January 29, 2010 Cello Lesson

Played Schroeder #38. As expected, I will take one more week to tweak this piece. Following comments from B:

Intonation not the greatest; many of the low D's were out of tune

Slow down

Use the thumb to help hit the correct notes; second page, top line and third line where I was having problems. Line 1: 3rd measure E flat; Line 3: first measure D

When playing on the C and G string, the thumb can be more under the A and D strings

In line 4 (second page) use a D drone from the metronome to make sure the low D is in tune; also use flycasting technique for the low D in order to get the rest of the notes in

Need to apply more weight when playing the low D

Play at the tip for the 8 notes in order to have enough bow for the 16th notes

Make the 16th notes smoother

TRY THIS: Start upbow and see if the bowing is easier.

Make sure my fingers are not flat; should be slightly bowed

Use the thumb to hit correct notes.

Also played Bach Suite III, Bouree I and II

In I, still not watching the dynamics; also played too fast

In II, play pianissimo throughout. Make sure the bow travels and make sure to use the whole bow. Make sure that Bouree I and Bouree II are very different in style. Be more confident.

Put fingers down firmly when playing.

For next week, will continue to work on Bouree I and II but will also work on the first part of the Gigue. B wrote in fingerings, bowings, etc. No staccato where she slurred the bowing.