Ralph Kirschbaum's family was musical: His father was a professional violinist and conductor, his mother a harpist, and his brothers and sisters were a violinist, a violist, and a pianist. Kirschbaum decided on cello and had his first lessons on the instrument from his father. At age 11, he began three years of study with Roberta Gustafeste then went to study with Lev Aronson, a teacher of renown who was the principal cellist of the Dallas Symphony and also was the teacher of Lynn Harrell. When Kirschbaum turned 18, Aronson recommended that he study with the great Gregor Piati...