Lights, Camera, Cello - An Interview with Cellist Nick Canellakis, Faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music

What if the thing that makes people laugh at your art is the same thing that makes them listen closer? That’s the tension—and the opportunity—at the heart of our conversation with cellist and filmmaker Nick Canellakis, whose viral sketches and serious performances are two sides of one craft. We dig into the roots: a musical family, early piano, and the moment the cello took hold. Then the parallel story: childhood home videos evolving into a full-fledged filmmaking habit, culminating in a Curtis holiday “skit night” that became a real short film. Nick walks us through his modern toolkit—single-camera iPhone shoots, simple mics, thoughtful coverage, and Adobe Premiere—to show how cinematic instincts can thrive without massive crews. The secret isn’t chasing trends; it’s writing what you know: the anxious, funny, fiercely devoted inner life of musicians. That creative momentum has reshaped his concertizing. Nick shares how a five-minute live sketch can prime an audience for Tchaikovsky or Dvorak without diluting the music’s weight. We talk about the Orlando Philharmonic collaboration, the balance between entertainment and excellence, and why he refuses to become “a comedian who plays cello.” The music leads, the comedy widens the door, and both raise the stakes for connection. We also explore his role on the Curtis Institute faculty and a fresh teaching model where students study with multiple mentors, including visits from artists like Gary Hoffman. It’s a system built for synthesis: different bowings, fingerings, and philosophies that invite players to own their choices and find their sound. Finally, Nick offers grounded advice for young musicians—swing bigger, don’t sell yourself short, and choose paths for love, not fear. If you’ve wondered how to blend passions without losing rigor, this one maps the territory. If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more musicians and creators can find it. For more information on Nick Canellakis: https://www.nicholascanellakis.com/biography You can also find Nick Canellakis on Instagram and Facebook: @nick.canellakis_cellist If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestral repertoire audition coachings, check out www.theCelloSherpa.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads & YouTube: @theCelloSherpa For more information on our sponsor: www.CLEAResources.com