In the closed position we do not have access to the semitones between the open string and first finger or the fourth finger and the next open string. The interval from first to fourth finger (on the same string) is therefore a minor third. Your fingers are placed an equal distance apart and the interval between each is a semitone. To understand how the stretch works, let’s examine the familiar closed position. When stretch position is not properly studied or understood it causes intonation issues, tension in the left hand and forearm, and is always noticeable to the listener as a technical flaw. In spite of this it is often neglected or glossed over as a technique, and becomes a real sticking point in left hand technique. The technique of stretching is one of the great challenges faced by progressing beginner cellists, and must be approached with care and precision. The chosen pieces cover a variety of styles and genres, which I hope players will find fun and enriching!
To further enhance the music-making experience, there is an accompanying CD with beautiful renditions of each piece and accompaniments for the student to play along with. Each piece is preceded by notes and exercises that carefully take into account the aspects of technique that need to be revisited when returning to the cello after a long break. Essentially, the book is a compilation of twelve specially selected and arranged pieces ordered from easiest to most challenging. They will almost certainly progress more rapidly than most beginners, and need to feel that they are making music from as early on as possible. The Restart method takes into account that those using it are not complete beginners. Those who took lessons during their childhood are always faced with an additional challenge: they know what they were previously capable of and often feel frustrated with no longer being able to play to the same standard. As a teacher who has always welcomed and enjoyed teaching adult learners, I am passionate about developing teaching methods that are better suited to older novice and intermediate players, since most methods at this level are traditionally aimed at children.Īs it is, there is somewhat of a shortage of cello methods better suited to older players.
The book is called Restart Cello, and is part of an instrumental series created by Wise Publications (part of the Music Sales Group) aimed at adults returning to their chosen instrument after a break of several years. I’m very excited to announce that a new cello album and method which I was approached to write and arrange last year is now in print and will be released on 31 March 2012. As a rule, positions with the upper label tend to favour sharps, while those with the lower label favour flats.Īn Introduction to the Three Finger Positionsĭid you find this post useful? Please consider making a donation. For example, the notes in upper first position on the A string are B#, C#, D and D# – predominantly the same letter names as those in first position, while lower second position – C, Db, D, Eb share the letter names of upper second position.
Positions are named according to the note names they accommodate. upper first/ lower second), and some of the notes on the fingerboard include enharmonic equivalents (different letter name for the same pitch). You’ll notice that some positions go by 2 names (e.g. The map below is a visual aid to indicate the location and content of each position from first (including half) to seventh. The less you have to calculate your route map, the more you can focus on musical shaping, phasing and interpretation. The more demanding your repertoire, the more you need a detailed internal ‘sat-nav’ to find your way effortlessly through challenging passages. Whether you’re finding your way around first position or you’re venturing into the tenor and treble clef registers, an understanding of the note layout is essential.