-->
-
-
Related Mahalo Pages
How to Begin to Play Violin | How to Begin to Play Viola | How to Learn Piano Scales | How to Buy Concert Tickets | How to Become a Jazz Musician | How to Buy a Guitar | Electric Guitar | Bass Guitar | How to Read Guitar Tabs | How to Learn Piano Notes | How to Learn Piano Chords | How to Play Bass Guitar for Newbies | How to Play Guitar Chords | How to Play Flute for Beginners | How to Play Drums | How to Begin to Play Bassoon | How to Become a Classical Musician | How To Play Piano Videos | Acoustic Guitar | Guitar | How to Play Tuba for Beginners | Archtop Guitar
Categories
Managed By: daphneo
Managed Since: 06/05/2009
Views: 446
Money Earned: M$2.33
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
Managed Since: 06/05/2009
Views: 446
Money Earned: M$2.33
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
Recent Contributors
- View History
- Discuss on the Message Board
- Embed this Page
-
Share this page
-
-
-
Step 1: Find a Good Teacher
How-to-play CDs, videos and websites aside, sources agree there is no substitute for a quality cello teacher. Consult- Area music schools and conservatories.
- Music-oriented community websites
- Area universities or colleges
- Some schools may
- Have age or aptitude requirements.
- Offer financial aid or discounted lessons
- Offer group lessons
- Follow a semester schedule
- As always, consider
- Cost
- Convenience of location
- Schedule
-
Step 2: Find a Quality Instrument
- Even if you are only hoping to play simple pieces for yourself alone, there is no substitute for a quality instrument. Producing a quality sound, whether during exercises or advanced pieces, will help sustain your motivation to practice. And practice is key. You will want to consider
- New instruments
- Used instruments
- You will also want to take into account
- Cello maker
- Cello age and materials
- Size (half-size, 3/4-size, full size)
- Size of bow
- When you are shopping for an instrument, sources confirm it is best to try before you buy. If your teacher or someone who is knowledgeable about the cello can go along with you to visit the seller, so much the better.
- Sit down with the instrument, resting it against your knees and left breastbone
- Even if you are not entirely familiar with proper positioning, ask yourself if the instrument feels right. Does it feel
- Too large
- Too small
- Especially awkward against your body
- Keep in mind too that, unless your teacher comes to you, you will have to lift, carry, and transport the cello to and from lessons. If a smaller size will be more convenient, it may be a better choice.
-
-
Step 3: Get to Know Your Cello
- Once you have acquired a cello, let your fingers and your body become familiar with it:
- Rest it against your left breastbone and knees. Shift it around until it feels comfortable.
- Let your fingers feel the texture of the wood. Run them along the instrument from top to bottom. Your fingers will be doing a lot of the work of playing. In some ways, the cello becomes their playground. Understanding the terrain can be helpful.
- Run your fingers along the strings, experiencing the texture, gauging
- The distance between strings, and
- The distance from scroll to bridge.
- Pluck the strings. Adjust the tension, and pluck once more.
- Pick up your bow.
- Practice holding it in different positions, seated and standing.
- Apply rosin to it, noticing how it insinuates itself into the hairs.
- Practice moving the bow across the strings while sliding your left fingers along the fingerboard.
- Be careful! You will not want to damage the bow before you even get started with lessons.
-
