Practice warm ups.

A lovely friend recommended this to me and I thought I would share. It could be helpful.

http://cellobello.com/blog/index.php/100-cello-warm-ups-and-exercises-blog-15-cello-geography-part-one-neck-positions/

Practicing

I found this article and it might interested some of you. 

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204530504578078602307104168

Auditioning

If you ever start getting nervous before your audition, just take a minute and breathe. You know you're prepared, it's just your nerves getting to you. And if that doesn't help, use your nervousness to help you play! Use this adrenaline rush to boost your playing. 

You got this. 

When buying a cello...

Ask as many questions and you want! The workers are there to help you and answer all your questions. While looking for my cello, I didn't know how to pick the best one, so I asked and asked until I found the perfect one for me. 

Don't be afraid to say "no" or "I still need to look around". This is your instrument. 

Daily Cello Tunes

Jean Barrière - Sonatas for Cello & Bass Continuo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh7py1tFrHE

Practice tip #8

If you’re having trouble with a passage, find a piano and play it on that. Or befriend a pianist who can help you if you can’t play piano (like yours truly) don’t get frustrated and try ignoring the problem, that won’t help. Fix the problem and move on.

Practice tip #7

Rhythm is always more important than notes! If you are working on a passage with a really hard rhythm, but your instrument down and clap it out. You can even sing it (that helps me the most). Always work it out one measure at a time, as slow as you need. No ones rushing you and you don’t want to mess up the rhythm because you’ll end up practicing is wrong and then it’s a hot mess; no one wants that.

Practice tip #5

Never practice for more than 50 minutes at a time. Your brain can only process so much information before you crash. After 50 minutes give yourself a 5-15 minute break depending on what you are working on. Shorter more relaxed practice sessions are way better than longer sessions. Give yourself sometime to breath.

Practice tip #4

If you are working on any orchestral piece, always listen to the piece first so you get an idea of how important/unimportant your part is. Also, it helps you get the correct style. 
No one wants you playing Bach with a romantic vibe.

Daily Cello Tunes

Martinu Cello Sonata no. 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXv-QgE66Xk

Practice tip #3

Never practice something that you’re not ready to play! You might think you’re doing yourself a favor by challenging yourself, but in all reality you are doing nothing. Practice pieces that are challenging and helpful. Play a level higher than you, not 5 levels higher! You’ll get there. Take baby steps.

Practice tip #2

If you ever feel stuck, or can’t figure out what to do, give yourself a 5 minute break to relax and think. You might be over working yourself. Stretch out your arms and fingers. When you get back into practice mode, slowly start breaking the section you can’t figure out, one note at a time. Be patient.

Practice tip #1

Scales can be fun until they get boring and old. To spice things up a bit, instead of starting from your lowest note, start with the highest note and work your way down the scale. It’s harder to play backwards than forwards and it will help with intonation. Also do what I call “cell work” just focus getting 3 notes really in tune and then the next 3 notes, then connect those and get those 6 notes in tune. Sounds tedious, but it’s really helpful.

Welcome!

Hello musicians or lovers of music! Welcome to my blog filled with helpful tips and tricks to help and encourage you to become a better musician! I want to create a place where musicians can come together and support one another so we can share how music and art have transformed the world.