Word of advice for all viewers, is pushing through frustration Is key to success, because frustration happens even for professionals,,intermediates and beginners....
I am left handed. All the vids I have seen the player is right handed. Would I have to learn to bow with my right hand ? If I can bow with my left, do the strings have to be reversed ?
My husband gifted me my first cello for Christmas this year.... wow, a huge surprise, as it has been a long held dream since I graduated with my music degree many years ago.... I am now 64! My music training was primarily in voice and piano. So.... I have no formal training in stringed instruments other than a fast semester covering very basic things in college.... but enough to know I loved the cello! So.... I am beginning. Thank you for posting these tips. I am hopeful that I will learn to play, but indeed agree with you that I must keep it fun!
I've been wanting to get back into playing the cello played for 4years, and haven't touched it in 5. Oh boy was it discouraging hearing how bad I am now lol, but I'm gonna keep on practicing and hopefully become as good as I once was.
Don't worry, I've been playing cello 12 years. Then let down for 6 years. Now when I make a sound it's sounds like a person who touch cello for the first time. That is soooo disappointing.. And sooo normal. I have to practice a lot to recover a little the habits I've lost. But I think about the day I'll make it and play my absolute favorite music ..I'm sure It's worth the effort Keep going, you'll be proud of yourself and enjoy Love from france💕
I'm 58 and am wanting to start my passion for Cello.So glad to find you! I think the cello is the most beautiful sounding instrament ! I know I will be late learning,but I can't wait!
Have just got a Cello last week at 54 years of age. No idea how to play it, and lockdown due to coronavirus makes getting access to a teacher problematic, but I’m determined to learn it and I’m very grateful for your making and my finding your videos.
From my experience with the violin I always worry about tuning. My first stringed instrument was the guitar and, even though keeping it in tune is still important, memorizing a chord wrong or something like that was a long shot cuz of the frets. Since the cello and violin are fretless I constantly worry that I'm going to memorize my positions wrong so I check the tuning fairly regularly. The point I'm trying to make with my little rant is that when you're just getting started with memorizing the positions and all that, I think it's incredibly important to keep your cello as in tune as possible all the time. Since no one mentioned this I just wanted to throw it out there.
Thank you so much for the advices! My biggest struggle is managing frustration and I guess setting the right expectations. I've only been playing the cello for the last year and a half as an adult and while my teacher (who I think is really awesome!) keeps telling me I'm progressing properly or even fast, I don't seem to see it. Results take forever to show and I'm 42 years old. I guess deep within I don't believe I'll ever be able to develop the technique I dream of. But hey, I'll keep trying! Sorry for the tone; I didn't mean to sound melodramatic... It's just that it always amazes me that some people, like yourself, do develop that technique over time and I wonder if they ever felt this way and how they dealt with their own fears and frustration. I'm known to quit things when they get too difficult and hope that won't happen with the cello. It's been my dream for decades.
Hi David! Thanks for your note. I am around your age and I have been doing this for many many years. I have been trained to be a professional since I was nine years old. So you can’t expect to have the same technique as a professional in just one year. The most important thing is to be kind to yourself, and also celebrate your process, and enjoy your time with the instrument. That is the most important thing. And you also have to believe in yourself, and trust that your body will eventually get it if you allow it to do its work. I have been there. Trying harder doesn’t make you sound better. It’s a process of self discovery that is going to lead you to where you wanna be. Enjoy and if you are interested in getting some feedback, I am available. Please email me, you can find my email information in the description.
This is very solid advice. I'm an electric guitar player and this all applies. I've been tossing around wanting to learn cello for a few years and have come to the full realization recently that I truly do indeed want to learn it (love me stringed instruments 😇). Very glad to have come across your TH-cam channel! 😊
Yesterday, I had a regional orchestra competition and while I was waiting for my audition time, I switched instruments with my friends. It was so fun to be able to experiment and put my skills to the test. I already play violin and I’ve wanted to play the cello for a while. Maybe I’ll convince my parents to buy me one..
I started learning cello in 6th grade when I started middle school, best disition ever! A lot of my friends dropped out because they didn’t like it but I personally love progressing and getting better. Learning in school is great because it kinda forces you to play everyday and you have to keep up with the class. I can’t wait to play in high school!
I know this comment is late, but I thought I'd share my experience, too. I'm a beginner cellist (as are many of the people here ofc). I've been taking lessons on and off for the past three or four years. I've been learning how to play while also learning how to read music. I've found a teacher that lives and teaches in my city. My mom just bought me a cello for Christmas this past year and I had my first performance (Canon in D, not too impressive) and there was another beginner cellist with me. I love my cello, I love learning it and playing it and listening to other people play amazing songs. I'm not a music major. I plan on majoring in English or film studies or something like that as a professional career. But, I'd love to join an orchestra or quartet or quintet, or even just being a duo or soloist performer. I'm going to be taking lessons, possibly starting at the end of the month and I can't wait to be better. Thank you for the tips.
Yh I played for 5 years and only became Grade 2 years ago. I quitted last year because I don't plan on doijg anything musical in the future and playing was no longer my hobby. I'm only doing it again cause I remembered how much playing music on an instrument makes me happy and warm inside and also because I'll be doing it for an exam. My goal is to become grade 2 by next year cause I'll be practicing twice a week
I came here by chance...but holy shit!! These tips are really interesting and helpful also for me as a singer (reframing a couple of terms of course). Great job!! Then you play so well, you look so well and it feels very relaxing to hear your voice! All the best for you Wendy!
What a beautiful cello! This just popped up. I have been playing the cello for about 8 years. And it's a great instrument to learn :) just stay motivated it's so worth it
Thank you so much! Your vids are great and full of very helpful advices. I’m learning cello for a few month now ( I’m 45 years old) and also play different instruments like drums or guitar, but the cello is by far the most beautiful and complex. I love it. 🧡 Would love to see a closeup video of your left hand from different angels, while playing „Beahms cello sonate no1 in E minor“ for ex.
I didn't get to play for 3 years after I moved countries (I didn't own the cello it was my high schools) and yesterday I finally got a cello, so now binging vids on tips 😂
I have been playing cello less than a month by now, but my teacher said I am really talented, I almost finished my Szuki number 1 and 170 foundation schroeder number 8 :)
Hi, Thank you for that precious video, I have a quick question pls, I have an injury that can effects my setting for a long! And in love with Cello wanna learn how to play it , do you recomend me to learn, or playing Cello needs a perfect healthy body?
Hi I would like know the distance from the Nut (neck) for the first position for all the strings or how to find the first position for all four strings Awaiting your reply sayee
@@WendyLaw great! i can play twinkle twinkle little star even tough not that smooth XD . But i'm still struggling with my posture and sitting position :(
I feel that ,, the tint on the first and the second really are different given the material used, solid sold wood for the last? What is the best? wood?
I am charles from India, the videos are really worth it and very useful for the beginners as well. I am 6 months old cellist . is there any possibilities to post some thing on improving vibrato ? to be frank & honest - its quiet tough for me ...... Thanks in advance & keep posting please !!!!
For an ABSOLUTE novice, and just having picked up my rented cello today, it's all so confusing. I'm arranging to find a teacher in my area. It seems rather overwhelming. I'm am looking forward to learning so bad!
Saying this as a bassist (new to cello myself) but pretty universally for the bowed strings you want the bow perpendicular to the strings. Getting a mirror in front of you can help with this since looking down it’s harder to see the straightness of your bow vs. looking ahead into the mirror as if you were seeing someone else playing. Long bows and focusing on a straight bow is how I’m addressing it on cello, same as my teacher had me do over and over (it’s still my warmup all these years later - long bows are so useful, at a normal volume play frog to tip and tip to frog for as long as you can hold each note while focusing on that nice straight bow across the string)
Ive always wanted to lurn to play this instrument i tried in school and was apparently great at doing the physical motions but i couldn't read the sheets and i don't own one at home because my mom told me i quit once I'll just do it again so over colledge i may get my own but i don't know should i. And any tips for reading the sheet music would help greatly
thanks for this. Great tips. I am 53, just started. I am struggling with the D string and when I upbow and downbow, I seem to hit the G string. Any tips?
I know its annoying to hear but really just practice. I have played for a few years and used to have the same problem. Eventually you will start to hit the right string naturally. Good luck!
I think i need to adopt the practice eveeyday model even if its 15min. I do 3 to 4 times a week atm. Are there any songs that beginninger can aim for to have a meduim term goal to hit. I know it would help but i have no idea how to pick one for my lvl.
Do you need to have long fingers or big hands to play cello? I have smaller hands--even compared to most women I know. I play violin ok, but cello is huge. Should I just say, "my hands are too shrimpy for that instrument"?
I planning to buy a cello and begin to take a lessons on September or October. May I know , what size that fit to me. My heights is about 155cm. Because I want to buy from online music store, so I really don't have any idea. Please suggest what size should I chose. Can I do full size? Or 3/4?
I just purchased a 7/8 cello. It has made a big difference in my playing. When in the shop, my teacher had me play a piece I was struggling with. She grinned - "That's the first time you've played that in tune."
🌟Learn about the Cello Mastery Academy here: www.wendylaw.com/links
I'm a 52 year-old student, who got frustrated and put my cello away for 3 months. Thank you, Wendy for re-inspiring me to pick up my cello again. :-)
I am so happy to hear that the videos are helpful! :)
Is it for sale
Word of advice for all viewers, is pushing through frustration Is key to success, because frustration happens even for professionals,,intermediates and beginners....
... Don't worry Carrie! I'm a 68 and I'm learning to play cello -if we are in love with something things become into easier :-)
I am left handed. All the vids I have seen the player is right handed. Would I have to learn to bow with my right hand ? If I can bow with my left, do the strings have to be reversed ?
I started learning cello 5 days ago, I'm already a violinist and a pianist so that definitely helps a little. :)
I am so happy to hear that you found a video helpful. You can join our practice challenge
Your videos are so helpful thank you for what you do
Me too! I started 3 days ago, and I’m a violinist, pianist, and a vocalist lol.
Almost same I don't play piano and I started 2 days ago
Operas Angel ㅡㅡ.
My husband gifted me my first cello for Christmas this year.... wow, a huge surprise, as it has been a long held dream since I graduated with my music degree many years ago.... I am now 64! My music training was primarily in voice and piano. So.... I have no formal training in stringed instruments other than a fast semester covering very basic things in college.... but enough to know I loved the cello! So.... I am beginning. Thank you for posting these tips. I am hopeful that I will learn to play, but indeed agree with you that I must keep it fun!
Yes have fun with your cello Amy! Thanks for stopping by!
I've been wanting to get back into playing the cello played for 4years, and haven't touched it in 5. Oh boy was it discouraging hearing how bad I am now lol, but I'm gonna keep on practicing and hopefully become as good as I once was.
Don't wait any longer to get back to your passion. I am happy to help. Please email me cellolesson@wendylaw.com.
Don't worry, I've been playing cello 12 years. Then let down for 6 years.
Now when I make a sound it's sounds like a person who touch cello for the first time. That is soooo disappointing.. And sooo normal. I have to practice a lot to recover a little the habits I've lost.
But I think about the day I'll make it and play my absolute favorite music
..I'm sure It's worth the effort
Keep going, you'll be proud of yourself and enjoy
Love from france💕
Wendy your a breath of fresh air, bright, breezy and a great communicator. Love ur channel.
Yes, this is very good for beginners. More please on scales and practice for beginners.
I'm 58 and am wanting to start my passion for Cello.So glad to find you! I think the cello is the most beautiful sounding instrament ! I know I will be late learning,but I can't wait!
Never never too late to learn the cello!!
Have just got a Cello last week at 54 years of age. No idea how to play it, and lockdown due to coronavirus makes getting access to a teacher problematic, but I’m determined to learn it and I’m very grateful for your making and my finding your videos.
From my experience with the violin I always worry about tuning. My first stringed instrument was the guitar and, even though keeping it in tune is still important, memorizing a chord wrong or something like that was a long shot cuz of the frets. Since the cello and violin are fretless I constantly worry that I'm going to memorize my positions wrong so I check the tuning fairly regularly. The point I'm trying to make with my little rant is that when you're just getting started with memorizing the positions and all that, I think it's incredibly important to keep your cello as in tune as possible all the time. Since no one mentioned this I just wanted to throw it out there.
Thank you so much for the advices! My biggest struggle is managing frustration and I guess setting the right expectations. I've only been playing the cello for the last year and a half as an adult and while my teacher (who I think is really awesome!) keeps telling me I'm progressing properly or even fast, I don't seem to see it. Results take forever to show and I'm 42 years old. I guess deep within I don't believe I'll ever be able to develop the technique I dream of. But hey, I'll keep trying! Sorry for the tone; I didn't mean to sound melodramatic... It's just that it always amazes me that some people, like yourself, do develop that technique over time and I wonder if they ever felt this way and how they dealt with their own fears and frustration. I'm known to quit things when they get too difficult and hope that won't happen with the cello. It's been my dream for decades.
Hi David! Thanks for your note. I am around your age and I have been doing this for many many years. I have been trained to be a professional since I was nine years old. So you can’t expect to have the same technique as a professional in just one year. The most important thing is to be kind to yourself, and also celebrate your process, and enjoy your time with the instrument. That is the most important thing. And you also have to believe in yourself, and trust that your body will eventually get it if you allow it to do its work. I have been there. Trying harder doesn’t make you sound better. It’s a process of self discovery that is going to lead you to where you wanna be. Enjoy and if you are interested in getting some feedback, I am available. Please email me, you can find my email information in the description.
Thanks for your wonderful videos! I'd love to see the detailed hand shape video you talked about.
This is very solid advice. I'm an electric guitar player and this all applies. I've been tossing around wanting to learn cello for a few years and have come to the full realization recently that I truly do indeed want to learn it (love me stringed instruments 😇). Very glad to have come across your TH-cam channel! 😊
Yesterday, I had a regional orchestra competition and while I was waiting for my audition time, I switched instruments with my friends. It was so fun to be able to experiment and put my skills to the test. I already play violin and I’ve wanted to play the cello for a while. Maybe I’ll convince my parents to buy me one..
Wonderful, I play organ and just love the cello
I started learning cello in 6th grade when I started middle school, best disition ever! A lot of my friends dropped out because they didn’t like it but I personally love progressing and getting better. Learning in school is great because it kinda forces you to play everyday and you have to keep up with the class. I can’t wait to play in high school!
I know this comment is late, but I thought I'd share my experience, too. I'm a beginner cellist (as are many of the people here ofc). I've been taking lessons on and off for the past three or four years. I've been learning how to play while also learning how to read music. I've found a teacher that lives and teaches in my city. My mom just bought me a cello for Christmas this past year and I had my first performance (Canon in D, not too impressive) and there was another beginner cellist with me. I love my cello, I love learning it and playing it and listening to other people play amazing songs. I'm not a music major. I plan on majoring in English or film studies or something like that as a professional career. But, I'd love to join an orchestra or quartet or quintet, or even just being a duo or soloist performer. I'm going to be taking lessons, possibly starting at the end of the month and I can't wait to be better. Thank you for the tips.
I'm buying my first cello and I'm so excited so I'll be following your TH-cam channel
I’m one month in, have almost quit 3 times but I’m so glad and didn’t.
Keep going
Yh I played for 5 years and only became Grade 2 years ago. I quitted last year because I don't plan on doijg anything musical in the future and playing was no longer my hobby. I'm only doing it again cause I remembered how much playing music on an instrument makes me happy and warm inside and also because I'll be doing it for an exam. My goal is to become grade 2 by next year cause I'll be practicing twice a week
Hi Wendy Law, that's tips is very helpfull to me... I've been thinking that I sometimes want to run when i have to learn to walk first... 😊
I came here by chance...but holy shit!! These tips are really interesting and helpful also for me as a singer (reframing a couple of terms of course). Great job!!
Then you play so well, you look so well and it feels very relaxing to hear your voice!
All the best for you Wendy!
Awww thanks so much for your kind words!!’ 🙏🏼
What a beautiful cello! This just popped up. I have been playing the cello for about 8 years. And it's a great instrument to learn :) just stay motivated it's so worth it
Thank you so much!
Your vids are great and full of very helpful advices.
I’m learning cello for a few month now ( I’m 45 years old) and also play different instruments like drums or guitar, but the cello is by far the most beautiful and complex. I love it. 🧡
Would love to see a closeup video of your left hand from different angels, while playing „Beahms cello sonate no1 in E minor“ for ex.
I didn't get to play for 3 years after I moved countries (I didn't own the cello it was my high schools) and yesterday I finally got a cello, so now binging vids on tips 😂
I hope I will start next week...so thanks the video is very interesting!
I don't have a cello but I really enjoyed it and I really want to learn. I'm 13.
Excelentes recomendaciones!
I have been playing cello less than a month by now, but my teacher said I am really talented, I almost finished my Szuki number 1 and 170 foundation schroeder number 8 :)
i played piano for 5 years, so hopefully the musical background helps me with it
Gd job !! Im starting to play cello but im very curious is it hard???
@@Llamaqurabi I think it depends on how much you enjoy it. Since I like cello so much, I tend to practice a lot, which made me good at it so fast.
@@kimyun6686 thats nice thx for answering me💓keep up the good work💕
i just bought my cello lol. cant wait tell it gets here
This video is very good for newbie!! thank you so much
So glad that you found this helpful
I started learning cello a month ago and I'm still struggling a little bit 😂
Thank you for the tips🦕🤍
Liked and subscribed! Thanks for the helpful tips.
Hi, Thank you for that precious video, I have a quick question pls, I have an injury that can effects my setting for a long! And in love with Cello wanna learn how to play it , do you recomend me to learn, or playing Cello needs a perfect healthy body?
Beginner....Thank you Wendy for this waluable video...
You are so welcome!
Watching this video after running away from the cello for 7 years. I truly realised how beautiful the cello really is.
17 yrs old.
Love this! Can't wait to share this with my students!
Hi
I would like know the distance from the Nut (neck) for the first position for all the strings or how to find the first position for all four strings
Awaiting your reply
sayee
Thanks for this video. I just started learning cello yesterday :)
How is the Cello Playing going?
@@WendyLaw great! i can play twinkle twinkle little star even tough not that smooth XD . But i'm still struggling with my posture and sitting position :(
I feel that ,, the tint on the first and the second really are different given the material used, solid sold wood for the last? What is the best? wood?
I am charles from India, the videos are really worth it and very useful for the beginners as well. I am 6 months old cellist . is there any possibilities to post some thing on improving vibrato ? to be frank & honest - its quiet tough for me ...... Thanks in advance & keep posting please !!!!
Pure Perfection cool as a cucumber Wendy LA LAW you had me going there mate hahaha 😊🤣😎
For an ABSOLUTE novice, and just having picked up my rented cello today, it's all so confusing. I'm arranging to find a teacher in my area. It seems rather overwhelming. I'm am looking forward to learning so bad!
Do left handed people play the cello the same way? Holding the bow in the right hand, and left-hand fingers on the strings?
Bow at 45 degree angle to the strings?
Saying this as a bassist (new to cello myself) but pretty universally for the bowed strings you want the bow perpendicular to the strings. Getting a mirror in front of you can help with this since looking down it’s harder to see the straightness of your bow vs. looking ahead into the mirror as if you were seeing someone else playing. Long bows and focusing on a straight bow is how I’m addressing it on cello, same as my teacher had me do over and over (it’s still my warmup all these years later - long bows are so useful, at a normal volume play frog to tip and tip to frog for as long as you can hold each note while focusing on that nice straight bow across the string)
Beginner, thank you
Ive always wanted to lurn to play this instrument i tried in school and was apparently great at doing the physical motions but i couldn't read the sheets and i don't own one at home because my mom told me i quit once I'll just do it again so over colledge i may get my own but i don't know should i. And any tips for reading the sheet music would help greatly
I had 6 months violin experience and then switched and I learned notes and a bunch of songs in a week
thanks for this. Great tips. I am 53, just started. I am struggling with the D string and when I upbow and downbow, I seem to hit the G string. Any tips?
I know its annoying to hear but really just practice. I have played for a few years and used to have the same problem. Eventually you will start to hit the right string naturally. Good luck!
Very usefull thank you
Thank you
You’re welcome!
I think i need to adopt the practice eveeyday model even if its 15min. I do 3 to 4 times a week atm.
Are there any songs that beginninger can aim for to have a meduim term goal to hit. I know it would help but i have no idea how to pick one for my lvl.
Do you need to have long fingers or big hands to play cello? I have smaller hands--even compared to most women I know. I play violin ok, but cello is huge. Should I just say, "my hands are too shrimpy for that instrument"?
I planning to buy a cello and begin to take a lessons on September or October. May I know , what size that fit to me. My heights is about 155cm. Because I want to buy from online music store, so I really don't have any idea. Please suggest what size should I chose. Can I do full size? Or 3/4?
If you are an adult, then you should do full size 😊
@@WendyLaw yes.. I am an adult. Because some people said, if my body small size, I need to choose 3/4 . So, thanks for your suggestions.
I just purchased a 7/8 cello. It has made a big difference in my playing. When in the shop, my teacher had me play a piece I was struggling with. She grinned - "That's the first time you've played that in tune."
@@victorvilletess thanks...l already bought the full size. But , I planning to have 7/8 size . I need to save some money to buy the new one.
I could use a little more help with number 2
It my first time
iam like this video
Practice 40 hours 😎
40 hours a day
Helo,are you a teacher?
I started wondering which is more beautiful; the sound of the Cello, or the Cellist?
Awww thanks Mathew
@@WendyLaw My pleasure, Wendy.
Your left hand looks tense with the hand spread like that.
Does it? Lol. Trying to illustrate a point
Thank you