Got other questions not mentioned in this video? Pop them in the comments below, and I'll use them for a future video! (Also, sorry about the typo - "FIGNERBOARD"!! 😅)
I've just been saving up for a cello since 2020. In 2020, my mom saw a cello at an auction, I was drawn to it, but it just went too high for us. 3 years and I'm not even halfway to saving up the money I need. Based on my research, the cheapest decent starters are like around $1000 to buy(and that's not counting rosin, cleaning materials, case, and repertoire, just the instrument and the bow). And I don't really have a music instrument shop near me to rent from, so rent is basically a no go for me. But yeah, ever since I saw that cello, I've been crying cause I want to learn it so bad, but I don't have the money. Not only that, but listening to something like Bach's Cello Suite no. 5 in C minor even causes my chest to hurt from the emotion that's in me. I've taken this strong emotion and the chest pain upon hearing something I very much enjoy listening to as a sign that the cello is the right second instrument for me. I'm a pianist primarily and have gone through many trials of a second instrument, and the one that stuck the longest, the flute, it eventually unstuck, cause for a long time I couldn't find my flute at all after the move to a new house, so all that progress I had made in 2 months regarding embouchure, low register, staccato, it just was lost. But none of the instruments I tried before had like this strong emotional response and physical pain resulting from it in me that the cello does. And the thing is, cello music did not have this strong emotional effect on me before 2020, it was just something I enjoyed hearing, but didn't have a strong emotional attachment to, like pretty much everything else I've heard music-wise. Now, even just 1 note on solo cello and I'm immediately in a deeply emotional state. And that state lasts all the way to the last note and even a bit beyond that.
Rosin? I'm using Nyman's Bass Rosin. Due to my economic situation I have a very inexpensive 'cello and bow, so I need the extra power. The clear rosin that came with my instrument just wasn't working out. Nyman's was my rosin of choice during my lengthy career on double-bass, and it's even better with my 'cello. I am almost 78 years of age, and I started learning 'cello last December 2021. I am now playing confidently in area churches and para-church gatherings. I had the advantage, however, of being professionally experienced for many years in other bowed instruments. Thank you for this excellent video.
Inspiring. The cello is something I decided 4 days ago that I'd like to learn to play. I play guitar, mainly electric but my music reading skills are poor, but I know I can improve this. I was a leftie but injuries to my right wrist forced me to relearn the correct way!! I'm 63 and coming to the end of a BEng in Mechanical Engineering (again, I decided to do a degree just prior to starting it!). It won't be for a few months but I'm looking forward to a new challenge.
These are all really good suggestions. One basic question I have is: what is the correct way/ position to to actually hold the cello between my legs? I had kind of a rocky start with a teacher and I think I might have missed any instruction on this. I have found that I have a tendency to hold the cello closer to my left side (I am right handed if that makes a difference) and when I am done practicing for maybe 45 minutes, I have a lot of pain in my back on the right side.
Spot on, as usual, my friend! Now, how about a discussion on cello size? Not every adult is built to play a large cello, and with so many good makers offering fine 7/8 and even 3/4 size cellos, many options have come open. Moving from "AdultCello" to "GeriatricCello": because of arthritis issues in hips and hands, I've downsized to a wonderful 3/4 Jay Haide. It's not a "transitional" instrument by any means. I'm playing in comfort, the extensions are much more doable, and I'm really enjoying the big, rich sound. I'd love to have your opinion! Best wishes!
I've always felt my cello is a bit too big. I've went to a luthier and they basically said as long as I can hit the notes it's fine, and that it's more important to get the full size because they make the best sound. but I'm with you! more options are coming along that have a great sound.
@@jnsn_paint I think that there's a little bit of mythic thinking that everybody "progresses" eventually to a full-size instrument. I guess a lot would depend on the instrument, and for what purpose you're going to use it. I'm a retired orchestra conductor, and I'm not planning on appearing on stage in a recital setting or even playing with an orchestra. I do play in a decent string quartet (mostly at weddings and receptions), but mostly for my own pleasure. Bottom line? For my money, the quality of the sound is much more important than the size of the instrument! Enjoy!
Yes please. I am an adult beginner, although I play other instruments. But now I’m middle age I’m picking up a variety of interesting health issues. I’m absolutely not in the market for exacerbating those and that includes attempting to over stretch. Consequently I’m using 7/8 at the moment. Possibly in the future I might look for a full size with a short reach. But this thing seems fine for now. What I really want to replace is the bow whip really think has problems beyond my skill issues.
So.. My husband knew I always wanted to learn the cello. He bought me one for Christmas ( in haste) then afterwards- went on ur recommendation to go with shar music . It came today - without the bridge attached- did so- tighten the strings- applied Rosen- stil cannot get a sound ( but on the amazon cello it worked) please help me out from ground zero- am excited to sign up with u!
Hi there! Just wanna say that your videos are awesome, your explanations are so clear! I started cello one year ago at 30 years old because I decided to finally go for my dream and I am so happy I did! I bought a cello a few weeks back and it was such a booster in my motivation. Now I need to practice more regularly, but I sense progress and the journey itself is so enjoyable. Cheers from France!
Cleaning under the fingerboard on a Cello is refreshing compared to doing that in a Violin! I agree that the fingerboard tape markers are a good idea, and I bought one of those with my Cello (Otto Musica 540), but I have not put the markers on the instrument yet, because it feels to me a bit like the "cone of shame" for a dog. In any case, my violin playing has helped my ears such that I can tell where the notes need to be (and I practice while watching a Peterson strobe Tuner), I just need to program my hands to remember that. PRACTICE... Yeah, I will persist!
I brought an arrangement of Greensleeves to like my second or third lesson and my teacher was like "Yeah, let's do it." So I was only like 1.5 months in when I started shifting haha. I am around 2.5 months in now and it is sounding pretty good! I want to see if the shop I'm renting from can get me a slightly better one to rent (the one they gave me is like the low of the low, which I understand because they typically rent to school kids for school music programs) but I don't know how much of the eh is me and how much is the cello. I've gotten kind of attached though 😅
A few Qs: How much does your 30 day course cost? I noticed the first lesson is free, but I don’t see a full price. Also, I have no interest in playing professionally, I just want to play for enjoyment. Would you say your course would give me the adequate basics to be able to go on from there on my own? Because I don’t really have the time nor the money for lessons (I’m in college).I taught myself the piano via TH-cam, but cello really doesn’t have large amount of content out there (for free), so I want something to teach me everything I need to know (at a reasonable price) that also gives me the tools to be able to use the knowledge gained in place of lessons. I got a cello a year ago, then kinds fell off (although I learned the very basics) and I just want to get back into it.
Hi S.P. - Cello in 30 Days will be open for enrollment in just a few weeks. I would encourage you to sign up here to be notified of the details: www.adultcello.com/lesson-en I'll also be teaching a free intensive Adult Cello Challenge on the bow hold starting Oct. 21st. Again, if you're on my email list, you'll get an invite into the facebook group where the live lessons will take place. You'll also receive a special offer to enroll in Cello in 30 with bonuses and payment plan options. I would say that my course is ideal for where you are right now. The core of the course is thirty 30-40 minute sequential step-by-step lessons that I've designed to provide just the right amount of info (in the right order) during each lesson. Each lesson builds upon the last so that by the end of the 30 lessons, you'll have made a ton of progress. I also hold live monthly masterclasses via Zoom for all the students to come together, and you'll have the option to play for me for feedback or ask any questions you might have re learning cello. Hope that helps!
I have an odd question - could a person modify playing the cello by switching hands? As in, play the notes with the right and do the bow with the left? Background to odd question: I have wanted to play the cello since I was a teen. I played the piano reasonably well (I was in competitions as a child) and I played the flute in our local youth symphony. Due to benign tumors in my left arm that required multiple surgeries over the years and required the removal of entire muscles, as well as messing up my ulnar nerve a bit, I haven't been able to play those instruments since I was 20. In 2022 I had two more surgeries, which will *hopefully* be my last. I can move my fingers and hand well enough to (possibly) hold a bow but certainly not much more. However, my right is perfectly able. So, any chance I might be able to play a cello or is it a no go and a pipe dream?
Did you ever give this a try? If not, I hope you will! While it's certainly non-traditional to play the cello with your hands switched, I don't see why it couldn't work with some adjustments. Shifting into higher positions might be trickier, since you'd now be reaching across the cello to play on the A string, but I bet it could still be done.
Hi Billy , im 68 yrs old and have become interested in learning cello, but i injured my left hand yrs ago and my 3rd finger tip doesn't bend anymore, do you think i would be able to still learn to play ? Thx
Of course you can! Some fingerings will not be possible for you and you're going to need to have a slightly unorthodox left hand technique and fingerings, but it can work for sure! Just get a good teacher who will be able to help you learn how to play and work around your injury. As inspiration, he might not be a cellist, but you should look up Django Reinhardt. his hand got severely burnt when he was young and he ended up with only two dexterous fingers on his left hand (index and middle) and that didn't stop him from becoming one of the, if not the greatest jazz guitarist ever!
Great helpful information. Realistically how much can a 50+ student achieve? i know this is a difficult question to answer however i would like to hear your strategy on this. No music skills at beginning of process.
Jeana I just started in mid forties. I did have musical skills before. I got a celin July, in October ( now) I’m going to an adult restarted community orchestra and playing nearly half the music. Because cello is part of a section you don’t have to play it all immediately and can work up to it. I think your biggest barrier will be learning music, but there a millions of resources to help and lots of it is free. From purely the instrument perspective, a few months work and being able to play a full chromatic scale, comfortable in first position and beginning to explore the others and you’ll be good to join in with community level groups….assuming not playing everything won’t stress you out. It’s the music reading and understanding that will slow you down. Personally I’d treat them as two things, don’t get cello mechanics mixed up with music. Or you’ll feel you can’t do either. Try and keep a handle on which of the two is messing with you on any given day. As soon as possible try to play with at least one other person, it speeds progress like you wouldn’t believe. But totally go for it, there’s a whole of fun and friends out there for the taking and learning an instrument is a great way in.
I feel like my hands are too small/not flexible enough! I have a full size cello and I’ve never thought I had small hands (they’re 18cm from the wrist to tip of my middle finger, and my pinky is 6cm, ring and pointer 7cm, middle 8cm) but I just can’t figure out how to get my hands to comfortably reach properly! Is there anything I can do to make it easier?
If you're still a beginner know that they'll stretch out over time. Plenty of people have had that same thought so you're not alone. Also sometimes people with smaller hands will just need to find different fingerings. If all this still doesn't wok then maybe consider a smaller cello.
Just to pipe in months later, my fingers are a little shorter than yours and I played cello for 13 years (just getting back into it recently), so it's definitely doable! But the suggestion of a smaller cello is also a great one, if you're still struggling.
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Got other questions not mentioned in this video? Pop them in the comments below, and I'll use them for a future video! (Also, sorry about the typo - "FIGNERBOARD"!! 😅)
Enjoyed all of the tips. However, I could not catch the name of the shifting book that you recommended. I do not see a link. Can you share one please?
I've just been saving up for a cello since 2020. In 2020, my mom saw a cello at an auction, I was drawn to it, but it just went too high for us. 3 years and I'm not even halfway to saving up the money I need. Based on my research, the cheapest decent starters are like around $1000 to buy(and that's not counting rosin, cleaning materials, case, and repertoire, just the instrument and the bow). And I don't really have a music instrument shop near me to rent from, so rent is basically a no go for me.
But yeah, ever since I saw that cello, I've been crying cause I want to learn it so bad, but I don't have the money. Not only that, but listening to something like Bach's Cello Suite no. 5 in C minor even causes my chest to hurt from the emotion that's in me. I've taken this strong emotion and the chest pain upon hearing something I very much enjoy listening to as a sign that the cello is the right second instrument for me. I'm a pianist primarily and have gone through many trials of a second instrument, and the one that stuck the longest, the flute, it eventually unstuck, cause for a long time I couldn't find my flute at all after the move to a new house, so all that progress I had made in 2 months regarding embouchure, low register, staccato, it just was lost.
But none of the instruments I tried before had like this strong emotional response and physical pain resulting from it in me that the cello does. And the thing is, cello music did not have this strong emotional effect on me before 2020, it was just something I enjoyed hearing, but didn't have a strong emotional attachment to, like pretty much everything else I've heard music-wise. Now, even just 1 note on solo cello and I'm immediately in a deeply emotional state. And that state lasts all the way to the last note and even a bit beyond that.
Rosin? I'm using Nyman's Bass Rosin. Due to my economic situation I have a very inexpensive 'cello and bow, so I need the extra power. The clear rosin that came with my instrument just wasn't working out. Nyman's was my rosin of choice during my lengthy career on double-bass, and it's even better with my 'cello. I am almost 78 years of age, and I started learning 'cello last December 2021. I am now playing confidently in area churches and para-church gatherings. I had the advantage, however, of being professionally experienced for many years in other bowed instruments. Thank you for this excellent video.
Lot of players say that bass rosin is too sticky for cello playing. Do you think it’s mostly a matter or being used to it?
Inspiring. The cello is something I decided 4 days ago that I'd like to learn to play. I play guitar, mainly electric but my music reading skills are poor, but I know I can improve this. I was a leftie but injuries to my right wrist forced me to relearn the correct way!! I'm 63 and coming to the end of a BEng in Mechanical Engineering (again, I decided to do a degree just prior to starting it!). It won't be for a few months but I'm looking forward to a new challenge.
These are all really good suggestions. One basic question I have is: what is the correct way/ position to to actually hold the cello between my legs? I had kind of a rocky start with a teacher and I think I might have missed any instruction on this. I have found that I have a tendency to hold the cello closer to my left side (I am right handed if that makes a difference) and when I am done practicing for maybe 45 minutes, I have a lot of pain in my back on the right side.
Thanks Billy, I always value your input/teaching! Much appreciated.😊
Spot on, as usual, my friend! Now, how about a discussion on cello size? Not every adult is built to play a large cello, and with so many good makers offering fine 7/8 and even 3/4 size cellos, many options have come open. Moving from "AdultCello" to "GeriatricCello": because of arthritis issues in hips and hands, I've downsized to a wonderful 3/4 Jay Haide. It's not a "transitional" instrument by any means. I'm playing in comfort, the extensions are much more doable, and I'm really enjoying the big, rich sound. I'd love to have your opinion! Best wishes!
I've always felt my cello is a bit too big. I've went to a luthier and they basically said as long as I can hit the notes it's fine, and that it's more important to get the full size because they make the best sound.
but I'm with you! more options are coming along that have a great sound.
@@jnsn_paint I think that there's a little bit of mythic thinking that everybody "progresses" eventually to a full-size instrument. I guess a lot would depend on the instrument, and for what purpose you're going to use it. I'm a retired orchestra conductor, and I'm not planning on appearing on stage in a recital setting or even playing with an orchestra. I do play in a decent string quartet (mostly at weddings and receptions), but mostly for my own pleasure. Bottom line? For my money, the quality of the sound is much more important than the size of the instrument! Enjoy!
Yes please. I am an adult beginner, although I play other instruments. But now I’m middle age I’m picking up a variety of interesting health issues. I’m absolutely not in the market for exacerbating those and that includes attempting to over stretch. Consequently I’m using 7/8 at the moment. Possibly in the future I might look for a full size with a short reach. But this thing seems fine for now. What I really want to replace is the bow whip really think has problems beyond my skill issues.
Re: goals. Dream big! Set realistic steps to get there.
So..
My husband knew I always wanted to learn the cello. He bought me one for Christmas ( in haste) then afterwards- went on ur recommendation to go with shar music . It came today - without the bridge attached- did so- tighten the strings- applied Rosen- stil cannot get a sound ( but on the amazon cello it worked) please help me out from ground zero- am excited to sign up with u!
Hi there! Just wanna say that your videos are awesome, your explanations are so clear! I started cello one year ago at 30 years old because I decided to finally go for my dream and I am so happy I did! I bought a cello a few weeks back and it was such a booster in my motivation. Now I need to practice more regularly, but I sense progress and the journey itself is so enjoyable. Cheers from France!
Cleaning under the fingerboard on a Cello is refreshing compared to doing that in a Violin!
I agree that the fingerboard tape markers are a good idea, and I bought one of those with my Cello (Otto Musica 540), but I have not put the markers on the instrument yet, because it feels to me a bit like the "cone of shame" for a dog.
In any case, my violin playing has helped my ears such that I can tell where the notes need to be (and I practice while watching a Peterson strobe Tuner), I just need to program my hands to remember that.
PRACTICE...
Yeah, I will persist!
I brought an arrangement of Greensleeves to like my second or third lesson and my teacher was like "Yeah, let's do it." So I was only like 1.5 months in when I started shifting haha. I am around 2.5 months in now and it is sounding pretty good!
I want to see if the shop I'm renting from can get me a slightly better one to rent (the one they gave me is like the low of the low, which I understand because they typically rent to school kids for school music programs) but I don't know how much of the eh is me and how much is the cello. I've gotten kind of attached though 😅
Love the metal sponge never heard of that before, looks handy.
I'm glad I've found this,
Great vid thanks!
Can you recommend left hand finger exercise for beginners
you can actually buy fretboard things marked with notes. however i dont know how well they work.
A few Qs:
How much does your 30 day course cost? I noticed the first lesson is free, but I don’t see a full price.
Also, I have no interest in playing professionally, I just want to play for enjoyment. Would you say your course would give me the adequate basics to be able to go on from there on my own? Because I don’t really have the time nor the money for lessons (I’m in college).I taught myself the piano via TH-cam, but cello really doesn’t have large amount of content out there (for free), so I want something to teach me everything I need to know (at a reasonable price) that also gives me the tools to be able to use the knowledge gained in place of lessons.
I got a cello a year ago, then kinds fell off (although I learned the very basics) and I just want to get back into it.
Hi S.P. - Cello in 30 Days will be open for enrollment in just a few weeks. I would encourage you to sign up here to be notified of the details: www.adultcello.com/lesson-en
I'll also be teaching a free intensive Adult Cello Challenge on the bow hold starting Oct. 21st. Again, if you're on my email list, you'll get an invite into the facebook group where the live lessons will take place. You'll also receive a special offer to enroll in Cello in 30 with bonuses and payment plan options.
I would say that my course is ideal for where you are right now. The core of the course is thirty 30-40 minute sequential step-by-step lessons that I've designed to provide just the right amount of info (in the right order) during each lesson. Each lesson builds upon the last so that by the end of the 30 lessons, you'll have made a ton of progress.
I also hold live monthly masterclasses via Zoom for all the students to come together, and you'll have the option to play for me for feedback or ask any questions you might have re learning cello.
Hope that helps!
I finally got a nice sound at the base of the bow- but as it goes to the end of the bow-ack,,..
26:27 book for shifting
I have an odd question - could a person modify playing the cello by switching hands? As in, play the notes with the right and do the bow with the left?
Background to odd question: I have wanted to play the cello since I was a teen. I played the piano reasonably well (I was in competitions as a child) and I played the flute in our local youth symphony. Due to benign tumors in my left arm that required multiple surgeries over the years and required the removal of entire muscles, as well as messing up my ulnar nerve a bit, I haven't been able to play those instruments since I was 20. In 2022 I had two more surgeries, which will *hopefully* be my last. I can move my fingers and hand well enough to (possibly) hold a bow but certainly not much more. However, my right is perfectly able. So, any chance I might be able to play a cello or is it a no go and a pipe dream?
Did you ever give this a try? If not, I hope you will! While it's certainly non-traditional to play the cello with your hands switched, I don't see why it couldn't work with some adjustments. Shifting into higher positions might be trickier, since you'd now be reaching across the cello to play on the A string, but I bet it could still be done.
Charlie Chaplin was a cellist who played a cello modified to play reversed.
Hi Billy , im 68 yrs old and have become interested in learning cello, but i injured my left hand yrs ago and my 3rd finger tip doesn't bend anymore, do you think i would be able to still learn to play ? Thx
Of course you can! Some fingerings will not be possible for you and you're going to need to have a slightly unorthodox left hand technique and fingerings, but it can work for sure! Just get a good teacher who will be able to help you learn how to play and work around your injury.
As inspiration, he might not be a cellist, but you should look up Django Reinhardt. his hand got severely burnt when he was young and he ended up with only two dexterous fingers on his left hand (index and middle) and that didn't stop him from becoming one of the, if not the greatest jazz guitarist ever!
So, I shouldn't be too worried about missing the top inch of my left thumb?
I want to know how long to have the spike. I am a woman and bought a 4/4 andnhow to sit
Great helpful information. Realistically how much can a 50+ student achieve? i know this is a difficult question to answer however i would like to hear your strategy on this. No music skills at beginning of process.
Jeana I just started in mid forties. I did have musical skills before. I got a celin July, in October ( now) I’m going to an adult restarted community orchestra and playing nearly half the music. Because cello is part of a section you don’t have to play it all immediately and can work up to it. I think your biggest barrier will be learning music, but there a millions of resources to help and lots of it is free. From purely the instrument perspective, a few months work and being able to play a full chromatic scale, comfortable in first position and beginning to explore the others and you’ll be good to join in with community level groups….assuming not playing everything won’t stress you out. It’s the music reading and understanding that will slow you down.
Personally I’d treat them as two things, don’t get cello mechanics mixed up with music. Or you’ll feel you can’t do either. Try and keep a handle on which of the two is messing with you on any given day.
As soon as possible try to play with at least one other person, it speeds progress like you wouldn’t believe.
But totally go for it, there’s a whole of fun and friends out there for the taking and learning an instrument is a great way in.
Good grief, auto correct did a number on that reply! Hope you can make sense of it.
I feel like my hands are too small/not flexible enough! I have a full size cello and I’ve never thought I had small hands (they’re 18cm from the wrist to tip of my middle finger, and my pinky is 6cm, ring and pointer 7cm, middle 8cm) but I just can’t figure out how to get my hands to comfortably reach properly! Is there anything I can do to make it easier?
Try a smaller cello.
If you're still a beginner know that they'll stretch out over time. Plenty of people have had that same thought so you're not alone. Also sometimes people with smaller hands will just need to find different fingerings. If all this still doesn't wok then maybe consider a smaller cello.
Just to pipe in months later, my fingers are a little shorter than yours and I played cello for 13 years (just getting back into it recently), so it's definitely doable! But the suggestion of a smaller cello is also a great one, if you're still struggling.
How position should an adult plus size women with 155cm? Do I need to see A string from my position?