit down with the Grammy-nominated cellist and composer to trace the real turning points, from leaving Lisbon on a one-way ticket to Boston, to realizing that interpretation alone was not enough, to building a creative life where the cello becomes both voice and laboratory. We dig into the craft behin...

Your bow is the only part of your rig you touch every second you play, yet most of us shop for one like we’re guessing in the dark. We sit in a room, try ten options, get overwhelmed by “better” and “worse,” and somehow leave with more confusion than we started with. That’s why we brought on Evan Orman, a working cellist who became a full-time bowmaker and now spends his days repairing, restoring, and building bows for real players. We talk through Evan’s path from serious conservatory traini...

The audition screen can make great players feel powerless, but it also reveals something encouraging: the results often go to the musician with the most repeatable process. We’re joined by cellist Charles Zandieh, fresh off a one-year position with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and heading into a tenure-track role with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, to talk about what actually moves the needle in professional orchestral auditions. Charles walks us through his real audition path. From the ...

The fastest way to get better is not a secret scale system or a new bow hold. It’s learning how to think like a musician who can last. We sit down with cellist Natasha Brofsky, chair of the Juilliard School cello department, to trace the real arc of a life in music: early obsession, world-class training, hard choices about career paths, and the daily mindset that keeps artistry alive under pressure. We talk about growing up in New York City, studying with influential teachers, and why she cho...

Your audition might win you the seat, but your day-to-day behavior decides whether people actually want to sit next to you for the next 20 years. The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, is joined by cellist Jennifer Humphreys, currently with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, to talk about the orchestra etiquette music school rarely teaches: the quiet, practical choices that signal professionalism the moment you walk on stage. From the “fake five” being in your seat early to simple introdu...

Thirty years in the principal chair can look effortless from the audience, but it rarely feels that way from the stage. We’re joined by cellist Carter Brey as he steps back and takes stock of a remarkable run leading the New York Philharmonic cello section and why he’s choosing to retire at the end of the season while his playing still feels strong. We get into what most people never see: how long it can take to truly feel “at home” in a top orchestra job, how you learn to handle pressure and...

You’ve heard of side-by-side concerts, but what happens when adult amateur musicians don’t just drop in for a night, they move into the orchestra for an entire week? We sit down with conductor Nicholas Hersh to unpack the Baltimore Symphony Academy, a rare program where participants rehearse and perform shoulder to shoulder with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians in a true “fantasy camp” for orchestra lovers. We talk through what the week actually feels like: immediate sectionals, deep co...

A cello career can begin in the most unlikely place and still end up on the world’s biggest stages. We sit down with acclaimed cellist Seth Parker Woods, a fearless advocate for contemporary classical music and a leading voice for commissioning new works, to trace the real steps behind a life in music: the early spark, the teachers who mattered, and the moment the path starts to click. We talk about what draws him to living composers, why electronics and electroacoustic experimentation can ex...

Cello and piano can be a brutal matchup when nobody makes room, but when the balance is right it becomes one of the most revealing duo formats in music. We sit down with cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Christopher O’Riley to trace how their partnership started, why it clicked so fast, and what they’ve learned from years of turning rehearsal into a kind of shared research lab. We talk about building programs that cross borders without losing rigor, from Shuffle Play Listen to projects that ...

One missed signup and a burst of kid-level courage can set an entire life in motion. Cellist and composer Dorothy Lawson grew up in Toronto surrounded by classical music and strong school music programs, but she didn’t “choose” cello in some grand, cinematic way. She simply chose to participate a day late, and the next opening happened to be cello. From there, the path becomes a masterclass in how musicians are formed: early access, social learning, and the kind of training that turns curiosi...

A kid gets asked to “play a scale” by one of the greatest cellists who ever lived and has no idea what a scale is. That moment could have ended in embarrassment and retreat, but for Ole Akahoshi it became the beginning of a lifelong education in craft, taste, and what it really means to make the cello sing. The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with Ole Akahoshi, cellist and faculty at the Yale School of Music and Manhattan School of Music Prep Division, to trace his path fro...

He picked orchestra because he thought there would be drums and that mix-up changed his life. Cellist Tommy Mesa joins us to trace the real arc from an accidental start in Miami to major career milestones, including joining the Manhattan School of Music faculty, winning the Sphinx Competition, and earning top honors like the Avery Fisher Career Grant. Along the way, we talk about what makes a classical music career sustainable when you don’t begin at age four and how the right environment can...

Classical music can change a life, but it can also quietly decide whose life gets changed. The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with Stanford Thompson, founder of Play On Philly and executive director of Equity Arc, to talk about the moment he realized music isn’t neutral and why “work hard” is only part of the story when access to training, instruments, time, and insider mentorship is so uneven. Stanford takes us from a childhood shaped by disciplined music educators, to hi...

A tiny sixteenth-size cello, a stubborn toddler, and a violin shop tantrum, that’s how this story begins. From there, Inbal Megido grew into an international soloist and chamber musician, studied with the legendary Aldo Parisot at Yale, and ultimately built a rich artistic life in Wellington, New Zealand. We explore how a childhood steeped in music became a fluent language, how cross-continental moves shaped identity, and why a liberal arts education can sharpen a performer’s ear and mind as ...

A seven-year-old chooses the cello because “you get to sit,” and decades later becomes a sought-after pedagogue who reshapes how students think about practice, expression, and careers. That’s the arc that The Cello Sherpa Podcast host, Joel Dallow, explores with cellist and educator Melissa Kraut, equal parts heart, humor, and hard-won clarity. We dive into the early thrill of playing by ear and the long road to loving theory, including candid stories about faking through parts and finally d...

What does it really take to move from a childhood in a Soviet special music school to the principal chair of a top American orchestra? The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with Ilya Finkelshteyn to trace that journey, through refugee camps, early months in Minnesota with two suitcases and $300, a total technical rebuild at Juilliard with Harvey Shapiro, and a relentless audition circuit that demanded both resilience and precision. Ilya opens the curtain on how committees act...

A single question—“Can I have it?”—nearly sent a child’s cello out the door. Instead, that moment lit a fuse that carried Hee-Young Lim from piano lessons and packed Korean school days to principal chair in Rotterdam and a teaching home at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music. The Cello Sherpa Podcast host, Joel Dallow, interviews Hee-Young, and they take a deep dive into the chain of choices that shaped her artistry: the advantages of piano-first training for cello technique, how small h...

A cello can feel like an escape, a calling, and eventually a limb. That’s how Johannes Moser describes the moment the instrument clicked for him and why, decades later, he still loves the daily work most players dread. Our conversation traces his path from messy youth concerts and amateur orchestras to major stages, revealing how real leadership grows when the horn enters early, the violas miss a cue, and the soloist still carries the story. We dig into what actually sustains a modern career...

Perfectionism can sharpen your playing or steal your joy. The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen to unpack where that line lives for working musicians and how to keep your standards high without letting self-worth rise and fall with every take. Ellen breaks down seven core patterns behind perfectionism—over-evaluation, self-criticism, rigid rules, mistake avoidance, procrastination, social comparison, and perfectionistic self-pres...

What does it really take to lead a world-class cello section while raising two young kids and navigating an orchestra’s evolving culture? The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with San Francisco Symphony principal cellist Rainer Eudeikis for a candid, witty, and deeply practical conversation about moving from Utah to Atlanta to the Bay Area, why some orchestras feel close-knit while others run purely professional, and how life stage changes your sense of community as much as g...

What if a great music career isn’t either–or but yes–and? The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with violinist Eunice Kim to explore how a childhood steeped in sound turned into a life that balances the intimacy of chamber music, the rigor of orchestral work, and the freedom of solo projects. From a seven-year-old debut in Seoul to the charged Saturdays at the San Francisco Conservatory prep division and the whirlwind of Aspen Music Festival, Eunice learned early to juggle sco...

What if the thing that makes people laugh at your art is the same thing that makes them listen closer? That’s the tension—and the opportunity—at the heart of our conversation with cellist and filmmaker Nick Canellakis, whose viral sketches and serious performances are two sides of one craft. We dig into the roots: a musical family, early piano, and the moment the cello took hold. Then the parallel story: childhood home videos evolving into a full-fledged filmmaking habit, culminating in a Cur...

A sacred plant, a living coastline, and a cello that sings in two voices—Sweetgrass brings them together with uncommon clarity. The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, sits down with composer Dawn Avery and cellist Wilhelmina Smith to share how a pandemic idea turned into an immersive album where Mohawk language, indigenous song forms, and contemporary classical textures breathe the same air. Dawn traces her journey from conservatory training to a compositional practice grounded in ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist and Franchomme Scholar, Louise Dubin. She shares about her incredibly varied career as a freelancer, and her love of research, particularly on French compositions. Louise gives details about her experience recording her widely acclaimed album "The Franchomme Project" and her latest album "Passages." These albums reflect the culmination of her research in to discovering compositions that have never been recorded, and her drive to b...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist, Pablo Ferrández. Pablo has been working all over the world as an international soloist. He shares about the experience of being born into a musical family and named after his father's idol, Pablo Casals. He also talks about what its been like to build an international career over the past decade, become a Sony recording artist, and he shares details about recording his latest album, "Moonlight Variations." For more information on...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Clay McKinney, Orchestra Director and Cellist at Parkway Schools located in Chesterfield, Missouri. Clay shares how he developed an incredible passion for teaching, particularly as an Orchestra Director of a middle school. He also offers tips for building a following on social media, and talks about how he built an impressive following of over 10K on his Youtube channel. For more information on Clay: https://www.thecello.online/ Yo...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Alban Gerhardt. Alban is enjoying a 35 year career as an International Soloist and Chamber Musician. Having performed with most of the major American and European orchestras, Alban shares stories going back to his roots, growing up as a young child fascinated by classical music in a musical environment, with a father who was a violinist in the Berlin Philharmonic. He talks about how he has built an international career over severa...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Robert Howard. Robert is a Founder and the Co-Artistic Director, along with Rebecca Merblum, of the Kenya International Chamber Music Festival. He shares his journey growing up as a cellist in metro Atlanta, to his life of teaching and freelancing in the San Francisco bay area. After an incredibly moving trip to Kenya in 2019, Robert and Rebecca were inspired to start the Kenya International Cello Festival, which quickly morphed i...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Clive Greensmith. Clive has been Professor of Cello at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music since 2013. Clive shares about his incredible journey as cellist of the World renowned Tokyo String Quartet for their final 15 years, his position as Principal Cellist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, and how those two distinctive careers compared to each other. With his vast teaching experience, Clive also shares about hi...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Emily Wright. Emily is the host of The Lonely Cello Podcast. She shares about the many facets of her career, including working as a freelance cellist, an Associate Editor and contributing writer for Strings Magazine, working as a composer, and teaching students of all levels and ages, with a particular skill set geared towards adult students. For more information on Emily: https://emilywright.net/ You can also find Emil...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Alisa Weilerstein. Alisa is enjoying a career as an international soloist and chamber musician. In this interview, she shares what the experience of being recognized with a MacArthur “genius grant” Fellowship in 2011 was like, and how it impacted her career. She also talks about how she grew up surrounded by music, never had any doubt she wanted to be a professional cellist, her advice for building an international career and much...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Emilio Colón. Emilio is Professor of Cello at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. After getting off to a rocky start with his teacher Janos Starker, Emilio talks about how he felt that he was dead last amongst his peers on the cello, which in turn motivated him to work as hard as he could to prove that he had what it took to be successful. Shortly after graduating from Indiana, Janos Starker called him and invited hi...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Sterling Elliot. Sterling is the 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and the winner of the Senior Division of the 2019 National Sphinx Competition. He shares about his journey growing up as the cellist in the family string quartet, starting at the age of 5, and he speaks about the impact of winning both the junior and senior divisions of the Sphinx Competition. Sterling also talks about how he has navigated the first co...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews violist, violinist, and composer, Christian Colberg. Christian is currently the Principal Violist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He shares his amazing story about winning a job in the Baltimore Symphony after only playing the viola for 3 weeks, his journey from there to Cincinnati 17 years later, his compositional philosophy, tips for taking successful auditions, and much more! For more information on Christian: https://www.ch...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Norman Fischer. Norman is Professor of Cello, and Chair of Chamber Music at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Norman shares his story of how he first developed his insatiable love of contemporary music. He also talks about his journey forming the Naumburg winning Concord String Quartet to joining the faculty at Dartmouth, then Oberlin, and he gives the inside story of how Rice became one of the most sought after mus...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Alex Croxton, Alex is currently a faculty member at Mannes Prep, the Special Music School at the Kaufman Center, the Head of Cello at the School for Strings, and he has a full private studio in NYC. Alex shares about the impact the Suzuki method has had on his ability to work successfully with his students, and how it led to his interest in becoming certified as a teacher trainer. He also speaks about his own journey as a beginner...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Bassist Andrew Sommer. Andrew is in his second season as a bassist in the Chicago Symphony, after spending 4 years as Principal of the Richmond Symphony. He shares his story about growing up among musician parents, with his mom as his earliest music teacher, his dad paving the way as a bassist in the Atlanta Symphony and much more. For more information on Andrew Sommer: https://cso.org/about/performers/cso-musicians/strings/bass/and...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist Mike Block. Mike shares about his incredible multi faceted life working not just as a cellist who walks around on stage while playing, but also as a singer, composer, and educator. He also shares how he found success on such a non traditional classical music path, why he was motivated to go this direction in his career, and much more! For more information on Mike Block check out his website: https://www.mikeblockmusic.com/ ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist Julie Albers. She has been the principal cellist of The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra since 2014. They talk about her experience growing up in a family where all of her siblings played instruments, how she ended up in an orchestra, forming the Albers Trio with her sisters, her teaching philosophy, and much more. For more information on Julie: https://content.thespco.org/people/julie-albers/ You can also find Julie on Facebook: ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist and Conductor Eric Jacobsen. Eric is a cellist in Yo-Yo Ma’s SilkRoad Ensemble, the Artistic Director and Co-founder of the Knights Chamber Orchestra and also the Music Director of the Virginia Symphony and the Orlando Philharmonic. They talk about his incredible career on the cello and how he transitioned to a conducting career. Eric shares stories about working with Yo-Yo Ma, starting multiple musical ensembles, and studying wit...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Nathan Chan, Assistant Principal Cello of the Seattle Symphony. They talk about the incredible social media following he has built over the years by creating insightful, interesting and amusing videos around the cello. Nathan also shares his experience working towards the goal of winning a position in a major symphony orchestra and much more. For more information on Nathan Chan check out his website: https://nathanchan.com/ You can also f...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Blaise Dejardin, principal cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They talk about what he has been up to over the past 3 years, joining the faculty of his alma mater, the New England Conservatory, his teaching philosophy, filling three openings in the cello section, and much more. For more information on Blaise Dejardin check out his website www.BlaiseDejardin.com For his cello arrangements: www.opuscello.com Copies of his book are als...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Paul Watkins. Paul is currently the Professor of Cello at the Yale School of Music. He shares his journey going back to landing Principal Cellist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the age of 20, his work as a member of the Nash Ensemble, joining the legendary Emerson String quartet, and even taking up the baton as a conductor, winning the Leeds Conducting Competition in 2002. For more information on Paul: https://music....

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Richard Aaron. Richard joined the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory in the fall of 2024. He shares his incredible journey from landing an orchestra position at the age of 18, to becoming one of the most sought after teachers of our generation! Having been on faculty at the University of Michigan, the Juilliard School, the Cleveland Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory., Richard shares the keys to success on ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Julia Lichten. She has been on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music since 1989. Julia shares how she first fell in love with the cello, her teaching philosophy and offers sage advice on how to put your best foot forward when applying to summer music programs. For more information on Julia: https://www.msmnyc.edu/faculty/julia-lichten/ If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestral repertoire auditi...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Keyboardist Chris Fischer, who recently joined the famed jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra. They talk about the moment he discovered this band and how his life was never the same. He shares his amazing journey, modeling his career after this style of music, to living out a dream he never fully allowed himself to imagine, replacing his idol Tom Schuman and actually joining the group! For more information on Chris: https://spyrogyra.com/b...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews violinist Lauren Roth, who recently joined the Atlanta Symphony as the new Asst. Concertmaster. They talk about her past experience as Concertmaster of the Tucson Symphony, and how it relates to her current position. Lauren also offers advice on how to prepare for an orchestral audition. For more information on Lauren: https://www.laurenrothviolin.com/ For more information on Lauren's coach, Jo Zakany at Mindful Opus: www.mi...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Internationally Renowned Cellist Steven Isserlis. After appearing as the Inaugural guest of this podcast in March 2021, Steven returns to celebrate the 100th episode of The Cello Sherpa Podcast and answer questions submitted by audience members. For more information on Steven: http://stevenisserlis.com/ If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestral repertoire audition coachings, check out http://www.theCelloSherp...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist James Kim. He is the Asst. Professor of Cello at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. They talk about his journey on the cello, his teaching philosophy, and his extremely fortunate path to his new teaching position. He replaces David Starkweather who spent 41 years in that position. For more information on James: https://www.jameskimcello.com/ You can also connect with James on Facebook or Instagr...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellists Robert Jesselson, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, and Theodore Buchholz, Associate Professor at The University of Arizona. They share their teaching philosophies, and the details of their new book The Cellist's Guide to Scale and Arpeggios. For more information and to purchase The Cellist's Guide to Scale and Arpeggios, visit www.thecellistsguide.com. For more information on Robert Jesselson https:...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Conductor William Langley. They talk about his path to his current positions as Resident Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Staff Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. William also shares his experience beginning conducting at the very young age of 13, and how he founded two orchestras to gain and give hands on experience to everyone involved. For more inform...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Kyle Price. They talk about how Kyle became a founding member of the Kasa Quartet, and a member of the Cavani Quartet, replacing his teacher for this coveted position. Kyle also shares his vision that led to him becoming Artistic and Executive Director of the Caroga Lake Music Festival and the Caroga Arts Collective. For more information on Kyle: https://kylebarrettprice.com/ You can also connect with Kyle on Facebook or Instagra...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Jason Calloway. Jason is the cellist of the Amernet String Quartet, Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida International University in Miami. They talk about his love of opera, his journey to a career in chamber music, his affinity for gut strings, and much more. For more information on Jason: https://carta.fiu.edu/music/jason-calloway-2/ You can also connect with Jason on Facebook If you are looking for in person/virtual c...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Elisabeth Remy Johnson, who has been the Principal Harpist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1995. They talk about why she picked the harp, and her incredibly successful journey from majoring in Music and French at Harvard University directly to her position at the ASO. Elisabeth also shares details about founding the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, the Merian Ensemble, and much more! For more information on Elisabeth: https://www.elisa...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Brant Taylor, who has been a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra cello section since 1998. Brant shares a behind the scenes look at the most recent cello audition where the committee listened to 197 preliminary auditions. If you are interested in taking auditions, Brant provides a treasure trove of helpful information in these episodes! You can connect with Brant on Facebook and Instagram @batmanvcl For more information on Brant c...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Brant Taylor, who has been a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra cello section since 1998. Brant shares a behind the scenes look at the most recent cello audition where the committee listened to 197 preliminary auditions. If you are interested in taking auditions, Brant provides a treasure trove of helpful information in these episodes! You can connect with Brant on Facebook and Instagram @batmanvcl For more information on Brant c...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Sophie Shao, Assistant Professor of Cello at the University of Connecticut. They talk about her experience attending the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of 13, experience with competing in major competitions, her teaching influences, and much more! For more information on Sophie, visit: https://www.sophieshao.com/ You can also find Sophie on Facebook and Instagram: @shaosophie1 YouTube: @shaocello To Listen to Sophie's...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Camden Shaw, founding member of the Dover Quartet. They talk about his journey from a student at the Curtis Institute of Music, to becoming a founding member of the Dover Quartet, which was named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine! Camden also shares his views on what it takes to project inside a string quartet, and much more. For more information on Camden, visit: https://www.doverqua...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews pianist and radio host Christopher O'Riley. They talk about Chris spending over 20 years as the host of the incredibly popular weekly National Public Radio program "From the Top." For more information on Chris, visit: http://christopheroriley.com You can also find Chris on Facebook and Instagram: @christopher_oriley_pianist YouTube: @ChristopherORiley360 Check out Chris's new podcast "Over the Top with Christopher O'R...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Zlatomir Fung, who joins the cello faculty of The Juilliard School in the fall of 2024. They talk about how this appointment came about, his teaching philosophy, his major influences and much more! For more information on Zlatomir, visit: www.zlatomirfung.com You can also find Zlatomir on Facebook and Instagram: @zfungcello YouTube: @zlatomirfung6876 If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestr...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist and social media sensation Ken James Kubota. They talk about his musical influences growing up, his time at Juilliard and the genesis of his incredible success on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. For more information on Ken, visit: https://www.kenjameskubota.com/ You can also find Ken on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @kenjameskubota To watch Ken's videos with JHMJams on YouTube: @JHMJams For more information on our spons...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist and social media sensation Ken James Kubota. They talk about his musical influences growing up, his time at Juilliard and the genesis of his incredible success on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. For more information on Ken, visit: https://www.kenjameskubota.com/ You can also find Ken on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @kenjameskubota To watch Ken's videos with JHMJams on YouTube: @JHMJams For more information on our spons...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews High Performance Consultant Steve Tashjian. They take a deep dive in to the similarities between high performing athletes and musicians, and how he sees creative minds in both fields. Steve shares advice on how to perform at your best by managing performance anxiety, and maintaining proper focus. He talks about how this applies to musicians, athletes, and organizations. If you feel as though you could perform better under pressure, ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews High Performance Consultant Steve Tashjian. They take a deep dive in to the similarities between high performing athletes and musicians, and how he sees creative minds in both fields. Steve shares advice on how to perform at your best by managing performance anxiety, and maintaining proper focus. He talks about how this applies to musicians, athletes, and organizations. If you feel as though you could perform better under pressure, ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Sam Viguerie, who has been a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for two seasons. They talk about Sam's journey through high school and college on his way to this orchestra. Sam shares stories about his experience working behind the scenes at auditions, and gives insight as to what it's like going from one side of the screen to the other. For more information on Sam, visit: https://www.indianapolissymphony.org/profile/...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Irish Singer, Harpist and Violinist, Tara McNeill. Tara has been the violinist for the Celtic Woman for 8 years. They talk about her journey to this world famous group, what it's like to be on the road with them, how she manages to dance and play the violin, and much more! For more information on Tara, visit: www.taramcneill.com Order her new CD recorded with her husband, pianist Alexander Bernstein "Across the Atlantic" on T...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Justin Goldsmith. Justin is a member of the Euclid String Quartet who are celebrating their 25th anniversary season. They talk about how his love of chamber music has shaped his career, and he shares what it's like to choose a career path surrounded by performing and teaching as part of a small ensemble. For more information on Justin, visit: https://music.nd.edu/people/justin-goldsmith/ You can also find Justin on ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Steven Doane, Professor of Cello at the Eastman School of Music. They talk about his experience as Principal Cellist of both the Milwaukee Symphony, and the Rochester Philharmonic, through his appointment to the Eastman School of Music. Steven shares his teaching philosophy, offers music school audition advice, and much more. For more information on Steven, visit: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/directory/doane-steven/...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Desmond Hoebig, Professor of Cello at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. They talk about his experience performing with 5 major orchestras, including Principal Cello of the orchestras of Cleveland, Houston and Cincinnati, and making the transition to full-time teaching. Desmond also offers advice on how to perform at your best for college and orchestral auditions. For more information on Desmond, visit: https://music.rice.edu/f...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Desmond Hoebig, Professor of Cello at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. They talk about his experience performing with 5 major orchestras, including Principal Cello of the orchestras of Cleveland, Houston and Cincinnati, and making the transition to full-time teaching. Desmond also offers advice on how to perform at your best for college and orchestral auditions. For more information on Desmond, visit: https://music.rice.edu/f...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Mark Kosower, principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Mark compares his career approach to "fishing with many poles" and following what ever you catch. They talk about the journey to his position in Cleveland, building an extremely versatile career, and he shares his teaching philosophy. For more information on Mark, visit: https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/discover/meet-the-musicians/cellos/kosower-mark/ You can also...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews violinist Jennifer Roig-Francoli, Author, Violinist, and Alexander Technique Coach for Musicians. They talk about her journey through childhood where she was focused completely on the violin, to her life changing discovery of the Alexander Technique. Jennifer's book "Make Great Music with Ease" officially releases on January 7th. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=make+great+music+with+ease&crid=3W2BDWHMC48G8&sprefix=make+great%2C...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews violinist Robyn Bollinger, who is the Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. They talk about growing up in the Philadelphia area being surrounded by two musician parents, and their many musician friends. She shares what it was like to make her debut with the Philadelphia orchestra at the age of 12, her incredible ground breaking multi media musical projects she created and took on the road, and how she accomplished winning a Con...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Ray Kim, who is one of the newest members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra cello section. They talk about Ray's path from a childhood in South Korea through Atlanta for High School. When a global pandemic affected his ability to stay in the U.S., Ray returned to South Korea for mandatory military service, taught himself to play the trombone and still managed to find his way back to the Atlanta Symphony to land a job in the cello ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Ofra Harnoy. They talk about how she built an International career, she shares stories about studying with William Pleeth, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Jacqueline du Pré, and she shares details on her new recording of the Elgar and Lalo Cello concertos. For more information on Ofra, visit: www.ofraharnoy.ca You can also find Ofra on Instagram: @ofraharnoy YouTube: @OfraHarnoyVideos For more information on our sponsor: www.CLEARe...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Oboist Master Gunnery Sergeant Leslye Barrett and Clarinetist Master Gunnery Sergeant Michelle Urzynicok. They share all the details about their extremely unique careers as members of "The Presidents Own" United States Marine Band. For more information on Michelle: https://www.marineband.marines.mil/About/Members/Article/2605225/master-gunnery-sgt-michelle-urzynicok/ You can also find Michelle on Facebook and Instagram @michurzy For mo...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Julio Fernandez, who has been the guitarist for the group Spyro Gyra for nearly 40 years. They talk about his journey from Cuba to Hoboken, NJ as a young child, to finding his way through his high school music program on the Tuba and then landing his gig with Spyro Gyra. For more information and to support Voices of Valor: https://www.voicesofvalor.org/ For more information on Julio: https://spyrogyra.com/band-bios/ You can also find Ju...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Myron Lutzke, Principal Cellist of New York's Orchestra of St. Lukes and NYC based freelancer. They talk about the skills necessary to build a freelance career and Myron shares his experience attending Juilliard, while holding down a professional orchestra job, and working with two of the most influential teachers of our time, Leonard Rose and Harvey Shapiro. For more information on Myron Lutzke: https://oslmusic.org/bios/myron-lutzke/ ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Austin Huntington, Principal Cellist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. They talk about how he found himself being appointed principal cello at only 20 years old! Austin also shares what motivated him early on, and talks about how during the pandemic he returned to school to study at Indiana University with Eric Kim, where he completed a Masters Degree in cello performance, coupled with a minor in social work. For more information ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Crispin Campbell. They talk about his decades of experience teaching students at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the importance of learning to improvise, his advice for success and much more. You can find Crispin Campbell on Facebook and Instagram For more information on Clazz International Music Festival in Italy: https://www.clazzmusicfestival.com/ For more information on our sponsor: www.CLEAResources.com If you are loo...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cantor Tracey Scher. She was appointed to The Temple, based in Atlanta, GA in July of 2022. They talk about her journey from an Opera Singer to becoming a Cantor. She shares why it was personally important to her, the process required to complete the training, and the difference between life as an opera singer vs her current role working with The Temple and congregation as a cantor. You can find Tracey on Facebook and here: https:...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Robin Zeh, NYC based freelance violinist. They talk about her life as a highly sought after freelancer in the Greater New York area, and the skills it takes to be successful. She also shares the ins and outs of working in a Broadway pit orchestra. You can find Robin on Facebook and on Instagram. @robinzeh5 For more information on our sponsor: www.CLEAResources.com If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or o...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, talks about his recent experience with a wedding gig scam. He offers 5 tips to avoid falling victim to these sophisticated scammers. For more information on our sponsor: www.CLEAResources.com If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestral repertoire audition coachings, check out www.theCelloSherpa.com Follow us on Instagram @theCelloSherpa

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, Assistant Professor of Cello at the University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music. They talk about her new position in Cincinnati, the benefits of daily improvising, her new album MARROW: The 6 Suites for Solo Cello by J.S. Bach, and much more. To purchase Saeunn's latest recording: https://www.sonoluminus.com/store/marrow For more information, visit Saeunn's website www.saeunn.com Check out Saeunn's o...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cincinnati Symphony Cellist Nicholas Mariscal. They talk about his experience growing up first as a visual artist, then transitioning to a pianist, composer and cellist. Nick also shares his audition strategy, that contributed to his recent winning streak of orchestra auditions. To check out Nick's recordings on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Zw4CLYSGiaIAak7f0pOuB?si=A13VwdiORaahF_Err7wGAw You can find Nick on Facebook a...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Dariusz Skoraczewski, principal cellist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. They talk about his experience growing up behind the Iron Curtain in Warsaw Poland, his participation in international competitions, and his orchestral audition journey to his principal position in the Baltimore Symphony where he has remained since 2011. For more information on Dariusz Skoraczewski: www.dskora.com For more information on our...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, brings on guest Host Amy McDougal to interview cellists Dariusz Skoraczewski, Peter Garrett, and Joel Dallow. Cameron Robertson, who is a Luthier, and also makes bows and rosin, joins the panel as the resident rosin expert. There was so much to talk about in this episode that it took up two episodes! For more information on Dariusz Skoraczewski, http://www.dskora.com/ Peter Garrett, https://petergarrettcello.com/ Cameron Robertson, https://ca...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, brings on guest Host Amy McDougal to interview cellists Dariusz Skoraczewski, Peter Garrett, and Joel Dallow. Cameron Robertson, who is a Luthier, and also makes bows and rosin, joins the panel as the resident rosin expert. There was so much to talk about in this episode that it took up two episodes! For more information on Dariusz Skoraczewski, http://www.dskora.com/ Peter Garrett, https://petergarrettcello.com/ Cameron Robertson, https://ca...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Bion Tsang, who is Professor of Cello at the University of Texas at Austin, Butler School of Music. They talk about what it was like to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 11, and how at the age of 19, he won the bronze medal in the 8th international Tchaikovsky Competition, which at the time made him the youngest prizewinner on the cello. Bion shares how this early success influenced his career and teachin...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Wendy Warner who is the Assistant Professor of Cello at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music. They talk about what it was like to make her solo debut with the Chicago Symphony at the age of 14, her experience studying with Rostropovich, and her amazing set of performances at the Fourth International Rostropovich Cello Competition earning her the top prize. She was only 18 years old at the time. For more informa...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Zlatomir Fung, winner of the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition. They talk about his experience preparing for the biggest stage to his successful achievement as not only the youngest winner of the cello division, at the age of 20, but also the first American to win the gold medal in over 4 decades! For more information on Zlatomir, visit: www.zlatomirfung.com You can also find Zlatomir on Facebook Instagram: @zfungc...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist John Haines-Eitzen, Cornell University Senior Lecturer and Artist-in-Residence. They talk about his journey from rural Pennsylvania to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and then onto his current position at Cornell University. John also takes a deep dive in to his experimentation with cutting edge cello technology. For more information on John, visit: www.saddleridermusic.com You can also find John on Facebook and Inst...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist John Haines-Eitzen, Cornell University Senior Lecturer and Artist-in-Residence. They talk about his journey from rural Pennsylvania to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and then onto his current position at Cornell University. John also takes a deep dive in to his experimentation with cutting edge cello technology. For more information on John, visit: www.saddleridermusic.com You can also find John on Facebook and Inst...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist Ofra Harnoy, and Trumpeter Mike Herriott. They talk about their vast experience performing all over the world and offer advice on how the landscape has shifted when it comes to engaging a manager, and handling recording projects. They also share the incredible details behind their latest recording projects. For more information on Ofra, visit: www.ofraharnoy.ca For more information on Mike, visit: www.mikeherriot...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Brannon Cho, cellist, who is the first prize winner of the prestigious 6th International Paolo Competition and is also a top prize winner of the Queen Elisabeth, Naumburg, and Cassadó International Cello Competitions. Brannon shares his journey to leading a life as both a highly sought after soloist, and chamber musician. He also shares his advice on how to handle performance anxiety and uncomfortably sweaty situations. For more informati...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Carter Brey, Principal Cellist of the New York Philharmonic. Carter shares his experience leading a life as both a highly sought after soloist, and as a principal cellist. He also shares his philosophy on leadership, and gives insight as to what kinds of qualities help musicians achieve a successful audition for the New York Philharmonic. For more information on Carter, visit: https://nyphil.org/about-us/artists/carter-brey#artist-bio If ...

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Anthony Arnone, Associate Professor of Cello at the University of Iowa School of Music. They talk about his book “The Art of Listening” where he interviews 13 of the top cello teachers of our time, sharing valuable insights about performing, teaching, music, and life. For more information on Anthony, visit: https://music.uiowa.edu/people/anthony-arnone To order Anthony's book "The Art of Listening" visit: https://www.amazon.com/Art...

Welcome to episode #50! The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Mary Beth Bryant, Atlanta based cellist, teacher and clinician. Mary Beth speaks about her experience teaching students age 4-18 and how she applies her extensive Suzuki training to her teaching style. For more information about Mary Beth: visit www.cellolessonswithmarybeth.com Instagram - @cellolessonswithmarybeth Youtube - @lessonswithmb If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orche...