Do’s and Don’ts for First Time Cellists

If you’re a beginner at playing the cello, you might find yourself lost on how to start. Luckily, you can help yourself by watching videos on the internet or reading articles for first-time cellists. Playing the cello also entails some rules and techniques that could help you to acquire the needed skills quickly. To give you tips, here are some dos and don’ts you might find handy when learning to play the cello.

Do’s and Don’ts

The right mindset plus strong knowledge will give you so many advantages when learning a new instrument like a cello. To feed you with the information you need, here are the things you should do and should not do.

(Do) Choose the right size for you

A beginner cello player should begin with the appropriate size of the instrument. You do not want to play an instrument bigger than you. Instead, you want a cello that you can handle and reach easily. The size will also dictate the comfort you’ll experience when playing.

(Don’t) rush into playing tunes

Learning cello is a process that takes time, and you cannot start with playing tunes right away. The basics or fundamentals is what you should prioritize in the first few weeks. This might include familiarizing yourself with the parts and accessories of your instrument, playing techniques for beginners, and the proper positioning to avoid shoulder and back pains. 

(Do) Learn how to tune your cello

Aside from learning how to play the cello, it is also important that you know how to tune it. If you regularly use your cello, there are chances that the tension of each string may accidentally change, and this is inevitable. In this case, you do not want to call someone just to tune your cello. The skill of tuning your instrument is a must for every cellist.

(Don’t) forget to purchase an anchor

An anchor or also known as a rock stop is a useful accessory for beginners. It is responsible for securing the endpin to not slip on the floor or the carpet.

(Do) Rosin the bow before using

Rosining your bow before you use it is actually considered a milestone for first-time cellists. But why do you need to rosin your bow? Rosin comes in various shapes and sizes, but its main goal is to make the strings stick on the bow hair better. If you do not rosin your bow, you will get an airy and wispy sound.

(Don’t) forget to do your warm-up before playing

Preparing yourself before playing the cello is the same as warming up before an exercise. You need to warm up and wake up your muscles by using them actively. Your left and right hand and shoulders are essential parts of your body that you need to keep active. By doing so, you can avoid pains and tensions in your body.

(Do) Have a space for Practice

Space is always a requirement if you want to get better at something. Dedicate a personalized and organized practice space where there are no distractions that could take away your focus. Ensure that all the things you need during the practice are in one place. This includes the rosin, stand, tuner, and comfortable seat.

Summary 

Although you might feel anxious about holding your cello for the first time, it’s still a normal thing that you should be glad about. You should celebrate that you have been given the opportunity to learn such an instrument. You just need to inform yourself about the things you need to know about cello, follow the above tips, and you’ll see that the anxiety will soon fade away.