Learn Cello from the Beginning! (Set 1)
What you'll learn
- Learn the absolute basics of a quality Cello Technique.
- Begin developing a good inner-hearing through Solfa Singing (with guidance from me) to support smoother instrumental learning.
- Develop good basic Musicianship, and concept of a good Cello sound.
- Learn to read notation in the Bass Clef and other musical symbols.
- Enjoy the emotional benefits of learning the Cello.
- Achieve an overall good understanding and avoid physical bad habits through my non-hurried tutorial videos.
- Experience a little Music Theory too with a rhythm-writing exercise I've included.
- Included are accompanying documents, to help you read notation and simple rhythm (which you can print off).
Requirements
- A Cello and Bow of suitable size that are well set-up and ready for use.
- A chair of good strength and ideal size.
- A music stand and quality rosin.
- An ideal space in which to learn that is spacious enough and free of potential hazards.
- A device from which to view my videos, which should be secured on a firm/level surface.
- If possible, speakers and a subwoofer so that you can hear more frequencies for maximum learning.
- A floor stop for the Cello endpin, to protect flooring/carpets and ensure that the instrument does not move.
Description
"Learn Cello from the Beginning!" is a course that I have created that is non-hurried, thorough and structured. It is suitable for students aged 5 years to adult. This online course consists of tutorial videos aimed at achieving a firm grasp of the absolute basics of Cello-playing. With this course the student is receiving more of a musical package, because I have also included some Musicianship training into this course (Solfa Singing, and Rhythm & Pulse work) - this gives the student a good start regarding their understanding of the fundamentals of Music. This also directly supports instrumental learning, as the student's inner-hearing and awareness of pulse & rhythm begins to develop sooner. Included are documents, which the student can print off, and these contain the notation of pieces/songs covered in my Tutorial Videos, specific rhythms, homework tasks and hints. There is also a bit of writing work for the student to do to help them get used to writing what they are playing. What I teach in this course enables the student to achieve a solid foundation with their instrumental playing. This helps to keep potential bad habits away that can occur later on. In the videos and documents, I advise students 'what' and 'how' to practise, and always emphasise working in a way that is thorough to enable smoother progress.
*Please note that for prospective students who are under 18 years old, this course must be purchased by an adult (such as a parent/guardian) who can open the account, handle enrolments, and manage the student's account usage for that student.
*Please note this course is for individual students only, and is not for teachers/professional musicians/schools/groups of students/other types of institutions.
Who this course is for:
- Individual Beginner students keen to learn the Cello.
- Individual students already playing the Cello who feel they need a firmer grasp of the basics.
Instructor
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- 4 Students
- 2 Courses
About Me:
I'm a professional cellist and have been performing & teaching for many years, and since 2018 I have been composing as well.
I'm a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. I have also studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London), and Chethams School of Music (Manchester).
Alongside performing, I took an interest in teaching from a young age. When I was 16 I got the opportunity to assist Anna Shuttleworth on a residential course for cellists in York (UK) and I really enjoyed supporting the younger cellists. I learned that teaching is not only rewarding and interesting, but it also supported my own instrumental playing. In the Autumn 2005 I began teaching 'Cello regularly at the Presidio Middle School, while studying for a Master's degree at SFCM. Since then I have built on my experience consistently working with a variety of ages, abilities and personalities!
Other teaching roles I currently have/have had include:
Bowdoin International Festival (USA) - 'Cello teaching assistant in 2005
California State University East Bay - 'Cello Sectional Teacher, 2008
Music Services - Lower Strings Teacher, 2009 - 2011
Sheffield Music Academy - Cello, Chamber Music, Piano, Theory, 2008 - 2013
University of Liverpool - Cello Teacher, 2012 - 2017
Private Teacher in 'Cello, Piano, and Musicianship, 2005 to Present
My qualifications are:
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Masters in Music (Performance)
Teaching Certificate from Music Together (USA)
Teaching Certificates (3) in Colourstrings (Cello)
I have experience of working with students who have Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. In 2017 I received a very late diagnosis of Autism myself and learning more about Autism has not only educated me further in a different way, but it's also enabled my teaching style to be even more open-minded. I understand the struggles students can have (whether they have a learning disability/developmental condition or not), and know that everyone must learn at their own pace in order to have a good understanding.
"Learn Cello from the Beginning!" is a course that I have created that is non-hurried, thorough and structured. It is split into 2 Sets and consists of tutorial videos aimed at achieving a firm grasp of the basics of Cello-playing. With this course the student is receiving a musical package, because I have also included some Musicianship training (Solfa Singing, and Rhythm & Pulse work) - this gives the student a good start regarding their understanding of the fundamentals of Music. This also directly supports instrumental learning, due to the student's inner-hearing and awareness of pulse & rhythm beginning to develop sooner. Included are documents, which the student can print off, and these contain the notation of pieces/songs covered in my Tutorial Videos, specific rhythms, homework tasks and hints. There is also a bit of writing work for the student to do to help them get used to writing what they are playing. What I teach in this course enables the student to achieve a solid foundation with their instrumental playing. This helps to keep potential bad habits away that can occur later on. In the videos and documents, I advise students 'what' and 'how' to practise, and always emphasise working in a way that is thorough to enable smoother progress.
*Please check out my promotional video to get an idea of how I teach. This video is a portion of Tutorial Video number 4, which involves plucking with the left and right hands, Solfa singing (including hand signs), and shifting with the left hand.
*Please note that for prospective students who are under 18 years old, this course must be purchased by an adult (such as a parent/guardian) who can open the account, handle enrolments, and manage the student's account usage for that student.
*Please note that my course is for individual students only, and is not for teachers/professional musicians/schools/groups of students/other types of institutions.
Advice on Learning & Practising:
* When learning from my course, ensure that you spend enough time learning from each video to obtain maximum benefit.
* Feel free to go back to a Tutorial Video you have completed the work for previously to increase your skills even more.
* Keep yourself and your instrument safe while learning/practising - your learning space must be free of hazards and obstacles.
* I recommend doing the Solfa Singing, even if you are a little self-conscious (as I used to be). Solfa Singing enables smoother learning.
* I know that you love the 'Cello and you are eager to become a fantastic player, but do not over-work your mind and body. Put your body first. Always stop if you feel any tiredness, aches or soreness.
* At this level you are making particular muscles do something brand new. So practise in small amounts (such as 5-10 minutes if you're a child, or 10-20 minutes if you are an adult) up to twice per day.
* Parts of the body will naturally grip for a while at this level, so make sure you give yourself plenty of breaks between and during practise sessions.
* Choose 1 or 2 things (maximum) to work on in your personal practise time. Quality not Quantity.
* Enjoy the journey, be patient with yourself, and let yourself make mistakes so that you improve even more.