In the first week of January something very beautiful happened, something I hope to experience often. A beginning cellist, who has a second year of cello lessons in the surroundings of Utrecht, planned a lesson because she wanted to see if the cello she borrowed was perhaps too big. I call her Elly here, she’s 61. She also had some technical questions. Indeed, her cello was awfully big, not just a 4/4th but a big model 4/4th.
She did not get the edges of the cello behind her kneecaps and the cello was so far away from her because otherwise the corner/tip of her cello stuck into her thigh. With the 7/8th cello that I had laid out for her to alternate with, that went better immediately. That was an AHA-moment for her; it fitted and of course it took some getting used to, but it was right now and it worked.
This size problem is so familiar to me; when I try cellos I might want to buy, a 4/4th is always uncomfortable for me too. I have the same thing as Elly; it doesn’t fit nicely, it slips away and it picks up. I’m really not abnormal, just like Elly; many will experience this.
While switching between the 4/4th and 7/8th we looked at the cello techniques she had questions about. Using the weight. This is a hobbyhorse of mine; I find it very easy and nice to let the cellist in question feel how he or she can use her weight because with the stick position it’s usually the thumb that gives way to the stick as the only pressure. And what does that thumb do?
Exactly; it squeezes the stick upwards from the string instead of transposing pressure into the string. That’s exactly what you don’t want. It was the second AHA moment.
Then I often automatically go to the weight of the other hand and arm, also there a hanging exercise, transposing your arm weight to your fingertips; the thumb comes loose and play without wasting energy. AHA number 3.
Furthermore, we looked at important beginner’s points such as placing round fingers, thumb under the second finger and more.
She went out the door all happy. Maybe you’re someone who’s a little doubtful about your path to the next step. Maybe you also doubt the size of your cello. You don’t have to be my student, you’re welcome for a loose lesson and I’ll answer your questions. After that you just look at what you’re doing and hopefully I’ll see you sometime during a nice day of playing together or something. Or register for the Back to basics workshop that I give every year. All basic techniques will stay up to date, no matter how long you play.
How do you plan a loose lesson? Go to www.celloverkoop.nl/agenda and plan in. If you come for the first time you call it a test bottle. If you come again after that you call it a regular lesson.
Click here for an overview of the workshops to come: they will be given in Amsterdam West and Havelte, Drenthe.
Scarlett
info@celloverkoop.nl | 06 – 1818 9005
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