VibrAAaaAAaaAAto!

Since my last lesson, I have been working on smooth bowing and quick string transitions. Kristiana gave me some exercises, like bowing finger one on each string back and forth, to improve on these. She noticed that I was doing a lot of "bow crossing" (accidentally bowing on two strings) while playing harder songs. I need to focus on keeping my bow very parallel to the ground to avoid that.

Kristiana also taught me to play vibrato even though my skill level isn't high enough to play it nicely yet. Beginners usually only play vibrato on half or whole notes, but she said that she plays it on almost every note because it comes so naturally. To play vibrato, you twist your wrist back and forth to roll your finger and make a controlled wavering pitch. It's very pretty and can really enhance a legato piece with longer notes.

Unfortunately, Kristiana can't find the piano book of accompaniments for the little cello songs I have learned, so I won't be able to record those ones together. I do, however, have music for the cello and piano of Say Something by A Great Big World. This one is harder to play because it has extended positions beyond the first position that I've learned, but I really want to play it for my class presentation so I'm going to try.

There's only one more week of classes left! My last project goal is to present to my Bible class about what I have learned through pursuing my passion.

Goal Adjustments...

Although I am making progress, it doesn't look like I will be reaching all of my goals for this project. Putting together a music video will not be happening, but I will still work towards recording piano accompaniments for the pieces I am learning on cello. I've asked Kristiana to scan and send me songs that come with piano music, so I will get started with those soon.  

I've had two more Skype lessons with Kristiana since my last blog update. She has been excellent at correcting my mistakes and teaching me new skills to improve my technique and sound quality. 

- Phrases begin with a down bow (pulling the bow to the right). You continue with an up bow (pushing the bow to the left) and repeat down and up throughout the song. Unless playing staccato, which I haven't done yet, keep the bow always moving smoothly.

http://forum.makemusic.com/default.aspx?f=5&m=336012 

- All the fingers above the position being played should be resting on the string. This is a hard one to follow because my fingers tend to tense and curl up when I'm focusing on the music.

- The left thumb needs to be very loose on the neck of the cello. Originally I was touching the neck with the pad and inner part of my thumb, but Kristiana says the side of the thumb tip should be the only thing touching. This will help me loosen my grip!

- The bow doesn't need much pressure to make a sound on the string. Pushing down too hard makes the growly noise that I've been trying to get rid of.

As soon as Kristiana sends them through, I'll post some of the music I will be working on this week.

Skype Saves the Day

It turns out that Proverbs 15:22 is right in saying, "Plans fail for lack of counsel." Even though I wanted to practice cello over spring break, I found it very daunting to figure things out by myself and there was nobody holding me accountable to my plans.  

 

So, I finally decided it was time to connect with a project mentor. My cousin, a cellist of six years, agreed to teach me the fundamentals. The only problem is... she lives in Illinois! However, Skype is a beautiful thing and we have planned to have a few lessons over the internet.

The first lesson was last week after school. Kristiana (my cousin) gave me lots of tips and instructions that helped solidify what I had seen on tutorials. I realized that there is only so much you can learn from a video, eventually you need someone to answer your questions and talk you through it. Here are a few things she taught me:

- My arms should be positioned like I'm giving the cello a bear hug. Elbows out, but shoulders relaxed. 

- Fingers are numbered 1-4 starting from the pointer (not the thumb like in piano). 

- The Star Trek hand sign is key! Finger 1 and 2 are close together, then a larger space between 2 and 3, and 3 and 4 are close again in the left hand position.

- The left hand thumb should never be tight on the neck of the cello (this is a hard one to learn)

- Only play with the first quarter of the bow at the beginning.
- Pencil is good for marking left hand finger positions because it easily wipes off of the fingerboard with a cloth.
 

Kristiana also taught me the finger positions to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! She showed me how to write down these positions by first writing the finger number (or O for open) and then the string name. For example OA, or 4D.
 

The best part of the lesson was when Kristiana performed one of her songs for me. My aunt accompanied her on piano and it was beautiful! She had played it for an audition for a scholarship to summer camp, and despite not being given the scholarship she was still proud of the piece and happy to share it with me. She's a great example for me of someone who has excelled in their instrument because of the time and effort she has put into it.