Is It Easy To Learn The Cello For A Beginner?

The cello is a very popular musical instrument and is also known for its beauty. The instrument is almost three centuries old and looks very similar to the violin except that it is much larger and has a thicker body.

One can learn playing the cello from a tender age as the musical instrument comes in many different sizes, from the full size beginning from ¾, ½,¼ to the smallest size.

The cello teachers have adopted the “Suzuki method” of teaching which originated in Japan and requires a lot of parental involvement and can be taught to children as young as 3 to 4 years old.

It is not necessary though that one has to start young however there is a maturation stage in the learning process that might affect the progression. The cello musical instrument is not very difficult to learn.

The lessons are similar to the violin lessons and as the fingerboard of the cello has no marks it is difficult to know where to place the fingers and so the teacher and the parents have to be a little patient in the beginning as it takes a little time for the ears to get accustomed to the right notes.

To begin with, you must decide why you want to learn the particular instrument. If you have a passion and a strong desire to learn the cello only then it is advisable to go ahead with it or else it will be a complete waste of time.

If you have made up your mind to be a good cellist the next step would be to have an achievable goal for yourself. Only then one tends to practice religiously and get results. The next step would be to search for a good and efficient teacher.

You can seek your parents help if required. Try and visit two or more teachers and see how they teach and then make up your mind as to whom to learn from seeing your own schedule and way of learning the instrument.

After this comes the very important step of learning the basic steps or techniques to play the cello. It is important to learn slowly and not rush because one might learn the wrong techniques in the beginning and that can be disastrous later as it becomes a habit. And habits are difficult to change and takes years to correct.

Some of these habits can be physically injurious as well so it is advisable for a beginner to learn the right techniques slowly.

Initially, practice for a short duration and then gradually increase the time according to your comfort level. Try and perform at school or the community center in order to gain performing experience.

Finally, a learner should concentrate to practice the scales and arpeggios properly as it will make him play the cello in the best manner.