Cello Masterclass: Grade 6 Thumb Position Scale

In this video we look at how to set up a good thumb position hand-shape and practice tips that will help you achieve an excellent result.
Julia Morneweg is a highly sought-after London cello teacher with an exceptional track record of student success. Her past and present students have held music scholarships at many of the most prestigious independent schools including St. Paul’s Boys School, Latymer, Alleyns, Francis Holland, Channing School, Sevenoaks and Hornsby House. She has given masterclasses and run workshops at institutions such as the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the RCM Summer School, Enterprise Scotland and Tanglin Trust School in Singapore.
Her own performing career has seen her perform as a soloist and chamber musician at venues including the Purcell Room, St. John’s Smith Square, St. David’s Hall Cardiff, Zurich Tonhalle, Daning Theatre Shanghai and many others. She was a member of the Erato Piano Trio for twelve years and has performed as a guest with leading UK and European orchestras.
The break to her performance schedule enforced by the COVID-19 lockdown has finally enabled her to make this long-planned series of videos. Julia currently teaches students remotely via Zoom. Visit her website www.juliamorneweg.com for more information about lessons.
If you have a question or would like a specific topic explained in another video, leave a comment below!

[@franceshenderson6219]

This is the best introduction to thumb position video I've seen. I hope Julia produces lots more videos. Thanks so much.

[@juliamorneweg5416]

Thank you so much, Frances! I'm really glad you are finding them helpful! You are reminding me that I have been really bad at making new videos lately. :-((( Must do better! Any particular request for anything you'd like to have explained?

[@franceshenderson6219]

@@juliamorneweg5416 Hi Julia. I'm working my way through your videos and thinking very happy thoughts as regards how I can improve my technique! One of the things I do, which I wish I didn't, is to over do the pressure where my left hand thumb is concerned, in first position, particularly if I'm in unknown territory. I know the thumb is supposed to be relaxed and flexible and balancing the left hand. Mine is frequently rigid and pushing up towards my fingers. It's very annoying so any tips would be very gratefully received. Do keep making your videos. They are quite outstanding. : )

[@juliamorneweg5416]

@@franceshenderson6219 That's a good one! Will give it some thought and put something on video this week. If you are on Instagram check out a video I put up there (@cello_julia) a week ago using squidgy hand exercise balls. Generally, the stronger our muscles are, the less we tend to grip, so there are a couple of LH exercises there. But there are various root causes for a gripping thumb, and I'll talk about all of those in the video I'm going to make this week. There! I said it, so now I've got to get back onto my TH-cam horse! :-)

[@juliamorneweg5416]

Video done and up on my channel! :-) Let me know whether it's helpful at all.

[@ryanpeplinski1884]

Thanks for posting this! I’m studying on my own and this is helpful.

[@barriereid9244]

Amazing tutorial. 🌹

[@sabinamauri7423]

I looked at a lot of videos and this is the only useful one to me :-) some teacher even sqeezed the index like you showed NOT to do

[@young_aclement4134]

Thank you so much for your video. Enjoy a lots and it is helpful.
I have problems with and it worry me . Could you teach me how to play with tenner Clef on cello?
Please