My "Mt. Everest" New Year's Resolution

It’s a new year! And time for your annual New Year’s resolutions. What are you tackling this year?

Personally, I'm working on being more mindful and intentional. Mindful of my eating, exercising, relationships, and, of course, practicing! One of the things I have learned this past year is that we all come to activities with different skill levels and there is no point in trying to compare yourself to others. You set yourself up to improve by accepting yourself and your abilities.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have goals!

One of my personal musical goals has always been to learn the Kodaly Solo Sonata, Op. 8. To me, this piece is the pinnacle of cello playing, and the Mt. Everest that I hope to climb. Although I'm intimidated, I feel that if I actually follow some of my own advice, I might get there by December! And besides, if I don't accept this challenge, I know I'll never do it.

So here’s my promise to you—I am going to work on this monumental piece, and I’ll keep you in the loop along the way. You will be my accountability partner! I’ll share my trials and tribulations, successes and excuses, and the fear and stress that will undoubtedly occur while attempting this seemingly insurmountable challenge. I may not make it all the way to the summit, but at least I hope to make it to base camp.

And here’s my challenge for you:

You pick a piece (or audition list) that you want to absolutely slay by the end of 2024. We’re going to work on our pieces side by side. I’ll show you how I analyze the issues with each passage in the Kodaly and I'll tell you how I (hopefully) solve the problem. For your part, you’re going to analyze your issues with your piece and tell me how you solve your problem.

Remember—we all come to this project with different skill levels. So if your goal is to play something simple, but with the most beautiful sound you can make, then that’s your project! And remember that you can always adjust your project as the months go on. My hope is that we’ll all achieve our goals together!

Are you in?

If you are, contact me at gloria@auditionconfidential.com with the answer “I’m in!” and we’ll get started. No worries if this is not for you—only the people who respond will hear from me about this project!

I’m excited! (and somewhat terrified)

Let's do this!!

Happy New Year! And may 2024 be the year of reaching our personal pinnacle.