THE SECRET TO ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS?
Master the excerpts.
My video masterclass shows you how.
AUDITIONS ARE HARD
Auditions take months of preparation.
Many musicians ask, “Isn’t it enough to be a good musician?”
The answer is “no”—you have to know your excerpts backwards and forwards.
But REALLY learning excerpts takes years (and thousands of dollars for lessons).
I created my video masterclass to give aspiring cellists a faster, more economical way to learn orchestral excerpts.
And unlike live lessons, you have my information at your fingertips forever.
HERE’S HOW YOU WIN
My video masterclass tells you what committees are looking for in the 11 most common excerpts:
The right tempos
The right style
The right sound
My favorite practice hacks
Performance practice details you won’t find in the sheet music
Techniques to help you play your best, even if you’re nervous!
As a longtime member of the audition committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, I can show you EXACTLY what the judges want to hear so that you are completely prepared.
“Studying with Gloria Lum through her Audition Confidential program has been the most valuable cello and audition learning experience I have had. Gloria pushed me to better my audition preparation to a new level, which led me to win my very first professional orchestra audition. I would highly suggest any cellist who is preparing for an audition to study with Gloria Lum. Her insight into the audition process, as well as her skills in teaching are unlike any other cellist I’ve experienced.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
The Cello Excerpt Masterclass Course is equivalent to 5-10 lessons with a top audition expert.
You get:
14 separate lessons
High-quality play along/demo tracks
Access to my personal parts, complete with markings and bowings
Ability to rewatch the lessons and play alongs as many times as you like!
Pro tip: use this masterclass as your secret weapon for each and every audition you take.
EXCERPTS IN THIS COURSE
Beethoven Symphony No. 5
This is the number one excerpt on every audition list. Find out how to nail the rhythm and get a consistent tempo every time.
Brahms Symphony No. 2
The right sound and long legato lines will help you play this excerpt with beauty and a sense of breadth and direction.
Brahms Symphony No. 3
All Brahms shouldn’t sound not the same! Find out how the bow speed and placement makes this excerpt different from Symphony No. 2
Debussy: La Mer
The key to La Mer is your sound and style. Do you know how to get that kind of sound? (Hint: the key is your bow distribution.)
Mozart Symphony 35 Finale
Fast fingers and the right bow stroke make this excerpt a favorite on audition lists. Find out how to clarify that left hand and get the sparkling articulation this excerpt needs.
Mendelssohn: Scherzo from Midsummer Night's Dream
Don’t get stuck just on the spiccato - rather be sure that you have excellent rhythm and the right feeling to make this excerpt shine.
Strauss: Don Juan
Don’t panic! It’s not as fast as it looks. Hints on how to break down this excerpt to bitesize pieces to gain poise and control.
Strauss: Heldenleben
This muscular excerpt is technically and physically challenging. Find out how to sustain the character, nail those big shifts, and spit out those fast bits without losing clarity or your composure.
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4
Learn how to breathe through this excerpt so your phrasing sounds natural and unforced.
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
This wonderful excerpt is full of light and swirling movement. The right approach to the sound with your bow will help you find that waltz character that is the core of this excerpt.
Verdi: Offertorio
This excerpt tests your ability to get from the bottom to the top of the range with nary a worry. Make sure you understand the setting so you know how to approach this very telling excerpt.
“Gloria has such a wealth of knowledge — not just about practical fingerings and bowings for orchestral excerpts, but also about what it takes to maintain a full and fulfilling career as an orchestral cellist.”
I KNOW AUDITIONS.
After 25+ years judging LA Phil auditions, I know EXACTLY what the committee wants to hear from you.
I’m a mom, a wife, an animal whisperer, and martial arts enthusiast. But my favorite thing is helping dedicated cellists prepare for auditions.
TRUE OR FALSE?
Orchestra auditions are won by the best player.
This is FALSE—the best musician doesn’t always win.
Audition committees are looking for great players who show they know the orchestra repertoire. In other words—they know their excerpts.
Without an audition expert to teach you the practice and performance traditions, your chances of winning are almost nil.
Sadly, most cellists get discouraged and give up, never knowing why they didn’t make the cut.
“Find another testimonial to go here.”
