The Cello Sherpa Podcast

Joel Dallow

Auditions

Music Education

Chamber Music

Cello

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Education

Summer Music Programs

Manhattan School Of Music

Cello Performance

Musical Literacy

Musicianship

Tchaikovsky Competition

Avery Fisher Career Grant

Juilliard

Social Media

Juilliard School

Music Librarianship

Emily Wright

Audition Process

Do you dream of someday getting to perform at Carnegie Hall, or wonder what it takes to be a professional musician? The Cello Sherpa Podcast is for anyone who enjoys the tales and scales in the life of a classical musician, or for the young classical musician who dreams big! We explore all aspects of the climb to the summit from student to the professional stage! Joel Dallow, the Cello Sherpa, int... more

103 ratings

Publishes	Twice monthly	Episodes	146	Founded	5 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Performing ArtsArtsBusinessCareers

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Latest Episodes

"The Hair of the Frog" - An Interview with Bowmaker Evan Orman, Denver Violins

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... more

21 Aug 2026 • 34 min • Most popular

"Audition Methodology: Cracking the Code" - An Interview with Cellist Charles Zandieh, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

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 t... more

7 Aug 2026 • 33 min • Popular

"Shut Up and Play" - An Interview with Cellist Natasha Brofsky, Chair of The Juilliard School Cello Department

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 ... more

24 Jul 2026 • 31 min

"Etiquette Essentials: The Dos and Don'ts for Orchestral Musicians" - An Interview with Cellist Jennifer Humphreys, St Louis Symphony Orchestra

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 ... more

10 Jul 2026 • 38 min

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Recent Guests

Carter Brey

Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic (retiring after this season)

New York Philharmonic

Episode: "Last BOW" - An Interview with Carter Brey, Principal Cellist of the New York Philharmonic

Nicholas Hersh

Conductor, music director of the Modesto Symphony and principal conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Episode: "Called Up to the Majors: Orchestra Fantasy Camp" - An Interview with Conductor Nicholas Hersh, Principal Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy

Seth Parker Woods

Cellist, international soloist, faculty at USC Thornton School of Music

USC Thornton School of Music

Episode: “From Vision to Commission” - An Interview with Cellist Seth Parker Woods, International Soloist, Faculty, USC Thornton School of Music

Matt Haimovitz

Cellist, Assistant Professor of Cello at University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Music

University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Music

Episode: "Seven Feet Long and Nearly Silent" - An Interview with Cellist Matt Haimovitz, University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Pianist Christopher O'Riley, Former Host of NPR's From the Top

Dorothy Lawson

Cellist, Canadian, co-founder and artistic director of ETHEL

ETHEL

Episode: "Playing Outside the Bach(s)" - An Interview with Cellist Dorothy Lawson, Artistic Director and Founding Member of ETHEL

Ole Akahoshi

Cellist and faculty at Yale School of Music, Manhattan School of Music Prep Division

Yale School of Music; Manhattan School of Music Prep Division

Episode: "Building One Measure at a Time" - An Interview with Cellist Ole Akahoshi, Assistant Professor, Yale School of Music

Tommy Mesa

Cellist, faculty at Manhattan School of Music

Manhattan School of Music

Episode: "No Drums, No Frets" - An Interview with Cellist Tommy Mesa, International Soloist, Faculty, Manhattan School of Music

Stanford Thompson

Founder of Play On Philly; Executive Director of Equity Arc

Equity Arc / Play On Philly

Episode: "The Dynamics of Equity" - An Interview with Stanford Thompson, Executive Director of Equity Arc

Inbal Megiddo

Cellist, Associate Professor and Head of Cello Studies at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington

New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington

Episode: "Bach from the Land of the Haka" - An Interview with Cellist Inbal Megiddo, Associate Professor, New Zealand School of Music

Host

Joel Dallow

Host of The Cello Sherpa Podcast; explores career paths, practice, and leadership in the classical music world.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 103 ratings

Trusted Guide and Source of Motivation
The Cello Sherpa Podcast is an inspiring and practical resource for musicians at every stage. The show blends Joel’s own hard-won experience with insights from a wide range of musicians, experts, and special guests. Each episode tackles real issues while keeping an encouraging, down-to-earth tone that makes listeners feel supported on their musical journey. By weaving together high-level artistry with candid advice and personal stories, Joel is a thoughtful interviewer and has created a podcast ... more
Apple Podcasts
5
Stanford Leon
United Statesa year ago
It’s like a great piece of music itself
If you are a musician of any description and especially if you are a cellist, this podcast is a must in your musical journey. The caliber of information is 2nd to none (Just look through the guest list!) Where else can you hear from the greats in our profession and with such professionalism. Joel is amazing! His contribution to our cello ecosystem is amazing. I have listened to every episode at least twice. This podcast is like a great piece of music itself. Every time you come back to it, you l... more
Apple Podcasts
5
Clay McKinney
United Statesa year ago
I love the interviews with cellists. Really appreciate that there are interviews with orchestral cellists, haven't seen much of that elsewhere. I listen to it every week as soon as it comes out.
Podcast Addict
5
shfkcog
3 years ago
Great for parents of music kids!
This is a great podcast, but what I appreciate most is how Joel always asks the guests how they got their start, if they are from a musical family, what practice looked like for them as a kid and how they felt about their parents help in their journey. As a parent who is very involved with practice, it’s nice to hear that so many of these amazing players mention how helpful parents were. It’s encouraging to hear that this may be a good path because generally I feel like we need to let kids figur... more
Apple Podcasts
5
JenTejada
United States3 years ago
Awesome!
I love this podcast! I think it is done very well.
The only couple of things I would change is this: make it more exciting, and play some of the music that that guest plays as an example of what kind of player they are.
Apple Podcasts
4
genevieve mercer
United States4 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests are described as world-class and generous with mentorship and stories.

The show is seen as a credible, motivational resource for musicians aiming high in classical music.

Listeners praise the host's grounded, insightful questions and practical takeaways for real-world careers.

Commenters note high production quality and thoughtful exploration of both performance and pedagogy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#177	United States/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts	#125	Australia/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts	#135	Singapore/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts	#198	Denmark/Arts/Performing Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

"The Dynamics of Equity" - An Interview with Stanford Thompson, Executive Director of Equity Arc

Q: What piece of advice would you offer to someone trying to build something meaningful within an environment not designed for them?

Collaborate with others, design for the long game, protect your humanity, and remember that the system is incomplete, not broken; create for broader impact rather than individual gain.

"The Dynamics of Equity" - An Interview with Stanford Thompson, Executive Director of Equity Arc

Q: What is the core mission of Equity Arc in helping musicians of color reach professional careers?

To reinforce rigorous musical preparation while embedding identity-affirming mentorship and comprehensive supports that build confidence, resilience, and professional readiness for a long-term career in classical music.

"The Dynamics of Equity" - An Interview with Stanford Thompson, Executive Director of Equity Arc

Q: So how can orchestras function now in a climate that is perceived as hostile toward DEI initiatives?

By focusing on values that don't shift with politics, clarifying that programs uplift underrepresented musicians without breaking the law, and continuing to define admissions and selection criteria around merit while acknowledging the need for equitable access and support.

"Last BOW" - An Interview with Carter Brey, Principal Cellist of the New York Philharmonic

Q: What do you think is the hardest thing about sustaining that level of playing and presence for 30 years?

It isn't one thing staying constant; the pressures come in waves—physically, psychologically, and musically. The daily, weekly, and yearly cycles require ongoing preparation, adaptation, and a willingness to keep improving, even as you consider retirement.

"Global Resonance" - An Interview with Cellist Hee-Young Lim, Professor at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music

Q: How did the project for Encores come together and why did you choose those particular pieces?

The pieces were chosen from personal favorites I learned initially on the piano; I wanted to gift listeners with pieces that had long meant something to me, reimagined for cello, and recorded in a natural, slowly developed workflow.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cello Sherpa Podcast

What is The Cello Sherpa Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dish portrait of a life in classical music, focusing on careers from student to professional stage. Episodes spotlight orchestral leadership, pedagogy, collaboration, and the evolving landscape for contemporary and traditional repertoire, with guests ranging from principal cellists and conductors to educators and composers. Listeners get practical career guidance, mentorship stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into audition culture, practice routines, and the dynamics of working with top ensembles. The show stands out for its emphasis on cello-focused perspectives, cross-genre collaborations, and discussions about equity, education, and sustaining a long, sustainable musical life.

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How many listeners does The Cello Sherpa Podcast get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Cello Sherpa Podcast?

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How many subscribers and views does The Cello Sherpa Podcast have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Cello Sherpa Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Cello Sherpa Podcast:

1. The Lonely Cello Podcast
2. The Daily
3. IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
4. Stuff You Should Know
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of The Cello Sherpa Podcast are there?

The Cello Sherpa Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 146 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Cello Sherpa Podcast?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Cello Sherpa Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Cello Sherpa Podcast?

Recent guests on The Cello Sherpa Podcast include:

1. Carter Brey
2. Nicholas Hersh
3. Seth Parker Woods
4. Matt Haimovitz
5. Dorothy Lawson
6. Ole Akahoshi
7. Tommy Mesa
8. Stanford Thompson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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