At least once a year you want to be sure to check out some things on your instrument for good maintenance. Think of it as a yearly doctor checkup in a way. Most of the time you can take your instrument to the shop and it is an easy fix or replacement. Especially if you are hearing funny noises or you can't tighten your bow anymore these are things that you need to have fixed. Keep all your tools maintained…
#010 We made it to episode 10! Here I am talking about tips on how to become a better sight-reader. It can be so difficult because technically after reading a piece of music the 1st time, it is no longer sight-reading. Let me know if there are tips that you have that I don't mention here. We are ALL a work in progress. Make sure you take an overview of the piece. Are there any particularly hard looking spots?Key signature,…
So you've decided to start to learn to play the cello. Great! Now what are the things you absolutely need to start? This can totally go down a giant whole of gadgets and things but I talk about the 7 absolute most important things you will need. The other stuff out there? It's probably helpful, but not essential. Let me know if you think otherwise! A cello (duh!)a good chairrosinrockstopmusicmusic standmetronome/tuner You can check out my list of recommendations off…
In this episode I'm chatting about the one thing I seem to be repeating A LOT in lessons lately. The left-hand thumb is SO important when it comes to having good and consistent intonation. If you have been finding that for some reason your extensions just are never in tune, or that your pinky is generally out of tune make sure you double-check the placement of your thumb. Teachers often chat about this in the beginning, but over time we…
Let's address the question that I'm sure you either hear or ask yourself all the time. When can I move on from this piece of music? To me the answer is rather black and white, but you should always be sure to choose your battles and words carefully when answering this question. Most importantly why are you so eager to leave the piece of music? Is it getting boring or stale? Is there a way to make it more fun?…
In this episode, I address the question I get a lot: How long do I practice for? This definitely varies based on the level you are at and the music you are trying to play. Ultimately make sure you are clear on what goals you are trying to achieve each time you sit down to play. Are you in charge of a kid and making them practice? Then make it more into a challenge or a game. They will be…
#005 Starting out on cello two very popular books are either the Suzuki Books or Essential Elements. Here I talk about the pros and cons of both. Hopefully, you also have a teacher to help guide you to your goals as well! I also have youtube videos that can help you regardless of which book you use. Suzuki books are the ones that I tend to use, because I have training in using them and I like the rate of…
#004 I was inspired by an article by Strings magazine I read to talk about Mental Toughness. I don't believe there is a one solution fits all, but I DO think we need to talk about it. Building mental toughness is something that we ALL have to go through. You don't have to do it alone. But you DO want to take steps to address it and try to build on it. This is meant to be an open conversation…
In this episode I address 10 of the most common questions about the cello. It was so hard to just limit to 10! I'm sure there will be another down the road, but be sure to leave any other questions you may have in the comments. Links: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com https://www.musicnotes.com https://www.imslp.org Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you won't miss out on any future Cellomoji Chats episodes. Stay tuned for more
In this episode I'm talking about having a performance routine so you can feel more confident going into auditions and performances. It has taken me years to have mine and I will say it does change from each performance to the next! Everyone is different so you will have your own routine, but I've suggested a few things here to try that will help get you started developing your own. Let me know if there are things that YOU do…