I’ve been in conversation with a few of my more advanced students lately. They’ve adopted many elements of the Practice Modes I’m building a book around, and while they certainly clear the terrain in terms of not allowing gaps in…
If you’re trying to make physical changes in your playing, I highly recommend the following, with the caveat that different brains find different scenarios pleasurable. If playing with your attention split causes calamity, it’s not a problem with you. This…
I have deemed 2026 a year of distillation: to live more faithfully in line with hard earned and well-considered authenticity. And for the moments when those aspects do not inform me, I will be still, and I will listen. I…
Last year, in the dead of winter, Henri had multiple seams open up, requiring a trip to the luthier and a re-evaluation of my humidification infrastructure. You see, Henri actually sounds better and is much easier to play in low…
The end of the year always makes my fingers itch for something new, or something old to make new again. A few years ago, I was inspired by Josh Roman’s Instagram post where he was being adjusted by an Alexander…
Hello friends: just popping in to say hello and drop off a chilled out playlist for the holiday season. If you’d like something less contemporary, here’s the one from last year. I’ve just started reading Katherine May’s book Wintering, and…
The next series of playlists will highlight musicians I feel are doing interesting and important things, so each one will feature one or two artists exclusively. This month is all about Anastasia Kobekina, one of my favorite cellists ever. She…
This year is too much, my friends. I was really making strides—multiple books in progress, regular posting here, applying to doctoral programs, a few speaking engagements and workshops, and renewed inspiration to write and produce music. Starting with my mother’s…
Here’s hoping we are not in “false fall” because I am ready for sweater weather and cozy times. Lots going on here; back soon! xo, em
A little late, after some pretty dramatic travel delays. Note to self: maybe driving 16 hours straight twice in a week is…dumb?
Already know you’re interested? Go to the bottom of the post and let me know! It’s been so much fun to see interest in the cello and playing pop/contemporary styles since Netflix’s Wednesday crashed into our hearts and minds in…
This course has been postponed, please do not purchase it unless you are happy to have a credit for when it actually does run! Thank you for understanding ♥️ Summer School 1 was a real-time look at the way I…
After a long decline with COPD and two years of dementia, my mom passed away last week. Ours was a complicated and difficult relationship, and while there is a surreal quality to the days that have followed, the nature of…
Sending peace and calm to anyone who needs it. Enjoy this serenity inducing playlist, dear friends.
“Don’t mistake yourself for your audience”. Just want to vote? Head to the bottom of the post! ⤵️ I know from too much experience that what people need is not always what they want: Tamarack folded in part due to…
One of the best things about having a podcast is being able to share my beloved friends and colleagues with the rest of the world. I can’t say that my life has been all smooth sailing, but the number of…
Don’t wanna read the whole post? Scroll to the end for the course description and details! Many of you know I stream my practice semi-regularly. Why? I suppose I’m trying to demystify the process a bit and build on one…
Welcome to another installment of RoN! This was a surprising, high acid wine that I would buy again…if my other budget buys weren’t in stock. Making it a little unexpected is the combination of SauvBlanc and Semillon grapes combined with…
Hoping to usher in some summer feelings with this playlist! I’m not normally someone who looks forward to summer, especially on the east coast with the mosquitoes, humidity, and infrastructure that was built for cooler weather. But this year has…
Hey friends! It’s time again— come join me for an unvarnished look at my practice and hang out for a while. 7pm Eastern May 23. Send an email, leave a comment, or text 323 657 9444 and I’ll get you…