Articles and Videos on Beginning Cello

By Jamie Fiste, Professor of Cello at Central Michigan University

Ideas for the First Year

The first two years of lessons are arguably the most critical for the cello student. Many techniques are delayed too long, in my opinion. Many techniques considered advanced can be taught in their embryonic stages early on.

Learning Sequence 

This article provides a basic sequence for teaching beginning cello from sitting position to combining hands. This article is meant as a supplement to Ideas for the First Year.

Beginning Bow Hold

This article and video provides practical advice on teaching a basic bow hold to beginners. Special attention is paid to avoiding the common pitfalls. Exercises and games are provided.

Basic Left Hand Position

This article covers how to introduce a basic left hand position on the cello to beginners. Topics covered are how curved the fingers should be, the height of the left elbow, the importance of a straight wrist, and the placement of the left thumb. 

Teaching Finger Spacing

 One would think first position is the easiest on the cello. But due to the construction of most people's hands, finger spacing is often problematic. This article and video suggest thinking of finger spacing in conjunction with finger patters.

Straight Bow

In the beginning, it is important to develop the discipline of tracking your bow in a straight line, parallel with the bridge or bottom of the fingerboard. But there are dangers of insisting too strongly on this.

Cello for Violinists

Many violinists find themselves teaching cello, whether in the public school classroom or privately. This article and video discuss the common technical problems in the left hand of violinists who take up the cello.

Fingering Charts

Many cello students are looking for basic fingering charts to help them map out the positions on the cello. I provide a basic chart and a more advanced one for positions 1-4.

Teaching Basic Spiccato

This video and article explore how to teach a basic spiccato to beginning cellists. Get them strated on a larger repertoire of motions in the bow arm. It's possible!  It works!