Foundations of Cello Technique

By Jamie Fiste, Professor of Cello at Central Michigan University

Basic Principles

Before getting into the specifics of technique, this article looks at broad principles on which to base our technique. These are applied throughout the website

Passive and Active Motions

This article and video discuss the two main types of motions in cello technique, active and passive, and why this distinction is important.

Balance and Sitting

Sitting while balanced allows for greater freedom of motion and frees up our core and back muscles to support and assist our arms and hands.

Holding the Cello

Holding the cello poses many perils to a balanced body, especially the C peg (it's evil, don't ya know?). Also, the cello hold need not be static but can vary according to the demands on the instrument.

Throat, Tongue, Neck & Jaw

From vocal lessons I picked up a couple techniques that we can apply to cello. Let's explore releasing tension in the throat, tongue. neck, and jaw. It may surprise you how much it can help.