August 5, 2009 Cello Lesson

August 5, 2009

Tuning: tune A string first; once in tune go to 1/2 harmonic on the D string and check to see if D is in tune.

Work down to the C string; use 3rd finger on the top harmonic and 1st finger on the 1/2 harmonic

Problems with the scales mainly due to bow not being straight and not in the center. This causes bad, squeaky sounds.

Extensions were better today on scales.

Good idea to try and memorize different pieces and then can look at the bow and bowing to make sure it is OK. Location and Angle.

Schroeder: Exercise 23 for next lesson.

Work on 2, 4, and 8 slurs

Play in the middle

NO elbow flapping!!

Watch the wrists and fingers and their motion. Motion of these areas will differ depending on whether doing 2, 4 or 8 slurs.

Shoulder shouldn't be different with each version. Shoulder will move some but shouldn't be going up. Shoulder stays steady.

Try loosening the finger grip on the bow; may help with #23. Try crunching and un-crunching the fingers.

SCALES:

Aim for a seamless, smooth shift; no jerkiness!!

In B flat minor pull the cello in to the body at the top of the scale.

Play on the fingertips at the top of the scale.

Something about the 2nd finger and the thumb; can't remember????

It is OK to play the scales with detached bowing if slurring is too hard.

Tarantella:

Nuggets or piece practice

Play slower

Use metronome and gradually increase speed only when playing perfectly at the lower speed.

Measures: 13 to 16

23 to 24

all double stops on the first page.

Email B TH, August 13th re: thumb exercises

Next lesson is Friday, August 14th, 11:45

THUMB:

Don't do yet, but

will have marks on right side of thumb

will rarely use the 4th finger when in thumb position.