Fourth Position

Fourth Position

I love scales! As a teenager taking lessons the value of scales went right over my head. If I had known then the value that scales provided to a student I definitely would have practiced them much more diligently. I now know that scales are a wonderful tool and...
Forward Extensions

Forward Extensions

Thank goodness for opposable thumbs! One of the key components to a good forward extension, happens behind the cello… and I don’t mean you, I mean your thumb. Having flexibility in thumb movement is essential to a good forward extension especially if you have small...
Countdown ~ a tutorial on shifting

Countdown ~ a tutorial on shifting

Are cellist’s shifty characters? Why yes we are! Unlike violinists who can go quite some time before learning to shift, it seems to me that it is better for cellists to learn how to shift a lot earlier than our violinist colleagues. So let’s get started! I believe...
Backward Extensions

Backward Extensions

One of the things I enjoy is attending poetry slam events. They are quite unique as slam contestants have to come prepared with 3 poems, each one has to be under 3 minutes and they have to be presented without props or additional supports. The slams are done...
Left Hand String Crossing

Left Hand String Crossing

When I was growing up and learning to play cello I had a terrible time with intonation! Even though I knew I was out tune and was trying really hard to fix it, I was at a total loss on how to get it right. The hours I spent with little success make me cringe....

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