A Lesson from My First Audition

For my first audition, I worked with the great Ron Leonard. We only had a few lessons, but he packed an incredible amount into them.

After the audition (where I didn’t advance), I called to tell him how it went. Instead of criticizing me, Ron apologized for not preparing me well enough. He knew that shame or self-doubt wouldn’t help—what I needed was a clear path forward. His words snapped me out of a spiral and got me back to the climb.

I think about that a lot when I coach cellists. Preparing for the audition “mountain” takes practice, guidance, and attention to detail most people don’t realize. Ron showed me that the secret to success isn’t beating yourself up—it’s expert advice combined with smart practice.

This is why I give my free masterclasses. I want to show what it takes to prepare one small part of the repertoire—the fingerings, bowings, phrasing, rhythms, and problem-solving.

Most people don’t realize how much work is required until they see it. But the earlier you start, the earlier you'll find yourself working in an orchestra.