“Working with Elizabeth during my probation period was incredibly valuable.

Drawing on her years of experience with a 52-week orchestra, she helped me navigate everything from when and how to ask for feedback, to the nuances of complex professional relationships, to how to manage the intense workload so that I could bring my best self to the job. 

The most impactful part of working with Elizabeth, though, was her commitment to internal growth. I initially contacted Elizabeth hoping she would just help me pass my audition trial weeks, and then help me get tenure. It would be easy for a coach to focus entirely on the pragmatic, day-to-day work of holding down the job. But Elizabeth did not stop there. She encouraged me to examine everything about how I was relating to my job: my fears, distorted beliefs, mind-reading, and other ways my thoughts and beliefs were impacting my experience in the orchestra.

We did a lot of personal, emotional work, and I was surprised by how vulnerable I could be with Elizabeth. She encouraged openness the whole time, always without any pressure. I never felt judged, and always felt safe knowing that her only goal was to help me, even if it meant confronting some difficult issues.

Elizabeth’s priority throughout was to strengthen my own sense of how I wanted to navigate the process. She never gave me instructions to follow blindly; she always coached me to understand my own motivations and values, so I eventually felt at peace with my actions.

Even though there were times when all I wanted to talk about was intonation, or sending emails, or getting tenure, Elizabeth encouraged me to also work on rest, seeing my family and friends, and getting outdoors and enjoying myself. She advocated for my whole humanity in a way that I was not able to do, and I am so glad she did.

I cannot count the number of times I would freak out about playing something less than perfectly, and Elizabeth would help me put it into context. I learned how to have high standards for myself while also accepting that I am human. This isn't a very common message in professional classical music — and I was surprised that this more holistic approach actually helped me reach and sustain my highest level of artistry.

For me, the biggest challenge of my probation year was the uncertainty. Spending a full year not knowing the outcome of this process felt nearly unbearable, but my work with Elizabeth helped me feel more empowered. Yes, the outcome was out of my control, but she helped me see that I could have control over how I showed up every day. Together we set a clear goal: to be able to look back on that year and feel good about how I showed up, regardless of the tenure decision. Easier said than done, but it was the most healthy way I could have handled it. Having received tenure is just icing on the cake.

Sometimes high-achieving classical musicians can struggle to build a full life outside of their work, and Elizabeth helped me really take a stand for that. Most importantly, she encouraged me to do this during my probation. She repeatedly told me “Your probation is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to attend to your whole humanity in order to get through this.” Although this was challenging, it helped me internalize the importance of creating a well rounded life, even when it feels hard.

During my probation, I got connected with some friends who play bluegrass music, and discovered how much I love it. Elizabeth saw this and helped me make time for this new passion, which did wonders for me during that time. I’ve since gone to tons of jam sessions, made new friends, and bought a new guitar which brings me so much joy.

I am so proud that I stayed true to myself throughout my probation. So much was on the line, and it would have been easy to lose my bearings, or be unduly influenced by outside forces who might not have had my best interests in mind. Elizabeth helped anchor me in my own values over and over again. Although I desperately wanted to get tenure, I always strove to be authentic to myself, even when I was afraid I would fail.

If you’re a musician going through the tenure process, here’s what I want to say to you: You do not need to do this alone. Probation in an orchestra, or starting any new job for that matter, is difficult. It is completely normal and healthy to want help.

With Elizabeth you will find no better champion for who you want to be. She was my partner, and we made an amazing team. Her highest aim will be to empower you, and she will work with who you are — your unique gifts, challenges, opportunities, and idiosyncrasies. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

—Tenured Musician, major 52-week orchestra