One of the most important first steps to learning the cello is finding a teacher. Let’s not mince words here: the cello is a complicated instrument. The precision required and specificity of technique is unlike most things we come across in our daily lives. Think of the amount of time it takes to learn to hold the bow, then learn where to place it, how much to use, how fast to move it, how to release the arm weight, the different types of strokes. And that’s just barely scratching the surface of one hand!
Don’t get it wrong, you absolutely can learn the cello. It’s complicated but it is not impossible. But in order to do it you need the guidance of an experienced teacher, someone who will give you a solid technical foundation, inspire you, and hopefully not take themselves too seriously.
Many people struggle with the financial investment of lessons and it’s true: it’s a commitment. But if you are truly interested in learning the cello well, it’s a necessity. If you are self-taught for three years and then decide you need a teacher to take you to the next level, but then are told you have basically learned it all wrong and have to go back to square one, that can be crushing. Take the time to learn it right from the beginning with the help of a teacher and you’ll make better and faster progress than you would without.
But what about all those free instructional videos online, you say? Those can get you started, but nothing will replace the live feedback of a teacher. And again, if you are self-taught and then decide you need a teacher, having to go back to the beginning because you learned it all wrong will not be fun.