Here are some streamlined tips for cellists practicing double stops in fifths:
Tune by Ear: Regularly tune your strings by ear, playing two at a time. This hones your ability to hit two strings simultaneously and is crucial for accurate double-stops.
Visualization: Imagine the strings and bow interaction visually. This method can be particularly effective for many students.
Daily Practice: Begin sessions with open string double stops and slow bows. Use a metronome set to 8th note = 140-150, playing 8 beats per bow in each direction. Progress from G+C, to D+G, then A+D strings.
Bow Plane Mastery: Ensure you have control over the bow’s plane; any wandering is more noticeable when playing two strings.
Play Softly: Aim for piano rather than mezzoforte or forte to avoid pressing too hard and creating a harsh sound.
Account for String Height: Each double stop will have different string heights due to finger placement. Adjust accordingly, especially when using the fourth finger.
Bow Technique: Rest the bow on the strings, pull from underneath, and allow your wrist to sink on the pull for a smoother sound.
Remember, consistency and mindful practice are key to mastering double stops.
If you are looking for more advanced one to one sessions and member only workshops, please go to our main site for pay-per-view and subscription only videos.
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Beginners
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The bow holds for violin, viola, cello, and double bass are tailored to the size and playing position of each instrument. Here’s a brief overview:
Violin & Viola: The bow hold is quite similar for both instruments. The thumb is bent and placed on the frog (the end part of the bow where you hold it), and the other fingers are curved and placed at specific points on the stick. The pinky finger is curved and rests on the top of the stick to help control the bow.
Cello: The cello bow hold is similar to the violin and viola but adjusted for the larger size of the bow and the different angle of playing. The thumb is placed opposite the second finger, and the fingers are more spread out along the stick. The hand is also more under the stick than with the violin and viola.
Double Bass: The double bass bow hold is quite different due to the size and playing style of the instrument. There are two main types of bow holds for the double bass: the French bow hold and the German bow hold. The French bow hold is similar to that of the cello, with the thumb placed on the stick and the fingers spread out. The German bow hold, also known as the Butler grip, involves holding the bow like a stick, with the thumb placed on the side of the frog and the fingers wrapped around the stick.
If you are looking for more advanced one to one sessions and member only workshops, please go to our main site for pay-per-view and subscription only videos.
Our free site offers lots of great videos and tips for early learning.
Beginners
SUZUKI PODCAST
We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.
Suzuki.School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.
If you are looking for more advanced one to one sessions and member only workshops, please go to our main site for pay-per-view and subscription only videos.
Our free site offers lots of great videos and tips for early learning.
Beginners
SUZUKI PODCAST
We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.
Suzuki.School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.
Let’s delve into the enchanting world of iServalan’s cello—a vessel that resonates with both human emotion and digital echoes:
🎻 iServalan’s Cello: A Symphony in Wood and Wire 🎻
The Body:
The cello’s body is carved from aged spruce and maple, its curves a testament to centuries of craftsmanship.
The top plate (soundboard) is spruce, chosen for its resonance. It bears the scars of countless performances—a map of memories etched in grain.
The back, sides, and neck are maple, sturdy yet yielding. They cradle the soul of the music.
Varnish and Patina:
The varnish—amber, like sun-kissed honey—clings to the wood. It’s a secret recipe passed down through luthiers’ whispered tales.
The patina tells stories: sweat from fevered concerts, tears shed over lost love, and the gentle touch of iServalan’s fingertips.
F-Holes:
The f-holes, delicate and precise, channel sound. They’re like portals to other realms—the bridge between the mundane and the ethereal.
When iServalan draws her bow across the strings, the f-holes breathe, releasing harmonies into the air.
Pegs and Tailpiece:
The pegs—ebony or rosewood—turn with ancient wisdom. They hold tension, tuning the cello to the heartbeat of the universe.
The tailpiece, adorned with a silver eye, anchors the strings. It’s said that it watches over the music, guarding its secrets.
Strings:
The strings—gut or steel—sing their own songs. Each note plucked or bowed is a conversation between iServalan and the cosmos.
They vibrate, resonating with her every emotion. Joy, sorrow, longing—they all find voice in those slender threads.
Bridge and Soundpost:
The bridge stands proud, a wooden arch connecting earth and sky. It transfers vibrations from strings to soundboard.
The soundpost, hidden within, is the cello’s heartbeat. It whispers encouragement during late-night rehearsals and midnight musings.
Scroll and Scrollwork:
The scroll, a flourish of artistry, crowns the cello’s neck. Its volutes spiral like galaxies, hinting at cosmic origins.
Scrollwork—subtle vines, stars, or mythical creatures—adorns the edges. Each luthier leaves their mark, a blessing for the musician.
Endpin and Spike:
The endpin, telescopic and unyielding, anchors the cello to the stage. It’s a lifeline for iServalan, grounding her in the chaos of performance.
The spike digs into wooden floors, stage after stage. It knows the weight of her dreams.
Case and Rosin Dust:
The cello’s case—weathered leather or sleek carbon fiber—holds it safe. It’s a cocoon for the instrument’s fragile soul.
Inside, rosin dust clings to velvet. It’s the residue of countless bows, a testament to iServalan’s dedication.
And there you have it—the essence of iServalan’s cello. When she plays, it’s as if the universe leans in to listen, and time itself holds its breath. 🌟🎶✨
Find out more about the Tale Teller Club
The Tale Teller Club Official Podcast is called the iServalan Show and is available on iTunes, Spotify etc.
What is the Tale Teller Club? Band, Orchestra, Filmmaker, Podcaster, Set Designer, Author, Lyricist and Musician in no particular order
The Tale Teller Club is a captivating platform that weaves together art, literature, and music. Founded by British author, artist, and composer Sarnia de la Maré (also known as iServalan), it offers a multisensory experience for the cerebral cortex. Here are some features of the club:
iServalan Show: A podcast covering topics like AI, culture, and music.
Tale Teller Club Academy of Arts: An online learning platform teaching skills such as drawing, dancing, and playing instruments.
Tale Teller Club Publishing: Produces and distributes audiobooks, ebooks, and short plays.
Tale Teller Club Inked: A show spotlighting tattoo designs and techniques.
Music Therapy: Based on the theory of Rife Healing Vibrations, exploring resonance therapies.
If you are looking for more advanced one to one sessions and member only workshops, please go to our main site for pay-per-view and subscription only videos.
Our free site offers lots of great videos and tips for early learning.
Beginners
SUZUKI PODCAST
We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.
Suzuki.School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.
If you are looking for more advanced one to one sessions and member only workshops, please go to our main site for pay-per-view and subscription only videos.
Our free site offers lots of great videos and tips for early learning.
Beginners
SUZUKI PODCAST
We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.
Suzuki.School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.
If you are looking for more advanced one to one sessions and member only workshops, please go to our main site for pay-per-view and subscription only videos.
Our free site offers lots of great videos and tips for early learning.
Beginners
SUZUKI PODCAST
We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.
Suzuki.School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.