More Than Just Beginners’ Cello Lessons

You have taken beginners’ lessons on cello, and now you are starting to play it well. So what is stopping you from becoming an advanced cello player? In this article, we give you tips for intermediate cello players who have already taken beginners’ cello lessons. Read along, and your cello skills will definitely pick up.

• Daily practice

Set a daily schedule when you can practice, initially for 20-30 minute sessions at a time. A good pace is to have 5 to 6 sessions a day, taking long relaxing breaks in between each session. With each day, set a goal for yourself on what you want to accomplish with the day’s practice, and commit to that goal.

• Record your practices

Be your own critic. You are the best judge of how good you hit those notes, or how fluid your transitions are. While you listen to your recording, remember the point when you were playing it so you can capture all the emotions and assess your mistakes and see areas where you can improve. Ask yourself, “Should I do more of that?” “Less of this?” “Can I improve on that bit?” Listen and capture parts where you think you can do better.

• Listen to cello recordings

One sure way to learn new techniques is by watching and listening to professional cello players on DVDs. Watch as you listen so you can observe their playing techniques. Do not limit yourself to one type of music, listen to all genres, there are tons of videos online which you can watch for free. Watch and listen with the purpose of picking up methods and skills you can imitate.

• Watch live performances

Watching videos is great, but seeing live performances is spectacular. There is nothing like feeling the harmonies vibrate on your skin from the artists on stage. You not only get to see and listen to the professional’s music, but you can get to really feel them and their emotions when playing. Remember and use that experience when you practice everyday. Tickets to live concerts can be expensive though, so save up, because it will be worth it.

• Continue formal lessons

You are not as good as you think you are, so continue improving your craft by taking more cello lessons. Expert cellists are great source of knowledge and techniques, and allowing yourself to be under their tutelage is going to make your talent soar. Playing the cello brings along a lot of personal emotions, so make sure you get an instructor that you feel comfortable with.

These are just a few suggestions to help you progress on cello playing. A lot of professional cellists have sworn by these pointers, and it has brought them great results. Many musicians have fallen into the trap of believing that they know enough, and get stuck at the beginner’s level.

Do not make the same mistake. The knowledge you acquired when you first went for cello lessons are very valuable, and you would just be throwing that investment away if you do not progress in your cello playing. Learn from these tips, and be above the rest!