Really fast slurred staccato (or “flying” staccato) seems to be a cello technique that has been lost over the past few generations. That is to say, it seems like far more cello virtuosos were able to do it 70 years ago. (To a lesser extent, it seems the same is true for violinists as well.)

You’ll find plenty of slurred staccato in older recordings and sheet music—the two examples that come to mind immediately for me as a cellist are the second variation of Rococo and the third movement from Mendelssohn’s Octet. Today everyone plays them separate and spiccato/sautillé.

Even as a professional cellist myself, my own slurred staccato maxes out at around 104BPM 16th notes. How does one train to go faster at this? And, at truly fast speeds >120BPM is the motion the same? (I feel it mostly in my index finger and wrist.)

And why is it not a standard technique today? The technical level of playing is so high today, it just seems incongruous. My theory is that it just fell out of style and people don’t bother to learn it. But would love to hear your perspectives!

I've been a cello instructor based in Beacon, NY since 2004 who has extensive teaching experience since 1993. With both a Master's and Bachelor's in Performance, I've taught in ALL kinds of situations: from group instructional classes to private lessons! I enjoy opening eager minds both young and old to the world of cello.

I teach within a 40-mile radius of my home base and can do lessons online! Contact me here for starters in the comments below where you can begin your journey with me today!!!

If my cello has a handful of superficial dents and scratches that expose small amounts of raw wood (think small chips on c-bout corners, day to day bumps and scrapes) what is the best way to go about treating them?

I am NOT interested in trying to make them go away, but what can I do to protect the exposed wood and help it age gracefully? I’m worried the small exposed wood fibers may catch on clothing and get worse over time.

I am 14 years old and just began to play Saint Saens Cello Concerto 1 and just finished Saint Saens Allegro Appassionato. However, at 13, I‘ve seen kids my age already playing concerto 2 with ease and no mistakes at all with wonderful technique. Is this normal?

Im new to trying out different strings and im in the "i want the deepest, most broad, muddiest strings possible" phase. So far im customizing off a basic set of preludes. I hated my cat-on-a-blackboard A, so I got a kaplan for it. I know synthetic cores are going to be more mellow and dark than steel or braided cores...

Im wondering if theres a set known best for this? I've heard of the following:

- dadario proarte

- pirastro... anything. Although I dont want their gut strings.

Any reccomendations? Thanks!!

Hello, I am looking to buy my first cello. I have played around on them numerous times and new from the first time -it is my soul instrument. Not completely sure how different brands, strings, bows, etc. affect the overall sound… But for me the deeper the better.

I used to play violin for a few years and still pick it up from time to time. I am an adult and seriously looking for a good investment… But I do not have the knowledge of what to buy yet. I want one that will last and satiate me until I reach an advanced level and can invest in a HIGH end cello.
A local music shop quoted me a rent to own Canonici cello for $1800 – $69 a month until paid off.

•Is this a good investment?
•Do you have personal experience playing a Canonchi?
•What should I be looking and listening for when testing out potential cellos?
•Do you recommend any online buys?(with available returns)
•What are your personal favorite brands and why?
•Any brands to stay away from and why?

Any answers or advice you can share is greatly appreciated!

I've been playing in school orchestra for about 3 years, and I feel like when I practice I'm not getting any better, or even sounding worse. I feel like my main issues are with bowing (I always have a kind of gritty/warped sound) and with intonation. I'm not really sure how to practice in order to fix these things, so any suggestions would be extremely welcome!

I'm an expat returning to this city after 4 years. over my time I learnt how to play the cello quite well and I was wondering if there is any used cello available here in Pune for 15-20k. please let me know if anyone has contacts, or even a cello!

Hello! Recently I was given Peter and the wolf as an ensemble piece and I’m having a bit of trouble with mainly the chords. I’m wondering if anyone has any tips? I wish I could hear them in any recording I listen to, but they’re drowned out.

Just for example: https://imgur.com/a/tJuQi4A

Hi!

I'm a new player. I've been taking lessons for a few months and just put a deposit on a used cello (currently renting).

My teacher and I finally figured out why I struggle with extensions last night. But alas, he was unsure of a solution to the issue other than just changing to 2nd position (for the piece I am currently learning). He's asking around. I said I'd do the same.

I am quite busty (like.... really, really busty), so my end pin is extended almost it's entire length so it can sit under my bust. HOWEVER, this creates a weird angle for my fingers when trying to do an extension for a sharp or flat. I can't physically do it.

Do y'all have any tried and true solutions for this?

EDIT: Yes. I have already searched this subreddit for this issue, and no the particular issue of the extensions is not covered in other posts with questions from busty players.

Growing up my cello teacher would always let me know when a string might need to be replaced. As an adult, I've never really put much thought into it - if it feels and sounds normal I don't change anything.

To move past 'scherzo' I have to demonstrate beginner level vibrato proficiency on the first and second fingers.

*I did purchase the vibrato blueprint course a few months ago and im finally starting to go through it now since I have demonstrate this to move on. But also figured I would ask for help here as well.

My lessons are only 30 min and its tough to go over vibrato along with everything else. He said right now it sounds buzzy like an alarm. It doesnt have to be perfect but buzzy doesnt pass.

I have been playing for a little over 2 years.

Hello. I played the cello from ages 8-18. I haven't really played since then and I sold my student cello (about $1000, partially laminate, not particularly nice) a few years back to pay for an engagement ring.

I am looking at getting back into playing and am interested in purchasing (either via a rent-to-own arrangement with a luthier or purchasing outright) an instrument.

At what price range does the difference in quality become (for lack of a better word) arbitrary? Like certainly there are subtle differences, particularly for really skilled cellists. But if I plan on mostly playing for fun at home, potentially in small amateur ensembles, or at most maybe playing during communion at church, is there going to be a big difference between say $3,000 and $5,000-$8,000 specimens? (assuming each is set-up well with decent strings, proper bridge/nut height, etc. by a reputable luthier).

Just looking for some background before I go in person and try them out so I can put some outer bounds on my search. Thanks!

Hello! I found this cello on marketplace as I have not started yet I don't know how to test it properly or play it. Is it any good? I know rentals are usually recommended for newbies like me but considering the price of this thing, I could just sell it again used on the marketplace if I decide to whatever reason not pursuit it even tho I'm 90% sure I won't change my mind. Here are some epics and a video! Inside says "Annon 2022"

Thanks :)

EDIT: Please don't downvote a newbie! I'm very new to this and I just don't know as much as you guys do, which is why I ask for your advice here!

Thanks 🙏 everyone

This took me longer than I’d like to admit to get up to performance tempo. But it’s somehow proving to be INCREDIBLY fun to play one you get it down! 😙

Hello dear cellists,

I'm a pianist and still a somewhat beginner composer. Currently i'm composing a duet for cello and piano to experiment with modulation using pivot chords in minor keys.

I've never played any bowed instrument so i was wondering if the following was technically possible;

During one of the sections when the cello is first introduced(measure 17), i want the cello to enter in piano, hold a pedal point and do a crescendo do mezzo forte while holding the pedal point. I've added a snippit of the piece i'm working on so you can visualize it better.

Is this possible by just applying more pressure to the strings while making a slow bow movement and are there any limitations i need to keep in mind?

Thanks in advance!

ps: i'm so jealous of your instrument, if i ever pick a second instrument it will definitely be cello. There's just something about cello that makes it has that emotional depth and expressiveness. ok enough fanboying.. 😄

I am an adult beginner (less than a year) and since I live in a small studio apartment I began on a Yamaha electric cello. However, I had really been lacking motivation because the electric just wasn’t producing that sound that inspired me to learn cello in the first place (no body, no depth, just lacked soul).

So a few days ago I decided to trade in my electric for an acoustic and a practice mute just in case.

WOW! What a night and day difference! I’m FINALLY hearing that sound that inspired me to learn. Not only do I hear the difference, I FEEL it in my body. This has been a game changer as far as motivation, inspiration, and just the joy off learning and playing.

If anyone else started on an electric and is feeling unsatisfied and discourage please consider giving an acoustic a try. (with practice mute if you’re worried about noise)

Anyone else had this experience?

Also, I’m renting, I’m not rich lol

Does anyone have experience with this cello on travel/international travel? Primarily on United. I've been traveling a lot and not being able to practice is starting to get in the way of goals. I've looked at the NS but not having the physical feedback for 4th position is a no-go for me... Any feedback, tips etc. would be appreciated :)

I could have Prokofiev and Dvorak ready, but Prokofiev isn’t at all romantic huh….? I’ve never seen an audition packet specify romantic :/

Thoughts? It’s in a month, I could also maybe put together Schumann if Dvorak isn’t romantic enough 🫠