Parent Information
Instrument Handling
Although children should learn to be responsible with their instruments, parents should also learn and assist in developing this habit
- Instruments should not be kept in extreme temperatures or humidity (do not leave them all day in a car)
- Instruments should not be stacked or have anything put on top if they are not in hard cases
- They should be stored away from animals and younger siblings
- They should not be knocked or bumped on anything
- The black tuners on the top of the instrument should not be handled at home, if there is a loose string this should be handled by a trained teacher
- The bow must be loosened after each use and tightened before playing.
- Students should always play the instrument with clean hands
Posture
Playing the cello is a physical task and good posture is integral to creating a good tone and technique. With poor posture, students are likely to develop injuries and pain that will hinder their ability. About 100% of learning an instrument and being technically proficient on the cello is related to posture and if you are able to assist and keep children accountable at home then their progress will be much faster!
Things you can help re-inforce at home:
- Left hand fingers curled
- Thumb behind 2nd finger
- Elbow up
- Bow hold
- Bow straight (between fingerboard and bridge)
- Feet flat on the floor
Practice Environment
The practice "set-up" is very important. Ideally the space is free of distractions and can be accessed at a routine time. A stand, music, homework book, appropriate height chair (please approve with teacher) and well kept instrument (see next section) is required for practice. If you are able to spend time with the student to assist with the homework it is recommended. Clear the space of distractions and any judgement, the area should welcome the child to make mistakes and "train" not "perform".
Instrument Care
To be kept in good working condition, it is important the instrument is well maintained. You may do this yourself but with expensive instruments should be done with a professional once a year.
- Strings as well as the body of the cello, should be wiped regularly of rosin and dust with a cleaning cloth. Rosin build up can get very sticky and damage the instrument varnish
- A light polish can be bought and used on cloth to wipe and shine the cello if desired
- Every few months the strings should be sterilised of dirt and build up from playing
- The bridge may warp with time and needs to bereplaced
- When restringing the instrument, the bridge should be pressed backwards to prolong it's shape
- The bow must be rosined evenly at each playing and loosened after each playing
- Bows should be "re-haired" every year
Buying Instruments
Recommended Instrument Set-Ups from Animato Strings in Brisbane:
Beginner-Intermediate
Eastman Cello with Larsen Strings, included case and bow: $1600
Capriccio Cello with upgrade to Larsen Strings and Case (bow included) $2107
Amore Cello $2960
G Marcello $3746 + Buy your own Case $300+ Bow >$800
(prices listed are for Full sizes, smaller sizes will be cheaper)
Advanced Cellists please set a generous budget and give at least 6-12months to start looking for the right instrument.
Please let me know when you are purchasing an instrument.
AMEB Exams
The Australian Music Examination Board written by Australian music educators provides 10 examination levels from beginner to advanced.
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Preliminary Grade
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Beginner grades 1-4
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Developing grades 5-8
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Advanced development grades:
Certificate of Performance
Associate Diploma of Music
Licentiate diploma of Music
The examinations are not recommended for everyone as they take a lot of time away from the students' learning priorities to prepare however should you wish to discuss the potential of taking an exam, please let Catherine know.
Accompanist
A professional accompanist must be used in live performances and examinations to give the student the opportunity to work with another musician. This not only develops their listening and chamber playing but also enhances the music and performance awareness of the player. Accompanists charge similar rates to lessons and are able to play at performances or lessons on request for a fee. You must book your accompanist in advance for a performance before organising rehearsals. It is the responsibility of the parent to organise rehearsals, book the performance and prepare music for the accompanist.
Any professional accompanist convenient to you is acceptable although my recommended accompanist is Yuko in Southport- phone number 0401 654 146.
Theory and Aural
Music is like maths, it has a formula, a recipe, an exact underlying set of rules. It is also like a language, it has a world of terminology (mostly Italian), signs and symbols to be able to read and understand.
Cello lessons will be most effective and allow the teacher to teach technical content if the student is able to keep up with the theory externally, either at home using a workbook (my recommendation is "Master Your Theory" workbooks) or by a private teacher or school curriculum. Unfortunately not all schools provide the depth of theory knowledge required in classroom programs as they often go into other aspects of music such as the historical background and genres of music. Quite often, music theory is a separate study that must be done.
Catherine endeavours to cover as much music theory and aural in lessons but please bear in mind that these are extra areas outside of simply cello playing. A separate Theory teacher will ensure you are getting a wholesome education without hindering your cello progression. For AMEB performance grades, equivalent Theory grades are required to pass.
My recommended theory teacher is Julius Hahn in Pacific Pines approx $20per half hour - enquire to find out more 0421759733
