How to Begin to Play Cello

Featured in everything from film soundtracks to folk music, the sound of the cello is unmistakable -- and profoundly affecting. It may take courage, but you too can learn how to begin to play cello.

Introduction

The cello's captivating resonance can be deeply moving. Inspired by an artist like Yo-Yo Ma or enchanted with the Dvorak Concerto, you may have decided to try your own hand at the instrument. Getting started can be an exhilarating adventure.

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

(Creative Commons photo by Robin Zebrowski)

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
1. Too large
2. Too small
3. 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
1. The distance between strings, and
2. The distance from scroll to bridge.
Pluck the strings. Adjust the tension, and pluck once more.
Pick up your bow.
1. Practice holding it in different positions, seated and standing.
2. Apply rosin to it, noticing how it insinuates itself into the hairs.
3. 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.

Step 4: Get to Know Basic Theory

Before you start lessons, it is a good idea to gain familiarity with fundamentals of theory, such as

Time signatures
Bass and treble clefs
Note values (whole, half, quarter, etc.)
Scales
Dynamics

Step 5: Commit to Daily Practice

Sources agree that even as little as 20 minutes daily is far preferable to one hour four times per week. The development of muscle memory is also a factor. Constancy is key.

Conclusion

Learning to play the cello is sure to pay dividends for a lifetime. Quality instruction, a quality instrument, and regular practice will help you to progress at a healthy pace.