Hi, I'm Melanie! I am a professional musician and specialise in the 'Cello. I teach 'Cello, Piano, Violin beginners, and Musicianship. As well as teaching, I perform, arrange music, and since 2018 have been composing. Currently I'm recording the pieces I have composed for children to listen to (in total there are 19 of them). I have been performing for almost 33 years, and teaching for 18 years.
My experience in educating has not only been rewarding and exciting, but it has also enabled my own playing to improve more, because I'm regularly going over what good posture is, how to practise, how to approach a new piece, and so on. In three of my places of education in particular (Trinity, RNCM and SFCM), I received high-quality training in Teaching/Pedagogy, all of which have greatly contributed to my style of teaching. This training was invaluable, alongside my training in Performance.
In 2017 I was diagnosed with Autism, and this diagnosis (as an adult) answered a few questions about myself that had been in my head for a long time. This diagnosis has also helped me to learn more about others as well as myself, enabled my teaching/playing to be more open-minded, and has also served as a reminder that all of us are learners no matter what level we are at.
My Qualifications/Places of Education are:
Chethams School of Music, UK
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, UK
Bachelor of Music with Honours - Royal Northern College of Music, UK
Masters in Music (Performance) - San Francisco Conservatory of Music, USA
Teaching Certificate from Music Together (USA) - Crowden Music Center, Berkeley, USA (Course Venue)
Teaching Certificates in Colourstrings (Cello) - Yehudi Menuhin School, UK (Course Venue)
My Online Course for Cello Beginners:
This course that I have created, is split into 2 Sets, and is for individual beginner students who love the ‘Cello, and want to learn to play it. Ideal for students aged approximately 5 years to adult, each Tutorial Video serves as an actual ‘Cello lesson and contains the same knowledge that I would share in a one-to-one lesson. My style of teaching is encouraging, structured and thorough. Please watch my Promotional Video to get an idea of the way I teach.
My Tutorial Videos focus on the "big picture" of cello-playing, and if studied thoroughly with all homework tasks completed, will enable the student to have a firm grasp of the essential basics. These basics will help to keep you free of poor habits forming later on, and therefore help you avoid getting stuck, and experiencing too many aches and pains.
* This course is also suitable for individuals who previously played the 'Cello, and wish to pick it back up again from the start.
* Students who are a little past the beginning stage of playing 'Cello are welcome to learn from this course, if they feel they need a firmer grasp of the basics, and/or want to learn some Musicianship.
*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.
* Provision of this online course is subject to the information and terms and conditions in my Agreement document, which can be found below (and on my own website), and Udemy's terms and conditions.
(Please read the advice I give below, and in my Agreement document, regarding: Information on Set-Up and the Student's Learning Space, Information on Learning and Practising, Tuning the Instrument, and Length of Practise Sessions.)
"Learn Cello from the Beginning!" is a course that I have created that is non-hurried, thorough and structured. With this course the student is receiving more of a musical package, because I have also included some Musicianship training into my course (Solfa Singing, and Rhythm & Pulse work) - this gives the student a good start regarding their understanding of the fundamentals of Music. This then directly supports instrumental learning, as 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/rhythm of what's covered in the videos, plus homework tasks and hints. There is also some 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 basic 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.
This Course (Set 1) contains:
14 Cello Tutorial Videos
2 extra videos: tuning your ‘Cello, and applying rosin to the bow
Accompanying documents with homework tasks, hints, and notation of most tasks given
Photographs to assist the student with quality posture/positioning of the Cello
Over 30 small pieces and exercises for the student to learn
Some Musicianship training: Solfa singing, hand signs & rhythm speaking/tapping work
Advice on how to practise (please also see my Agreement document on practising)
A bonus video at the end to challenge the student & strengthen their confidence and musicianship
What you need:
A Love for the 'Cello!
A ‘Cello and Bow of suitable size that are set-up correctly and ready for use
A chair of good strength that is stable (not a rotating office-type chair)
A floor stop for the cello endpin (such as the Xeros Cello Endpin Anchor)
Good quality Rosin (such as Melos)
Music Stand (for reading from my accompanying documents)
A space in which to learn from my course, that is safe, spacious enough and free of potential hazards
Speakers and a subwoofer (if possible) for hearing the variety of frequencies from my videos
A device, securely placed on a firm and level surface, from which to view my videos
Information on Musicianship:
In my opinion, Musicianship is very important for every student learning a musical instrument. It is having an understanding of the musical language overall. Good Musicianship skills enable the student to fully understand what they are playing, and this directly supports and strengthens instrumental playing. Therefore, I have included some Solfa singing (with hand signs) and rhythm-speaking/tapping into some of these Tutorial Videos. Your voice is your primary instrument, therefore doing some singing is very supportive regarding smoother progress. Solfa singing allows the student to gradually develop an inner-hearing (the ability to hear notes/pitches in their head accurately), meaning that the student will be able to play in tune sooner on their instrument, and play pieces more fluently. The speaking and tapping of rhythm and pulse enables the student to become physically more in control while playing a piece. Experiencing these allow the player to become musically expressive sooner, and to connect with their instrument and pieces more easily. There are many other benefits too, which I have experienced myself. Some of these are; developing a good musical memory (therefore being able to perform without sheet music), increasing self-confidence in playing skills (i.e. knowing where notes are rather than having to search for them), hearing pieces internally while playing them, reading ahead, stimulating mathematical thinking, and a general soothing feeling in the mind. Solfege and speaking/tapping Rhythm can also create an interest in improvising and composing later on. (Hand signs for the Solfas are usually meant for children, however adult students can still do the hand signs if they wish.) I encourage all students to do some Solfa singing & Rhythm-speaking/tapping to enable their musical journey to be smoother, and therefore reduce any potential frustration/barriers.
Information on Set-Up and Your Learning Space:
Take enough time to set up your learning space correctly.
Ensure you have an ideal space in which to learn/practise that's free of any hazards, obstacles, cables, etc.
Any cables (such as for your device, speakers you use, etc) must be placed correctly, so that any potential accidents are avoided.
Your learning space must be safe for you to learn/practise in, your instrument, your bow, your chair, viewing device and music stand.
The device you use to view my Tutorial Videos should be placed securely and supported on a firm and level surface, and at a distance where my Tutorial Videos can be viewed safely.
Information on Learning and Practising:
At this level (i.e. Beginner), make sure that you take breaks and do not overwork yourself. During a single practice session, it is ideal to stop playing and have a short break of 30 seconds to a minute - mental recovery is as essential as physical recovery. At this level you are making particular muscles do something brand new. So practise in small amounts (see below). 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. Stop practising if you feel tired or sore, and/or you have lost concentration. Listen to your body. Ensure that you don't over-work your body, especially your hands, arms, shoulders and neck.
* Students who are aged roughly 12 years and under will likely need an adult with them to: set-up their learning/practising space safely, and assist in following what I say/demonstrate in the videos (until the student is comfortable setting-up their space and learning on their own).
* When tuning the instrument, take your time. Get help if you struggle or are unsure. Moving the pegs and fine tuners won't hurt the 'Cello, so try not to worry. For very young students (age 5 to 12 years roughly), it's best for them to watch an adult-helper tune the 'Cello while following my Tuning Video. Definitely try to copy the singing/humming I do in this video to help develop your inner-hearing and sense of pitch. This way you will find tuning your instrument easier over time.
* Spend as much time as you need on a single Tutorial Video, so that you really understand everything. You must not rush your way through - this isn't a race.
* Choose 1 or 2 things (maximum) to work on in your personal practise time. Quality not Quantity.
* Avoid skipping particular Tutorial Videos - begin from Tutorial 1 and work through them in numerical order. For example, it's very important to ensure good posture with (and positioning of) the 'Cello first, and to complete the left and right-hand plucking, before learning to hold the bow.
* Enjoy the journey, be patient with yourself, and let yourself make mistakes so that you improve even more.
Length of Practice Sessions depending on Age:
Everybody is different, therefore here are some approximate guides:
Students aged approximately 5 to 7 years: 5 to 10 mins (per session) doing up to 2 separate practise sessions per day, with an adult present until the student wishes to practise alone
Students aged approximately 8 to 11 years: 5 to 15 mins (per session) doing up to 2 separate practise sessions per day, with an adult present if the student wishes and if there is a need
Students aged 12 years to Adult: 10 to 20 mins (per session) doing up to 2 separate practise sessions per day
Questions and Contacting me:
Students and/or parents of students can email me if they have any questions about my online course, however please note that reading can be a challenge for me due to Autism/Visual Stress. Therefore please be patient, as I will always respond within a reasonable timeframe. Responses may not be immediate.
