Learn Cello your way with a TakeLessons expert

The cello is a beautiful instrument, capable of producing a wide range of sounds. In order to create such beautiful music, the cello must be crafted with care and precision. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the cello and some of its parts.  By understanding the different parts of the cello and how they work together, you'll have a greater appreciation for this instrument.  What Are the Main Parts of a Cello? A cello is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. I

In my last article we looked at jazz cello and some of the possibilities for our instrument in this style. First by imitating the sound of a native jazz instrument (double bass) and then expanding the jazz cello’s vocabulary, so to speak, by imitating artists like Fred Katz and Mark Summer. I emphasized a tiered approach to understanding the genre, first with harmonic and then melodic practice. With exposure to many styles, you can build your unique cello sound and learn to make good melodic m

As a beginner I often told myself I would know I am a really great cellist when I could play Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee at full speed. To my young ears, this simply had to be one of the hardest cello pieces with its high range, chromaticism, and famously fast tempo. As my musical career continued I worked on these and other skills to reach a point I could begin learning the piece confidently, and it was only a matter of time before I achieved my goal. Of course, this wasn’

The decision on whether to rent or purchase an instrument depends on so many things. This kind of decision is akin to purchasing a car with all of the same stress (and sometimes, even more!) I know that sounds scary initially and finding the right instrument, as well as deciding how to acquire it, is a nuisance. In this guide, we'll look at some of the pros and cons of renting a cello.  Some Initial Things to Consider When Choosing Between Renting a Cello & Buying a Cello Let's take a closer

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

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

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

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,

The Suzuki method, founded in 1945 by violinist Shinichi Suzuki as the Talent Education Movement, is one of the most enduring teaching methods, or pedagogies for young string players. Suzuki’s main goal for his music education system was to give students a “noble spirit,” which would instill respect and cooperation through his method. The method was brought to America in the 1960s by John D. Kendall, and today the Suzuki Association of the Americas instructs new teachers and studen

Practice is to a musician what training is to an athlete: it must occur regularly for the optimal condition to be achieved. Instead of going to the gym for our training, musicians practice at home ourselves, so it is very important to set up where you will practice purposefully. This article will help you design your cello practice space according to specific needs, and discuss how to use certain practice tools effectively. There are some compromises and alternatives for this equipment, but eve