#205: This Podcast Is Changing. Here's Why.

Kathleen Costello joins That's Not Spit, It's Condensation as co-host. Kathleen has been principal clarinet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for 20 years, played with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra, and performs in a chamber trio. She's also the co-founder — with Ryan — of the coaching program behind this show.

In this episode we talk about where this podcast is headed: a resource for classical musicians preparing for professional orchestra auditions, and for anyone trying to perform well under pressure.

We share the four beliefs that will guide every episode from here:

1. The problem isn't you. The problem is your system.
2. Under pressure, your skill doesn't degrade. Your attention does.
3. Winning an audition is a question of committee trust — and they can't trust you if you don't trust yourself.
4. The goal isn't to win the audition. The goal is to become the person who can win the audition.

If you're taking auditions and want to understand what a committee is actually listening for, grab the free workbook: http://www.goldmethod.us/auditions

Ryan Beach spent 11 years as principal trumpet of the Alabama Symphony before leaving in February 2026 to coach musicians full time.

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