Maintenance/Repair

Cleaning your Cello

Your Cello should be dusted off once a week, or just before a performance. Use a little wet cloth to wipe out the rosin build up. But, for dusting off, you can use a dry cloth.

Storing your Cello

Keep your Cello in a place where no one would touch it. A place where no one would "accidentally" trip over it. There will be some scratches if you don't put your Cello in a case. So, it is recommended for you to put your Cello inside a hard case when not in use.

The Bridge

You should check the bridge of your Cello once a week. You have to check if the bridge is almost perpendicular to the belly of the Cello. If it isn't, then loosen the strings a little bit, and moving it to the correct position using both hands.

The Endpin

When you place your Cello down, make sure the endpin is not sticking out where some careless person might kick it accidentally and send your Cello flying.

The Bow

Keep your bow in a safe place where there won't be anyone who will sit on it or knock it to the floor. Do not join a pretend sword fight with other cellists. Do not tap the music stand as a form of applause. Loosen the bow when not in use.

Scratches/Crack

Over the years some scratching is to be expected, so don't be too upset over a small scratch! Just leave the small scratches alone. In the case of a big scratch or a crack, then bring it to a professional.

For more information: http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Care-for-a-Cello-/10000000177633734/g.html

Basic Positioning

There are a total of seven regular positions for beginners. There are more positions which advanced players use, but they usually are less concerned with the positioning and are more focused on playing a piece with more comfortable fingering. There are 4 strings on a Cello. The thickest string, which is the closest to you when you are a right-handed person, is the C string. The string pitches go up in the order of C, G, D, A.

1.       The easiest and the most basic position is the 1^st position. The 1^st position, like any other, requires you to put your thumb behind the fingerboard.

2.       Then you put your first finger right on the C-string, pushing against the fingerboard, around 2inches from the nut.

3.       That is the first whole tone after the open string is played. (Open string means that the string is played without any finger put on the fingerboard to change the note.)

4.       Add the second or third finger depending on which string you are on, while not releasing the thumb and the first finger. If you are on a C or G string, place your third finger a little bit away from the first finger. On the other hand, if you are on a D or A string, place your second finger just a little bit away from the first finger. (We are more than halfway done so don’t give up!)

5.       Place the last finger (pinky) on the fingerboard a little bit away from the third finger if you are on sting C or G, and a little farther away from the second finger if you are on string D or A.

That is it for the 1^st and the most basic position for beginners. There are numerous positions after that, but are easy to do once you master this position. Good Luck!

http://thecellocompanion.info/2011/01/18/a-beginners-guide-to-first-position-finger-placement-and-notation/

For more information: http://www.cello.org/heaven/position/position.htm

How to pick a good Cello

FAQ

Q: Where do I go buy a Cello?

A: Find a good and reliable music store that specializes in stringed instruments(preferably handmade).

http://www.heaney-violins.com/

Q: Can I just go to the store on my own and pick one out?

A: It is recommended to go to the store and look for the best Cello for you with a professional, like a private tutor.

 http://www.celloleap.com/background.htm

Q: I heard there are different sizes of Cellos. How do I know which one is what I need?

A: Different heights require different Cellos. When you extend the end pin of the cello to the max, the C-peg at the top should touch your left ear. This is a trick in choosing a perfect sized cello for you.

http://www.thecelloteacher.co.uk/equipment

Q: What other things do I have to buy, other than the Cello?

A: There are several things you can buy, but the most important tools are bow and rosin. Sometimes they both come together with the Cello, but rosin usually does not. A bow is definitely needed to play the cello because it is what makes the cello make sound as it slides across the strings. Rosin is used to make the bow have more contact with the string to make a beautiful melody.

http://www.learninghowtoplaytheviolin.com/violin-rosin-for-the-bow.html

Q: Where do I keep the Cello?

A: There are different designs of cases. They are also made with different materials. Most Cello cases are simply made out of fabric, but hard cases are what last longer. Hard cases have wheels too. These hard cases are more expensive, but are recommended because of their durability.

 http://www.strumhollow.com/cellos.htm

Q: Do I need to buy extra strings?

A: Buying extra strings is common when buying a Cello the first time. It is sure that if you keep playing this instrument for a long time, one of the strings will break at least once. So, buy at least one extra for every string.

http://www.caswells-strings.co.uk/shop/cello-strings/2053-larsen-crown-cello-string-c.html

I hope I answered all questions thoroughly. If I didn’t, here is a link you can use for further information.

http://www.jinloh-professional-music.com/how-to-choose-good-cello.html

Famous Cellists

One great way to learn about an instrument and what it sounds like is by researching and listening to famous players of that instrument. Here are some famous cello players, otherwise known as Cellists. There are countless famous cellists, but I chose the few I know and talked about them.

http://thefreegeorge.com/thefreegeorge/yo-yo-ma-and-the-philadelphia-orchestra-come-to-spac/

Yo- Yo Ma- He was born in 1955 in Paris. He is of Chinese descent. An interesting fact about him is that he started performing from the age of five. He spent most of his early years in New York. He earned lots of awards, such as the National Medal of the Arts (2001), and Dan David Prize(2006). He plays different types of songs, including classical, pop music, and traditional holiday songs. His music was also featured in Hollywood films such as Seven Years in Tibet, and Hidden Dragon.

http://www.gopixpic.com/436/pablo-casals/http:%7C%7Cluirig*altervista*org%7Ccpm%7Calbums%7Cbain-35%7C17069-Pablo-Casals*jpg/

Pablo Casals- He was a Spanish cellist who lived from December 29, 1876, to October 22, 1973. He was a highly respected cellist and also a conductor. Although there are more recordings of his chamber music and orchestra music, he is best remembered for his recording of Bach: Cello Suites, between 1936 and 1939. An interesting fact about him is that he played for Queen Victoria at Osborne House, and President Roosevelt on January 15, 1904.

https://www.schubertiademusic.com/details/multiple_catalogs:yes/desc:Rostropovich,+Mstislav.+(1927-2007).

Mstislav Rostropovich- He is a Russian cellist who lived from March 27, 1927, to April 27, 2007. He is considered the greatest cellist of the 20th century. He recorded nearly the entire cello repertoire, and inspired many composers to make pieces especially for him. He was a leading conductor, pianist and a well-known defender of human rights. In 1977 he became the music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. An interesting fact about him is that when he returned to Russia, hundreds of wealthy and well-dressed Russians paid $1,000 apiece to hear him conduct and play cello.

For more information: http://www.classical-music.com/feature/world-music/six-best%E2%80%A6-cellists