newbie

[Diana Betke]

Howdie to ya'll everywhere! I am the new kid on the block, so is this (my setting up my profile and posting) all working right? I have question re: shifting positions
So far, I have had 2 free lessons from a friend, who plays cello in a orchestra. From there I have been learning on my own. I have been learning alot from free lessons on-line, but still have questions on finger positions.
Thanks in advance!
Diana

[classitar]

Welcome Diana!

[aspenleaf]

Hi Diana,

I'm not sure exactly what information on shifting you're looking for, but Hans Zentgraf has posted some good videos on youtube. Search for "Cello Lessons Hans". He explains most of the positions, including thumb positions.

[cellotech]

With respect, you can't learn the cello over the internet. You could do a lot worse than those Hans Zentgraf videos, but they are still pretty bad. You need a real teacher (not someone who just plays cello, but a cello teacher) even if its only once or twice a month.

[aspenleaf]

Diana,

I agree with cellotech that having a teacher would be beneficial and much easier than working without one. It sounds like you may live where there are teachers available.

But if you have no teacher available or choose to learn on your own, there are many resources available that will help. You need information, and if you are good at seeking that out you can learn on your own. It is also easier if you've had some music training previously. The videos that Hans posted aren't going to teach you to play, but they have some information that can be helpful. You will need much more information. Check out the David Finckel cello videos on youtube. You might look into Vera Mattlin Jiji book "Cello Playing for Music Lovers: A Self-Teaching Method" and Louis Potter's "The Art of Cello Playing". Is there a style of playing or type of music you're interested in? If you want to play demanding classical pieces, you really should get a teacher, but if you're interested in pop or folk music or some of the simple classical pieces you can try it on your own. Getting the right posture and hand positions is going to be critical in the beginning. Pay attention to any pain you might experience. It's a sure sign that something isn't right and needs to be corrected immediately before you injure yourself. I found Victor Sazer's book "New Directions in Cello Playing" to be helpful in that regard.

I know many cellist don't want to hear it, but there are ways to learn on your own. I'm doing it. I have other resources that I can provide if you're interested.

[mftuchman]

Diana,

I agree with cellotech that having a teacher would be beneficial and much easier than working without one. It sounds like you may live where there are teachers available.

But if you have no teacher available or choose to learn on your own, there are many resources available that will help. You need information, and if you are good at seeking that out you can learn on your own. It is also easier if you've had some music training previously. The videos that Hans posted aren't going to teach you to play, but they have some information that can be helpful. You will need much more information. Check out the David Finckel cello videos on youtube. You might look into Vera Mattlin Jiji book "Cello Playing for Music Lovers: A Self-Teaching Method" and Louis Potter's "The Art of Cello Playing". Is there a style of playing or type of music you're interested in? If you want to play demanding classical pieces, you really should get a teacher, but if you're interested in pop or folk music or some of the simple classical pieces you can try it on your own. Getting the right posture and hand positions is going to be critical in the beginning. Pay attention to any pain you might experience. It's a sure sign that something isn't right and needs to be corrected immediately before you injure yourself. I found Victor Sazer's book "New Directions in Cello Playing" to be helpful in that regard.

I know many cellist don't want to hear it, but there are ways to learn on your own. I'm doing it. I have other resources that I can provide if you're interested.

I found Sazer to be very enjoyable, but needs many more pictures in order to be an effective self-teaching method. As I experience it now, it seems to be for people who want to re-shape their teaching to suit these new discoveries of his. Sazer's book has been the subject of vociferous,and frequently unfair, criticism. My criticism is not in this vein. It is only that there needs to be more material to be a self-teaching resource. I found it hard to do some of his exercises using only the text provided.

[cellotech]

The Saezer book deals with a large amount of non standard technique. It is not meant to be a self teaching book.

[aspenleaf]

I understand that the Sazer book is unorthodox, but as a beginner, that was what I needed. I am tall with long arms, and after experiencing tension or pain while trying to conform my physique to traditional postures, I bought his book. I like the way he has you try several solutions to each scenario, so you can find which one works for you. I ended up adopting some of his suggestions, but rejecting others. I now use a combination of ideas from several sources, including William Peeth's book, "Cello" and was able to eliminate the pain and tension I was initially experiencing. I also use a mirror and sometimes will videotape myself so I can make sure my posture and hand positions are correct while I'm playing. I come from a violin background and had to work at getting my wrist and forearm correct for the cello, because it is so different from the posture used on violin. A video from "cello professor" on youtube concerning this issue was helpful in alerting me to that issue.

Considering the rate of injury among cellists, it would appear that some adjustments may be needed so that each individual can play comfortably.

[Tristram]

Finally, someone newer than me!

For the finger positions, you mean switching between strings, or changing to different spots on the string? Were online, we aren't right their to show you how or what your doing wrong or right so be more specific!

But what will help is this.

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Element ... 587&sr=1-1

This book has pictures to show you the positions and what the notes are. It also comes along with an introductory video showing you the positions. The book is like a school text book, its the closest you will have to a teacher.

But, like everyone else says, find a professional teacher.
TEACHERS ARE YOUR ONLY HOPE!
When I found a teacher, she showed me a ton of things I never heard of online. I've been playing for five months now, three with a teacher, and the rate that I'm advancing now is astronomical!