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Week 9 Cello Update

Suzuki: I'm currently doing French Folk Song and Lightly Row in Suzuki.  I play through the Twinkle Variations every once in awhile because I want to keep them fresh. I'm working on dynamics with French Folk Song.  It's such a lovely piece and could be really pretty if I put some of that good old musicality into it. With Lightly Row, I'm working on creating a "tunnel" with my fingers over the fingerboard.  This way I can keep my hand in the right position on the D string while playing the open A. Harvey: With Cassia Harvey, I'm doing the last page of her Week 1 exercises (string crossings) and the first two pages of her Week 2 exercises.  I like her finger exercises that go on all four strings, and I think her double stops and string crossings have helped me be more aware of my bow and where it is. Essential Elements: With EE, I'm working on Matthew's and Christopher's tunes (I think those are the names).  They also help me work on c...
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My Top Five

Here I list the things I think most important when playing or learning cello. 5.  A Good Luthier I think having access to a good, reputable, reliable luthier is paramount to playing a stringed instrument.  I have had such good success with my luthier.  They offer honest opinions, give reasonable estimates, and are ready to answer any and every question I have.  I honestly believe they want the best for their customers at affordable rates.   4.  A Strong Will Cello . . . is not necessarily one of the easiest instruments I've ever learned.  As with anything, there is a considerable amount of technique to get used to.  I've played guitar, so I'm used to how strings work, but bowing is another story.  It's not something that comes easy to me and I have to be intentional about it. 3.  A Good Technique Book I think having a good technique book is another necessity.  My teacher recommended Cassia Harvey's Beginnin...
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Why Did I Want To Start Cello?

I wrote about this a little bit in my last entry, "About Me."  But I figured I could go a little more in-depth.  :) As I previously mentioned, I've been in love with the cello since I was a little kid.  When my mom decided to have me take piano lessons, I was very disappointed.  She told me that if I succeeded in piano, I could go on to learn other instruments. Now, I am very glad I started on piano those eleven years ago!  Having the keyboard in my brain has been very beneficial to me as a musician, and it was wonderful to help me learn chords and music theory.  I've been taking piano lessons with a professor at my college now too, and she has helped me grow a lot as a musician! In 2012, I started playing the guitar.  Guitar lessons seemed to just open up the world of music to me.  I already knew about major and minor chords, but learning guitar taught me about sevenths and augmented chords and all other kinds of things.  In 2018, I ...
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About Me

Hi there!  My name is Hannah ( obviously)   and I'm learning to play the cello! Now, for a little background: I'm a lifelong musician.  I've played piano since 2007 and I've played guitar since 2012.  I started voice lessons in the fall of 2018 as well.  I've been infatuated with the cello since I can remember.  I remember going to see a symphony and being in love with the violin; the first time I heard the cello, I was hooked.  Some of my favorite CDs growing up were Yo-Yo Ma and Jacqueline du Pre; Piano Guys also hold a special place in my heart. Last year, I made a resolution to myself that I would find a cello before the end of the year.  I did!  On December 31st, 2018, I brought home my first cello, a Cecilio 100 I lovingly called Cecily. In early February, my Cecilio unfortunately died an unfortunate, unpreventable death that was caused by the manufacturing of the instrument.  I went to a reputable luthier who suggested I s...
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