Learning the Violoncello
Posted in practice on Nov 30th, 2009
A combination of Canon in D and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, arranged by Sibylle Kuder. In this video, although you can’t see her, Sibylle is accompanying me on the piano.
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Posted in practice on Nov 30th, 2009
This is a very simple piece that I’ve been using to practice fingering and bowing.
Let Us Chase the Squirrel
Posted in practice on Nov 30th, 2009
Using the children’s song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I’ve been practicing some basic bowing techniques. This first variation uses détaché and martelé, or legato connected notes followed by accented notes.
Twinkle Twinkle Variation 1
The second variation shifts to a more rapid continuous bowing.
Twinkle Twinkle Variation 2
The third variation uses more syncopated rhythm.
Twinkle Twinkle Variation 3
The forth [...]
As a part of my cello practice I intend to take videos of myself playing from time to time. Seeing yourself perform any activity, whether it is playing the cello or practicing martial arts or giving a speech, is highly enlightening.
The videos are links to the files, which are all .m4v format, so clicking on [...]
Posted in lesson on Nov 24th, 2009
Overview
Today I had what I feel is my first real cello lesson. The differences between instruction and teaching are numerous but they include mastery of the subject matter being taught, and mastery of the techniques necessary to transfer that knowledge to the student. Details are explained, but without presenting so much information that the student [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Nov 23rd, 2009
Violin: Sound of a kitten’s tail being pulled through a keyhole. Synonym: nails on a chalkboard.
Violoncello: See Violin, but substitute “mountain lion” for “kitten.” (For double bass, substitute “Alaskan blue whale” for “mountain lion.”
From: Clavier Companion, November/December 2009, pg 56-57
Posted in lesson on Nov 23rd, 2009
My first three lessons were an interesting amalgam of excitement, new ideas, and disappointment.
First Lesson #1
This lesson covered very basic information about how to carry the cello, how to remove it from and return it to its case, and a basic review of the parts of the cello and bow. A brief introduction to playing [...]
Posted in musing on Nov 23rd, 2009
Perhaps not surprisingly the hardest part about starting any new endeavor is finding someone to show you the way. While there may be some pursuits that lend themselves to self-education, taking up the study of a musical instrument is not such a pursuit.
Through my own experience as a student of the marital arts, and later [...]