How To Get Started With The Cello

Learning to play a string instrument is a unique challenge that is sure to be a rewarding experience. The special part of starting to play a string instrument is that you do not choose between a violin, cello, viola or bass, but rather it chooses you, like some form of musical destiny. Depending on your height all the way to the size of your hands, your individual features are tied with which instrument is right for you, and for many the perfect instrument is the cello.

Getting started with the cello

Now that the cello has picked you to become its counterpart, you may have plenty of questions: Can I afford a cello? What do I need to play the cello? How do I learn to play the cello?

Let’s start with the cost. Many people see how expensive it can be and give up before they even start, but don't let that keep you from your musical dreams. Although the cost of owning a cello can be in the thousands, there are many alternatives, such as: used instrument stores, pawn shops, or renting one from a musical store on a monthly basis.

Your cello doesn't have to be in perfect shape - just perfect for you, and with these different choices in owning one it certainly will make it easier to find your perfect cello and get going to the fun stuff.

Ready to start playing? Check out this amazing cello course with Brent Arnold

Introduction to Cello with Brent Arnold

Get started on the cello with the cellist of the Ghost Quartet

What else do I need?

Now that you have your cello you may be sitting there thinking, what do I do now? Well, the next thing would be to ask yourself what other items do I need to get going. The most important item on your checklist would be a bow, or in other terms, the extension of your hand.

The bow is what creates the beautiful sound that comes out of your instrument and will be your main companion on your journey in learning the cello. Other items would include rosin, which is used on your bow to create the friction when contacting the bow onto the strings, and an endpin rest, which is placed on the floor to sit the cello upon without the cello sliding around. It's also great to have a tuner so you can get pitch perfect sound when starting to play your cello.

Now it’s time to actually learn to play the cello

Now that you have everything in order, you are probably feeling anxious about getting started. But before you strum your first note you will need to get familiar with your instrument. Take time to learn all of the different parts of your instrument. Here on Lessonface, you can find your one-on-one online cello teacher to guide you through your instrument and teach you about its various parts. The cello can be a very complex instrument when you are just beginning, so it is very important to learn the specifics of the instrument so when you start to finally play your first note, you know exactly how you are creating it.

OK, so now you have finally become one with your cello. You know every curve and line of the instrument and now you are ready to finally play your first composition from Mozart or Handel. But before you become the next musical genius, you now need to learn how to tune your cello, set up your bow, hold your instrument, hold your bow, (take a deep breathe) finger placement, and learn how to read music! Yeah, it sounds overwhelming, but put your frustrations to the side because this is why Lessonface is here to give you a personalized step-by-step learning plan all in the comfort of your own home.

What do you think? Tweet us @lessonface.

Click here to book an online cello lesson or here to learn more about how Lessonface works. You can also check out our blog here to read more about Lessonface and our teachers.

Self paced cello course