Audition Decoder

Crack the code to confident performing

An eight-week, online, group course for advanced violists

Don’t let auditions overwhelm you. Let me show you my plan.

I know what it’s like to work your fingers to the bone, yet never feel like you’re doing enough. It’s incredibly frustrating when you leave the stage feeling like you have nothing to show for your months of work.

If you’re like me, the problem isn’t that you don’t practice enough…you’re just not practicing SMART enough. 

After years of work, I cracked the code to smart audition practice. And now, smart practice is my specialty.

In our eight weeks together, I’ll show you:

  • A preparation strategy that works for every audition or performance

  • Practice techniques that stand up under pressure

  • How to learn all of the notes in time for your big day

 After completing my eight-week Audition Decoder, you’ll know how to deliver your best playing, exactly when it matters most.
Let’s get to know each other so we can find out if this is right for you.

The details:

  • Starts October 7, 2024

  • For advanced college students and professionals

  • 16 live master classes (via Zoom)

  • Eight live studio classes (via Zoom)

  • Online forum for group support and feedback

  • Bonus: Expert guest presenters

Let’s hop on a brief call—you can tell me more about your viola goals.

“This class is a must for any musician who aspires to play in a professional orchestra.”

Gina Caviar
Freelance Violist, Viola Teacher

How can you meet a challenge you don’t even understand?

Most of us spend our education becoming better musicians. But if you want to win auditions, that’s not enough.

Auditions aren’t recitals–they’re musical obstacle courses. They require a specific kind of training, from a specific kind of expert.

In this course, I share the same process I used to win auditions for orchestras such as the San Francisco Ballet, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 

How did I do it? It wasn’t my talent, because talent won’t carry you far enough to prepare an orchestra audition or a huge performance. 

I did it by working hard and working smart. Remember, hard work always beats talent. And smart work beats hard work.

 If you think my approach to “violistic fitness” and mental resilience might be right for you, let’s talk!

“In studying with Mick, I feel encouraged and empowered to play as well as he does while also feeling free enough to include my own musical ideas. I trust his wisdom and I'm grateful to have his mentorship.”

Carrie Salisbury
Violist, teacher, creator of stringspop.com
President SMAC-LA, Los Angeles, CA