Today we’re answering some commonly asked questions about the cello. Let’s jump right in!
Q: How do you pronounce ‘cello’? And ‘cellist’?
A: Contrary to how it looks, it’s a ‘ch’ sound at the beginning of the word, like the word ‘change.’ So it’s pronounced ‘chel-lo’ and ‘chel-list.’ At least some of us have been called ‘sel-lists’ at one point, so it’s a good question.
Q: I’ve never played cello before. How long will it take me to be able to play that really famous song? (Prelude from Suite I by J.S. Bach is usually ‘that song’).
A: That’s a tough question. It all depends on the student, their musical background, their time to dedicate to practice, etc. There’s no set amount of time, but if your goal is to ‘master’ the cello, the timeline should be thought of in years, not months.
Q: How often should I rosin my bow?
A: You should rosin about every 4 hours of playing, taking about 5 swipes up and down the length of the hair. After awhile you’ll get a feel for when you need more rosin. Take a look at this article for more rosin help.
Q: I’m left-handed. Should I switch sides with the cello, as in bow with my left and finger with my right?
A: No. Although it’s pretty common on the guitar, it’s not really done on the cello. The only time we’ve ever seen it is in cases of physical disability on a particular side. Your hands are doing two completely different things that are both complex, so there’s no real value in having dominance in one hand over the other.
Q: Can I learn cello on my own? It’s such an investment to take lessons.
A: No. Lessons are the most important thing you can do as a cello student. Yes, you might be able to get a start on your own, but eventually you will need the help of a qualified teacher. And think about it: if you are self-taught for two years and then meet with a teacher only to learn you’ve been doing it all wrong and have to re-learn it all, that would be a major blow. If you aren’t a lottery winner and don’t have unlimited funds for cello (but one can dream!), perhaps you can work out a deal with a cello teacher to do lessons every other week or shorter lessons. Most teachers understand that lessons are an investment and would be happy to talk to you about your concerns.