Super excited to announce my new series that will play on SUNDAYS. It is called Slow Play Sundays where I play through cello music slowly. The purpose is so that cello students trying to learn these songs can actually hear what is going on and also play alongside the video. Too often I hear that when students listen to recordings it is hard to follow along because they go by so fast. This video series is meant to help with…
So if you are in TX you are probably preparing for All Regions auditions, and perhaps even All-State auditions as well. I put out a couple vids on how to prepare for the etudes that are used in these auditions. Now keep in mind that these etudes are challenging. They pick etudes to show different skill sets and see how you can do. Auditions can be tough. As far as I know here, the All Region audition consists of you…
Playing music with other people is often a fun project that lots of people love to do. Especially when you are learning your solo music, unless the piece is unaccompanied, it can often be far more satisfying to be collaborating with someone else. I chatted with my good friend, collaborator, and pianist Patryce King in this recent video. Here we talked about the helpful things EVERYONE can do to help make collaborations easier. Remember it is not all about YOU…
Scales are an essential part of learning any instrument! Even if you are a beginner you can learn some simple scales and really get to know your instrument well. A quick way to really know first position on the cello is to do some scales as well. Here I continue in this beginner scale series by talking about scales that use flats. Be sure to check it out and tell me what you think! https://youtu.be/uCuZbTVd9Yc
As a teacher I always emphasize the importance of knowing your scales. Too often there is so much concern over learning the repertoire that a lot students only gloss over knowing anything about scales. Even beginner cello players can learn to play scales. Remember learning scales may be not as exciting as a song, but it will really show you where notes are on your cello and help you become more familiar with the fingerboard geography. In this video I…
It has been a bit of time but I have been working on getting more Youtube videos out to you on tips and tools to help you learn how to play your favorite songs on the cello. This week I just released a video with tips on how to play the song A Million Dreams from the movie The Greatest Showman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTW6vdl8K6c I just love movie music, it really adds to the mood and feeling of what you are watching.…
Having a good technical foundation will definitely help you when you are learning the cello! If there is one important foundational skill to remember about playing the cello it is to keep the thumb of your left hand under your middle finger AT ALL times. (Think “C” for cello, making a c shape with your hand where the thumb is in the proper location.) This would also include if you are stretching, shifting, staying in closed position, and even if…
Do you ever get to a gig and think, "Oh man if only I had thought to bring one of those!" It is getting to that season where gigs are abundant! I think it is essential that every musician have a few things on hand so that no matter where you happen to be gigging you are ready to go. This goes beyond the obvious of rosin, music, and all the basic gear you would normally need at a gig.…
Halloween is coming up fast this year! What is your favorite part about this holiday? For me, it is the candy (twix!)~ I'm too much of a scaredy-cat to enjoy most of the scary things of Halloween :) . In this video, I talk about how to make some spooky sounds on the cello. Perhaps you can even create your own scary soundtrack for yourself! I talk about: tremolo, ponticello, glissandos, Bartok pizz, using the body of the cello, col legno,…
Are you learning the Franchomme Caprice No 3? (I refer to it as an etude, but I suppose the official term is caprice :) ) My latest Youtube video covers all the tips you need to help you master this etude. This would be really helpful to those who are opting to take the All-Region or All-State audition since this is one of the etudes on the list. (The other one is Popper 16, which I also have a video on). If…