This week I began to dive into my Learning Project… learning improved technique on the cello by using a variety of online resources and watching back recordings of myself to see where I’m going wrong.
First, I’d like to introduce you to my cello, which I named Johann, after the composer of the most beautiful piece of music of all time…
I got Johann in 2015, minutes after finishing my last written exam to complete my Grade 10 with the Royal Conservatory of Music. I have always had a love for the cello, but I was determined to finish mastering the piano before trying a new instrument.
I started taking lessons in Regina, and then eventually found a teacher here in Moose Jaw to help me learn the instrument, but I just never stuck with it. As a piano teacher, it’s very humbling to try to learn a new instrument… it reminds you just how difficult and frustrating it is to stick with!
Jumping ahead ten years, I received a text from someone who was looking to purchase a cello and knew that I had one I wasn’t using. I took this opportunity to talk to my former cello teacher to see how much I could get for Johann. Turns out, my instrument was worth almost double what I paid for it – which motivated me to give it another go!
Obstacle #1: Wrist Pain!
One of the reasons I gave up on learning the cello is because of the chronic wrist pain that it led to in my bow wrist. So, I figured a good place to start would be learning some different techniques to improve how I hold the bow.
I found someone on YouTube called the CelloProfessor who shares some exercises to practice releasing tension in the bow wrist:
This guy’s YouTube channel is a gold mine! It’s nice to see exercises that I can practice when I’m away from the instrument.
Progress Video:
I took this progress video to share what I worked on this week. I can see that my bow wrist is way too rigid! Looks like I’ll have to keep working on these techniques!
Next Obstacle… the Fingerboard!
Next week I want to work on moving my fingers a little more smoothly on the fingerboard. I struggle to keep the rest of my fingers down and I know it makes things harder than they need to be.
We will also be spending some time away from home in the coming weeks, so I will have to figure out a solution to what I can do when my cello can’t be with me.
Thanks for reading!
Hello Jenni,
Thank you for sharing your video. The cello is absolutly one of my favourite instruments to listen to. You must be so pleased that you didn’t sell Johann.
I agree Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major is very beautiful. It really shows off the cello and the beautiful sounds it makes.
Looking forward to watching your progress.
Hi Jenni, it’s great to watch your progress! I appreciate the video – it will be so nice to look back on them to see the evolution of your playing. I always regret giving up playing the violin in grade school. Geez, maybe I should have made that my learning project! Keep up the awesome playing.