The post title says it all really... I got a cello and am looking for any advice for a total beginner, things to remember etc, and any good book reccommendations. I do play other stringed instruments, but am totally new to the cello.

I already have Essential Elements for Strings 2000 Book 1, the AB scale book, Jazzin' About for Cello and Time Pieces Book 1. Any other good book reccommendations or any general tips would be very much appreciated...

Well, the first thing I would say is GET A TEACHER! The most important time when learning any instrument, cello included, is to get the basics right, and a strong foundation to learn on. Even if you only have lessons for the first month and then do the rest alone, it's far better than teaching yourself from the beginning. I had a bad teacher when I started, and tried to do a lot myself, and am still correcting posture issues as a result, so it really is important!

One book off the top of my head is Tortelier's "How I play, How I teach", which I found interesting when I started. I can't think of many others - but the books you have are all good.

What type of cello is it, just out of interest?

Anyway, good luck with finding a teacher, and enjoy playing! It really is a fantastic instrument

Wow Joyjoy, that's a great present! I'd recommend two things - firstly if the instrument didn't come from a luthier, have it checked out and set up properly - it will make a huge difference and will help you get the absolute best out of your instrument. Secondly, buy the book 'La méthode du jeune violoncelliste' which is printed by feuillard - it's excellent. Each lesson is designed to last a week (although some last more and some less and if you're used to playing strings, you'll probably advance quickly through the first ten or so), there is a technical point introduced, some exercises to perfect it then usually a duet to played with your teacher that contains said difficulty. It's a great way to learn - every week or so there's something new to play and you find your technique becomes quite solid quite quickly.

Above all enjoy the cello, it's a gorgeous instrument.

Allan

It's just a very basic one but I must admit I'm very impressed with the sound it produces so far. It is pretty much a cello to start me off, if I like it I will upgrade in a few years time when I can afford a better one - but for now I think it is very good. I've been through the Essential Elements book - it's a good book, although the dvd could have been a bit better.



Yeah, I can see myself falling in love with the cello quite easily, even after only playing it for two days! It's lovely .... I'm currently enjoying playing the Can-Can on it

I'll add the vote to getting yourself a teacher, but since you already play other string instruments a tutor book worth having a look at is "Playing the Cello" by Hugo Cole and Anna Shuttleworth.

Enjoy!

Thank you - I shall have a look at that book. The cello is a gorgeous instrument...

I got a cello for Christmas as well They sound so gorgeous I played my simple beginners pieces for 2 hours today and loved every minute

I think we're going to become adicted aren't we Yamaha!?

just to re-iterate - get a teacher, bad habits are very easy to acquire but very hard to cure

wow! what a lovely present, you must be very very happy!

my advice is to enjoy, possibly get a teacher for a bit (for the reasons above!), and to love playing it for ever!!!

xoxox

I'm sure I will, thanks. I can't believe I didn't take it up when I younger... it's such a lovely instrument Think I will have years of fun with it