Learn Cello your way with a TakeLessons expert

Tuning your cello correctly is one of the most important skills you will learn in early lessons. Learning the cello tuning notes and the correct methods for different rehearsal and performance settings will set you apart. Good intonation can be the deciding factor between an excellent performance and a disastrous one, but if your strings aren’t in tune then it is sure to be a disaster. Today, we will discuss the right way to tune your cello in different settings, and the different versions

Image Source / DigitalVision / Getty Images Many beginning musicians wonder, “Is cello hard to learn?” The process of learning the cello is not difficult, but it’s important to keep in mind that the cello is not an instrument of instant gratification. It does require focused, daily practice time and a good teacher to guide you along the way. How far you progress with cello is a direct result of the amount of quality time you put into practicing the instrument. Even someone who puts

At some point, your young cellist will grow out of their instrument. Growing out of an instrument is an awkward time for everyone involved and it is not something that happens suddenly. More often than not, finding that it is time to upgrade to a larger instrument is a slow realization that something is wrong in the musical force. If you can consult a professional, please do so! This decision is beneficial for the long run although it presents its own challenges upon the switch.  What Cell

This year musicians have been practicing alone at home more than rehearsing with each other. Even though COVID-19 stopped the multi-musician rehearsals and gigs, I know it is important to keep my technique under my fingers for when they do return. One way to keep up your practice routine while still remaining socially distant is to find cello solo sheet music, or pieces you can practice by yourself. Finding the Music Searching for music online has its pros and cons, as discussed in “Wher

The cello that we have today in orchestras, chamber ensembles, or on stage is not the same cello that our good friends, Bach or Handel once used. Although this evolution has not been incredibly drastic in the way that many other instruments have changed and evolved over the years. Visually, there are only slight differences between the baroque cello and the modern cello.  What Does "Baroque" Mean, Anyway? For those of us that are not familiar with the term Baroque and what that means rega

Learning to use the bow is the least intuitive part of playing the cello. Most beginners are afraid their bow will slide off the strings or they will drop it. I recommend practicing in front of a mirror so you can visually inspect your bow habits. This article cannot replace a teacher’s direct guidance in establishing a bow hold, but I hope to give you some basic advice to improve your current cello bow technique in two areas: the bow hold and the bow use. Cello Bow Hold To set up a good

Whenever I tell someone that I play cello they ask if I know that one cello song. Obviously the answer is yes and that piece is the Prelude of Bach’s first Cello Suite in G major. This piece is not the beginning nor is it the end of our repertoire but it is a bedrock. So, how do we get from learning your strings to playing Bach’s cello suites and beyond? Well, I have a few recommendations! What Books Do You Need to Get Started With Beginner Cello Music   Firstly, if you are playing

Christmas in 2020 calls for more subdued celebrations to reflect on the preceding year and feel gratitude for what we have. The cello’s deep sound is perfect for bringing listeners to a somber and reflective place, and these carols were selected just to highlight the resonant beauty of the instrument. These classic carols for cello will bring friends and family together to sing and reminisce, and the advice provided here will help you learn them in time for Christmas. All of the sheet musi

To become an excellent cellist takes practice, but becoming famous also takes luck. It is often said, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” History’s famous cello players show how true this is. When it comes to learning the cello, listening to professional cellists and studying their work is one of the best ways to eventually master this instrument. This is because there is a lot to learn from those who have succeeded before us.  To help inspire you and your musical journey,

Let’s face it - the world isn’t always set up to help people who are left handed! If you play the cello, you might be wondering, “can you play the cello left-handed”? The short answer to this question is…well, kind of. However, there are considerations you will need to make before deciding to play in the cello left hand position - or before going out to buy a left handed cello, for that matter.  First, what do we mean when we say “left handed”? Handedness is the sense tha