Thank you. I’m 67 and am considering taking cello lessons to keep my mind active and finger dexterity as I enter my twilight years. I’m also deaf in one ear. Ha ha. I need a past time. I’ve sworn Off cable news so I’ve been watching your channel and the more I watch the more I am up to the challenge. You’re a very good teacher. Very basic lessons that answer all my questions. Thank you.
I am 65. I have had 3 lessons so far and loved it so much that I ended up getting my own cello. This channel helps so much with technique. My biggest problem so far is that I'm a small woman with small hands and the proper bow hold is uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
Today I just bought a full cello. I have played electric violin for decades literally...I'm 66. I played in many night clubs and theater. Lots of bands...play by ear with u-tube and speakers...have 5 string fiddle now. Soooo it is time for cello for me. After seeing '2 cellos' I live the tone. Thanx for you fine tips and teaching. Great stuff dude!!! You are inspiring. Don't mind my exuberance. It's a big fiddle!. My 5 string is a blend of viola and violin. Hey! Much appreciation for excellent teaching.
This was extremely helpful!! I've been playing cello since 4th grade. I stopped playing with an orchestra and started playing with bluegrass musicians when I graduated and learned some bad habits not paying attention. I'm trying to unlearn my bad habits and your videos have helped me a lot!
As someone that is beginning to teach privately I am studying these old videos, your pedagogy and technique that needs to be taught to every student is remarkable and I hope to emulate it.
I guess I’m pretty late to this party, but I want to let you know how much I appreciate explanations which include the “why” along with the instruction, which makes it both interesting and easier to remember. I also really enjoy the historical tidbits along the way (viola da gamba). As an elderly newbie, my ambition mainly consists of wanting to enjoy the process of learning to make music. Thank you for your help!
Thanks, Jonathan! I'm so happy you're making these beginning cello videos (seems like just for me!). Can you take this one a little farther? How far should the endpin be pulled out? Where should the instrument rest on the body? At what angle should the cello be to the body? What angle should the instrument be to the floor (vs. upright)?
Hi Jonathan, now 20 -- 25. years ago I played the guitar lead guitar electric and acoustic. But I have not touched the guitar in the last 20 years. But I really do want to learn how to play the cello. I like how you explain things and I most definitely will be following your videos. So Jonathan I have to tell you thank you, forgetting me even more motivated than that what I already was and helping a lot of the younger people too...
This is SO helpful! I keep on injuring my back while trying to play with the torsion of the torso and I think this could solve the problem...thanks! I love your videos!
Awesome!!!! Thank you so much for making these cello basics! I'm just beginning my journey and before I get mine, I'm meticulously note taking & learning to read music and your videos have been a literal life saver and such pleasure to watch! Also the diagram of how to put your cello down @2:04 looks like Bobby from King of the Hill and it made me giggle so hard lol. Thanks so much Jonathan!!!!
Ok I know this is an old comment, but my legs always fall asleep. It’s been years, and my teacher hasn’t been able to figure out why. We’ve tried different chairs, but no joy. Did the cushion help you?
Good question, LSD4DLS. Your instrument should remain in the most secure, cool place in your living/practice space. I store mine upright on a stand so, I guess upright is the best!
Thank you for your the way you cover everything. Plain and simple. I’m very new to owning my Cello. In fact, so new I haven’t played it at all. Only have had it a week. Watching your videos to learn from the very very beginning. One question I have that I haven’t seen yet. How much of the face of the Bow Hair touches the Cello String ? The full width of it ? One edge of it ? Could you cover this. Thank you.
brandt edwards I was always taught to use most of the bow hair, it’s fine if you do tilt it a little though it just comes down to preference and how you play.
Any suggestions on bow hold for people with small hands? After about 20 minutes I cramp up. I also noticed the extension between 3rd and 4th fingers is awkward. Again, small hands (so my instructor says). Any insight would be welcome
Last time our seniors put it on the sitting chair, with the left side of the 'C' curve on the edge of the chair and the whole cello looks like in 45 degree slanting and leaning against the sitting chair without keeping the end pin back into the sound box again.
Larger people may find that their chest/stomach area acts as a fulcrum which makes the Peg box stick too far out from the players neck. if the end pin is extended and the cello is placed further away then there will be a bowing problem. The use of a 'Bent End Pin' could be the solution to this problem as it lifts the Cello Body more horizontal, however the cost of a 'Stahlhammer' bent end pin is about £250 (inc P&P).
Oh, yes, most definitely! A viola de spalla is played on the shoulder, not the chin. It is lovely. Here is a link - th-cam.com/video/bBIpUz79Rds/w-d-xo.html
Question: should your endpin be positioned precisely in front of the middle of your body (and therefore should the cello slightly slant to the left), or should the pin be in line with your the middle of your left hip so that the cello stands perfectly straight?
Actually, twisting your arm into an inverted spiral is most uncomfortable, not to mention completely unnatural. Think of the position of the left arm for viola and ask yourself this question: do you ever make that form with your left arm, ever for any reason? No. As for cello, the right arm "scrubs the tub" and the left arm "takes our the trash" :-p
Ye got meh there, sunny. NOT Really I twist the arm like playing a viola when thinking, punching my head, brushing my teeth, holding a(n) apple in awe holding my toy cello, etc rotc acd xkcd... etcetera etcetera I never scrub a tub nor take out the trash :'p
My advice: buy a cello stand. There are several models to hold your cello safely. I have one portable, excellent, all in wood and light, safe, I bought here in Germany. I have the room where I keep my things and play cello, where I keep my cello as well in its case, when I am not playing. Once I start practicing I have the cello stand. I don't let it on its side either because I have seen the damage caused by students that fell upon their cellos when leaving the instrument on its side. Many students have little children at home or a pet. Accidents happen. Don't be the next. My advice is: buy your cello stand and pay an insurance. If something happens the insurance will pay to fix it or pay you a new one. That's my advice based in what I have seen happening around. Another thing I have in my room: a yoga mat. If I have to put it on its side, it's over the mat then I am back, I take it from it just like he showed in the video...but I don't let anybody go in my music room if I am not there. I keep it locked. You have to find a place at home that's safe and that you can keep locked or away from trouble.
I saw a video about the problems a 5-11-1/2" cellist faces. She has to carry her own fold up chair to recitals. I'm 5'-10"...here's hoping I won't have to get a special chair.😂
Ummmm...I'ee never understood really why any cello is laid on the ground. No matter how cheap they are....though, in a junior high school class I CAN understand why they wouldn't have a stand next to each chair. Cost. And more so with a cello like yours from Edgar Russ...WHY???? :) Why would you not have a stand?? :) And why do you have tape on the neck board under the strings...as we'd find on a guitar? Again...on a Edgar Russ... Side note...I find it interesting and ironic that no sting instrument luthier has access to the trees used to make Strads...ideas why not? Is it the "cost of admission?" I ask because SI know 2 grand piano makers who DO. And I don't think Stradivari made piano's. :) Just violins and cello's.
Thank you. I’m 67 and am considering taking cello lessons to keep my mind active and finger dexterity as I enter my twilight years. I’m also deaf in one ear. Ha ha. I need a past time. I’ve sworn Off cable news so I’ve been watching your channel and the more I watch the more I am up to the challenge. You’re a very good teacher. Very basic lessons that answer all my questions. Thank you.
Sir, I am 60 and wish to do the same thing. How goes your cello lessons? Is it all that you hoped it would be?
I am 65. I have had 3 lessons so far and loved it so much that I ended up getting my own cello. This channel helps so much with technique. My biggest problem so far is that I'm a small woman with small hands and the proper bow hold is uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
Today I just bought a full cello.
I have played electric violin for decades literally...I'm 66. I played in many night clubs and theater. Lots of bands...play by ear with u-tube and speakers...have 5 string fiddle now. Soooo it is time for cello for me. After seeing
'2 cellos' I live the tone.
Thanx for you fine tips and teaching. Great stuff dude!!! You are inspiring. Don't mind my exuberance. It's a big fiddle!. My 5 string is a blend of viola and violin.
Hey! Much appreciation for excellent teaching.
cool
This was extremely helpful!! I've been playing cello since 4th grade. I stopped playing with an orchestra and started playing with bluegrass musicians when I graduated and learned some bad habits not paying attention. I'm trying to unlearn my bad habits and your videos have helped me a lot!
Happy to read you are back in the saddle, and playing bluegrass, even cooler!!
As someone that is beginning to teach privately I am studying these old videos, your pedagogy and technique that needs to be taught to every student is remarkable and I hope to emulate it.
You are my favorite youtuber, thank you so much for making these videos! They're so lighthearted and aren't overwhelming. Thank you again!
Thank you, Marisa. Let's try to no take ourselves too seriously :-p
@@CelloCoach Deal!
I guess I’m pretty late to this party, but I want to let you know how much I appreciate explanations which include the “why” along with the instruction, which makes it both interesting and easier to remember. I also really enjoy the historical tidbits along the way (viola da gamba). As an elderly newbie, my ambition mainly consists of wanting to enjoy the process of learning to make music. Thank you for your help!
Thanks for the tutorial on how to sit! Just started my cello journey in March! Your videos are super helpful! (& love Havaianas!)
Welcome to cello, Ann B!
Thanks, Jonathan! I'm so happy you're making these beginning cello videos (seems like just for me!). Can you take this one a little farther? How far should the endpin be pulled out? Where should the instrument rest on the body? At what angle should the cello be to the body? What angle should the instrument be to the floor (vs. upright)?
Such a good question! One that I will answer in this month's Q&A! Wow, more people are asking quality questions these days! Thanks!
Hi Jonathan, now 20 -- 25. years ago I played the guitar lead guitar electric and acoustic. But I have not touched the guitar in the last 20 years. But I really do want to learn how to play the cello. I like how you explain things and I most definitely will be following your videos.
So Jonathan I have to tell you thank you, forgetting me even more motivated than that what I already was and helping a lot of the younger people too...
Glad you find this channel helpful, Eddie. Ask my anything and I will do my best to answer your questions ;-)
Amazing teacher, you truly have a gift!!
Thank you, Isabella
I need to start learning cello so I can join my highschool orchestra and these videos have helped a lot. Thank you
This is SO helpful! I keep on injuring my back while trying to play with the torsion of the torso and I think this could solve the problem...thanks! I love your videos!
Happy to help!
Thank you all your wonderful information; you are a good teacher !
Jonathan your videos are awesome. I have learnt so much already- coming to cello new as a mature a student who played violin 20 years ago. Thank you
Brilliant clarity!
Thanks!
really interesting and useful instructions! thank you!
Anytime, coulson louis!
This dude is simply cool. I like him
I love your teaching style. Great tips & history information. Thanks for making videos!
And thanks to you, for your comments and kind participation in my B-day gift. Hope you are having a healthy 2020!
I started about a month ago and instinctively put my cello on the ground exactly this way! It seemed the most "stable" form. Nice! :D
and you learned an important lesson?
@@CelloCoach Oh, I meant on the side 😁😅
Awesome!!!! Thank you so much for making these cello basics! I'm just beginning my journey and before I get mine, I'm meticulously note taking & learning to read music and your videos have been a literal life saver and such pleasure to watch! Also the diagram of how to put your cello down @2:04 looks like Bobby from King of the Hill and it made me giggle so hard lol. Thanks so much Jonathan!!!!
Oh my, that is funny! Yeah, I guess so . . . Being originally from East Texas, that show rang true. Thanks for the reminder
I think you almost had a heart attack when your cello slide on the tile floor!! I would have to!! Luv your videos keep it up!!
Yeah, it was a close call.
@@CelloCoach "Do as i say, not as i do."!
Pro trick : watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies recently.
@Carter Mason Yup, I have been using Flixzone} for since december myself :D
"They don't just sit there like dead logs..." LOL!
Thank you Jonathan for your interesting and enjoyable videos.. Pretty instructive this as well!! And btw.. proud of being Italian ;O)
And thank you for your comment on epigenetics! At least someone can relate ;-)
My bottom sometimes falls asleep during my lesson with my teacher. lol I think I will invest in one of those cushions!!
I review these cushions in detail here : th-cam.com/video/bLtnaRwencQ/w-d-xo.html
Ok I know this is an old comment, but my legs always fall asleep. It’s been years, and my teacher hasn’t been able to figure out why. We’ve tried different chairs, but no joy. Did the cushion help you?
When practice is over and the cello is properly secured in the case, should it remain upright or on its side?
Good question, LSD4DLS. Your instrument should remain in the most secure, cool place in your living/practice space. I store mine upright on a stand so, I guess upright is the best!
I love how in love you are with the cello
Thank you so much, you're very good in explaning, really serious. Good help!
You are welcome
Thank you for your the way you cover everything. Plain and simple. I’m very new to owning my Cello. In fact, so new I haven’t played it at all. Only have had it a week. Watching your videos to learn from the very very beginning.
One question I have that I haven’t seen yet.
How much of the face of the Bow Hair touches the Cello String ? The full width of it ? One edge of it ? Could you cover this. Thank you.
brandt edwards I was always taught to use most of the bow hair, it’s fine if you do tilt it a little though it just comes down to preference and how you play.
VERY helpful!!!!!
You're welcome!
This was very helpful , my question is that is it okay to put the cello on its back ( i dont mean the bridge) when it's in its case?
Yes, that is fine
Any suggestions on bow hold for people with small hands? After about 20 minutes I cramp up. I also noticed the extension between 3rd and 4th fingers is awkward. Again, small hands (so my instructor says). Any insight would be welcome
Muito bom otima top
i really really like your videos!! thank you so much :)
Glad you like them!
That cello looks wonderful, where did you get it and who is the maker?
Edgar Russ made it snd he too had a TH-cam channel
@@CelloCoach ok ill check him out thanks
Last time our seniors put it on the sitting chair, with the left side of the 'C' curve on the edge of the chair and the whole cello looks like in 45 degree slanting and leaning against the sitting chair without keeping the end pin back into the sound box again.
Larger people may find that their chest/stomach area acts as a fulcrum which makes the Peg box stick too far out from the players neck. if the end pin is extended and the cello is placed further away then there will be a bowing problem. The use of a 'Bent End Pin' could be the solution to this problem as it lifts the Cello Body more horizontal, however the cost of a 'Stahlhammer' bent end pin is about £250 (inc P&P).
I agree - pricey yet does a good job
Podrías subtitular tus vídeos en español?
Gracias
Is chin cello or cello da spalla any different than posture?
Oh, yes, most definitely! A viola de spalla is played on the shoulder, not the chin. It is lovely. Here is a link - th-cam.com/video/bBIpUz79Rds/w-d-xo.html
what is your preferred cello size
Are you using "Havaianas" ?
Yes, always
What about the legs the bow always hit my legs in this position
I have a drum stool with a saddle shaped seat...cosy comfortable.
It’s a great option
Question: should your endpin be positioned precisely in front of the middle of your body (and therefore should the cello slightly slant to the left), or should the pin be in line with your the middle of your left hip so that the cello stands perfectly straight?
Great question, Duncan. My endpin is placed to my left of my navel so it’s never top dead center
👏
Or put blocks on the hind legs of the chair.
Jajaja
@@CelloCoach seriously it works haha I used those phonebooks and put them under the hind legs of the chair haha.
Cello posture seems more difficult than violin viola and even upright base
Actually, twisting your arm into an inverted spiral is most uncomfortable, not to mention completely unnatural. Think of the position of the left arm for viola and ask yourself this question: do you ever make that form with your left arm, ever for any reason? No. As for cello, the right arm "scrubs the tub" and the left arm "takes our the trash" :-p
Ye got meh there, sunny.
NOT Really I twist the arm like playing a viola when thinking, punching my head, brushing my teeth, holding a(n) apple in awe holding my toy cello, etc rotc acd xkcd... etcetera etcetera I never scrub a tub nor take out the trash :'p
Why am I watching cello videos literally while playing guitar... :)
Because it's calling out your name, subtly ;-)
My advice: buy a cello stand. There are several models to hold your cello safely. I have one portable, excellent, all in wood and light, safe, I bought here in Germany. I have the room where I keep my things and play cello, where I keep my cello as well in its case, when I am not playing. Once I start practicing I have the cello stand.
I don't let it on its side either because I have seen the damage caused by students that fell upon their cellos when leaving the instrument on its side. Many students have little children at home or a pet. Accidents happen. Don't be the next.
My advice is: buy your cello stand and pay an insurance.
If something happens the insurance will pay to fix it or pay you a new one.
That's my advice based in what I have seen happening around.
Another thing I have in my room: a yoga mat. If I have to put it on its side, it's over the mat then I am back, I take it from it just like he showed in the video...but I don't let anybody go in my music room if I am not there. I keep it locked.
You have to find a place at home that's safe and that you can keep locked or away from trouble.
Maybe I ask sir, what size is your cello?
4/4
Should I get a teacher or just try and follow all of your videos first??
I teach via Skype, but you should get a teacher if you can yes
@@CelloCoach Excellent! Thank you :D
Pablo Casals parked his cello up against the chair and left the room. !
ha
3:30 I'm in a wheelchair so my legs are just hanging there like dead logs 🤣
Sorry, I did not mean to offend
@@CelloCoach None taken, it was funny. I take every chance to joke about my handicap 😉
I saw a video about the problems a 5-11-1/2" cellist faces. She has to carry her own fold up chair to recitals. I'm 5'-10"...here's hoping I won't have to get a special chair.😂
maybe just a special cushion
Ummmm...I'ee never understood really why any cello is laid on the ground. No matter how cheap they are....though, in a junior high school class I CAN understand why they wouldn't have a stand next to each chair. Cost. And more so with a cello like yours from Edgar Russ...WHY???? :) Why would you not have a stand?? :)
And why do you have tape on the neck board under the strings...as we'd find on a guitar? Again...on a Edgar Russ...
Side note...I find it interesting and ironic that no sting instrument luthier has access to the trees used to make Strads...ideas why not? Is it the "cost of admission?" I ask because SI know 2 grand piano makers who DO. And I don't think Stradivari made piano's. :) Just violins and cello's.
Please!
Why do you love the Butt Pads so much?
Because they correct our position on any chair! I made a video about that - th-cam.com/video/bLtnaRwencQ/w-d-xo.html