Introductory Musical Education: Music Lessons for the Cello

Submitted by admin on Thu, 09/03/2009 - 18:46

<p>Find out if the cello is right for your child with our handy guide to the beginner cello. </p>

Key Tips:

1.The cello is a large but lovely string instrument that is played while seated, which makes it slightly easier to play than its cousin, the violin.
2. In spite of its size, the cello is a delicate instrument that must be handled and played with care, and would best benefit from being kept in a rigid case.
3. Cellos are very expensive instruments, so it may be best early on to rent a cello for your child’s music lessons, and buying one later on when your child shows a serious interest in learning to play this instrument.

The largest member of the violin family, the cello is a big but beautiful instrument that is renowned for its deep, mellow sound. As a starting point for your child’s musical education, the cello is a good choice, with its large body and its less tiring seated playing position. A cello’s size may be intimidating for some children, but it can also be an inspiration for a young boy or girl to play something that is almost as tall as they are.

A cello shares the same basic structure as the violin, with a pear-shaped body and a long, elegant neck. It does, however, have a thicker build, and comes with a metal spike at the bottom that supports the instrument’s position while it is played. It is proportioned to be almost as tall as its player while one is sitting down. Thus, for a child who has a long way to grow, the cello comes in ½, ¼ and smaller sizes. The cello is played with a horsehair bow drawn across one or more of its four strings, causing them to vibrate in a particular tone. The horsehair is rubbed with a substance called rosin, which allows the bow to stick to the strings. This accounts for the heavy, resonant notes that the cello can produce.

Large but Frail

The cello is played seated, positioned between a player’s legs, with one hand pulling the bow across the strings, and the other hand wrapped loosely around the instrument’s neck. There are no lines along the length of the fingerboard to indicate where to press to produce a certain note. As such, for beginners, tape can be used to mark these points until your child gets used to their positions. In spite of its size, the cello requires a delicate touch to play properly. The bow must be held across the strings precisely, so that no more than one string is touching the bow for each single note. Also, your child should find the right pressure to apply so that the bow slides gracefully. Early on, your child may end up making whining, scratching noises instead of beautiful music, but neither of you should be discouraged. This is part of the musical education process, and should pass eventually.

Because of the cello’s relative size, one must be aware that it is more easily damaged, and harder to transport. Rigid cases are best for protecting a cello, but they can be difficult for a child to carry around. You can help your child by helping him or her transport the instrument, but regardless, your child should learn to handle the cello with proper care.

A Sound Investment

A cello is a considerably expensive instrument, with prices for one of good quality starting from US$250 to US$1,000. Fraction-sized cellos do come cheaper, but it may be better to rent a cello for a monthly fee of US$30-US$60 to start. This way, you and your child can figure out whether he or she would like to learn the cello seriously before putting a significant investment into your child’s musical education.

The Suzuki method of teaching remains a popular method of instructing your child in the basics of playing the cello. As he or she progresses, your child may be provided with easy cello pieces, both classic and contemporary. Variety is good for keeping the child from getting bored with the routine of playing and practicing regularly, every day if possible.

A good teacher would be one with some orchestra experience, if not someone who currently plays at with a symphony group, so that your child may look up to the teacher’s talent and experience. More importantly, however, your teacher must be patient and flexible to the child’s individual music lesson needs. The cello is a decent beginner’s instrument, but it still has a bit of learning curve before it can be played well.