Cellist Yumi Kendall: On Becoming a More Positive (And Effective) Practicer

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Jun 1, 2025

Yumi Kendall, the assistant principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and a faculty member at the Curtis Institute, shares her journey of turning challenges into growth. She discusses effective practice techniques, the balance between personal responsibilities and musical goals, and the transformative power of positivity in overcoming performance anxiety. Yumi emphasizes self-compassion, identifies the impact of negative self-talk, and advocates for change in the music industry towards greater diversity and inclusion.

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ANECDOTE

Musical Childhood and Family Influence

Yumi Kendall shares vivid memories of music and nature growing up in a Suzuki-influenced family environment.
Family gatherings often included playing quartets and communal singing, fostering a deep musical connection from a young age.

INSIGHT

Effective Practice as Deliberate Focus

Effective practice involves deliberate focus and replicating successful techniques, not just repetition.
The concept of unit practice emphasizes stop, think, and play to solidify new skills efficiently.

ADVICE

Set Practical Practice Intentions

Practice intentions should be set based on immediate musical demands, focusing on new or upcoming repertoire first.
Efficient use of limited practice time is essential, especially when balancing family and career demands.

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Cellist Yumi Kendall has been the assistant principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2004, serves on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music, co-hosts the Tacet No More podcast with bassist Joseph Conyers, and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology program.

In this episode, we explore…

Yumi’s early musical influences
What effective practice really means (and looks like)
How Yumi balances competing demands and sets practice goals and intentions
When is something good enough, and it’s time to move on?
Biggest takeaways from her studies in the University of Pennsylvania’s positive psychology program
Self-compassion, positive teaching, overcoming negative self-talk
Identity and habit formation
Yumi’s experience with performance anxiety and how she learned to get past this in the early part of her career
Dealing with shaky bow
What change would she love to see in the music industry?

For the complete transcript and other notes and links, visit:

Cellist Yumi Kendall: On Becoming a More Positive (And Effective) Practicer

* * *
Have you been feeling a little stuck or stagnant in the practice room? Or has performance anxiety and the gap between practice and performance been a nagging issue that hasn’t changed, no matter how well you've prepared for performances, auditions - and even lessons?

If you’ve been wanting to experience more joy in the practice room and play more like yourself on stage, but haven’t been quite sure how to make that happen, starting July 22, 2025, I’ll be teaching a live, online, accelerated 2-week class on the most essential mental skills and practice strategies that can make a difference in your practicing and performing.

We’ll meet twice a week via Zoom and work on a series of exercises and techniques in four essential skill areas (effective practice, managing anxiety, focus, and confidence), together as a group. And to make sure the concepts become consistent habits, I'll show you how to gently integrate these new skills into your (or your students’) daily practice through bite-sized practice challenges alongside a supportive group of practice buddies from around the world.

Over 2000 musicians, educators, and students and learners of all ages have participated in the course to date. You can find out what alumni are saying, and sign up to join Cohort 24 at:

bulletproofmusician.com/essentials