What do you need to learn cello?
1 Answer
See below.
Explanation:
To begin your exciting and challenging journey of learning to play the cello, you will require:
- two working hands
- a working, playable cello
- a (cello) bow
- rosin
- a cello teacher
- determination (a lot)
I believe the first three requirements are fairly clear. The fourth requirement I have listed, rosin, is a solid resin which is rubbed onto the hair of the bow to increase friction between the bow and the strings in order to make them vibrate more clearly, resulting in a deeper, more beautiful sound. It should not be thought of as extra, as without rosin you will likely end up getting a fairly unpleasant sound out of your instrument (save that for your first few weeks of practice!).
A "cake" of rosin.
The fifth requirement, a cello teacher, is imperative. It may be tempting to think that you can teach yourself to play the cello, but be advised that it is a very challenging instrument which requires one to learn a lot of techniques that are extremely difficult to learn properly without someone physically demonstrating them to you and correcting your technique as it develops. Otherwise, you may never learn the correct technique and will never have any bad habits corrected!
Additionally, a cello teacher will provide you with guidance on how you can improve your playing and will follow a teaching plan that they have tailored specifically to you. They will provide you with sheet music—scales, practice/warm-up pieces, show pieces, etc.—which they feel are at your level and determine how to proceed so that you are being challenged just enough to bring progressive improvement without giving you obstacles that you cannot overcome.
Finally, a lot of determination! As mentioned above, the cello is a very challenging instrument that will not be easy to learn at any point. However, if you are persistent and put in the practice time, you will continue to get better!
Don't let any of the above scare you; the cello is a gorgeous instrument and the reward of when you can finally enjoy the sound of your own playing is immense—certainly worth the effort :)
