When I played as a child I don't remember my arm hurting so much! My bowing arm generally gets me through a piece, but is aching by the end of it. I get through my half hour practice by having little breaks between each piece. But it's pretty sore! And by the end of a practice session, I'm bowing more carefully because it hurts, and that's making me more screechy. It's not agonising or anything, and I'm not getting pain after a practice session - it's just during.

My teacher said that my bowing was pretty good, and that my grip and technique were sound. But I wondered whether you thought I might be doing something to contribute to the soreness (largely in my upper arm and shoulder). Or is it just a case of using muscles that, old and lazy as I am, haven't been put to much use recently?

It sounds as though it might be a tension problem. 'Grip' ? There should be no 'grip'. The hand/thumb need to be in a good posiiton on the bow, but you shouldn't be gripping. One trick is to imagine yourself on the deck of a ship and to lift you hand an place it on the rail. You wouldn't grip would you ? (I'm talking calm waters; not stormy ocean ) you'd be surprised what a knock on effect gripping with the thumb can have.

Try sitting in position with your 'cello but not playing. Just be aware of your shoulder, arm, elbow, hand alignment, and if you are aware of any tension at all, consciously try to relax. Perhaps play a while, then stop and check if any build up of tension is occuring. Also stop and check your sitting position and the way you hold your cello.

I'm afraid that's all I can suggest at the moment. Hope it helps.

EDIT: I've just read your other 'cello post. Your 'cello might have somthing to do with it ! A warped neck and too high bridge is not going to help matters !

All the best
iona

Setting the cello at the right height on the end-pin can make a huge difference.

I'm sorry to say it, but not all teachers advise on this sort of thing and there is a teenage boy I know who was taught by a very good player from the Royal Opera House. However, he had never been told or shown how to set the end-pin and angle the cello so that he was relaxed and sat with his back straight, rather than slumping over an almost upright instrument while having to literally press the bow into the strings.

I've since come across other students who attempt playing with an "upright cello", so it's obviously not and uncommon situation.

Grip is the wrong word - but my hand is relaxed on the bow, not tense, and it's in the right shape, curved, little finger not too rigid, thumb comfortable. (I have double jointed thumbs, so actually gripping with my thumb can be a bit of a challenge!) I'll get the teacher to have another look when I see him next week though, to double check it. And yeah, it might be related to the problems with the cello, so perhaps when the magic luthier fixes / replaces it all will be solved....

I'll try the relax holding the cello thing.

My teacher did check the height of the pin, and raised it much higher than I would have had it. I made a mental note and I think I've got it right, but again I'll get him to double check it when I see him next week. I'll also maybe try playing in front of a mirror to check posture.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll ponder this some more!

Just got home with a new german solid wood cello. I'm in love. It's amazing to play, and all these problems have miraculously disappeared!

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions. I feel like I'm finally on my way!

Cool! Post a photo of it sometime...

You know, I nearly did that, and I thought people would think it was silly. I love my cello!

A Paesold? Sounds wonderful
- Did they not think it worthwhile working on yours?

No, the luthier nearly cried, he thought it was in such a bad state. To get it playable he reckoned it would be about £200, and more if I wanted it to sound a bit better than playable. They were really great at the shop, and I so wish I'd gone there in the first place. Ah well, I'll know better next time. He's suggested selling it at an auction where an amateur do-er upper might buy it. I'm going to try again to get the vendor to do the decent thing and take it back, but I don't think they will.


On a happier note: Care of my new baby. I've got a stand for it. Is it best to keep it on that, or to store it in the case? I don't really have anywhere big enough in my house to safely lay it down in my case, so if it's in there, it'll have to be upright, which I don't think is a great idea (small child in house, high chance of knocking over...)

It's note a paesold, a more unusual make apparently, that this luthier sources and imports himself (embarrassingly can't remember the name - something with a D).

Just wanted to let you know that I had a cello last night, and my cello teacher was really impressed with the progress I've made. Clearly new cello is working well! I'm feeling so pleased with myself, and I love playing it because it just sounds so very good, after the hideous noises I was making on my old one.