| The cello is both fascinating and intimidating. It’s | | | | hard to break when it has set in. Note reading and |
| bigger than a violin and the sound it produces is | | | | correct finger positions in the fingerboards are also |
| lower. For children however, their fascination with any | | | | cultivated in order to produce the correct sound. |
| musical instrument begins with sight. I remember | | | | There are also bowing techniques which will have to |
| years ago when as a child I saw a concert where a | | | | be mastered in order to learn how to play the cello |
| cello solo was featured. The sounds the cello made | | | | properly. |
| were deep and melodious. But that wasn’t the | | | | Young children have minds like sponges. It is very |
| first thing I noticed. I recall thinking how gigantic the | | | | easy to fill up this sponge with knowledge. What is |
| cello looked compared to the teeny tiny violin. I also | | | | most difficult in children is holding their interest. This is |
| remember thinking how much “stronger” it | | | | why cello lessons for kids have to be fun and |
| looked versus the violin. These first few observations | | | | fascinating. A child who does not have fun while |
| sparked in me my interest and desire to learn more | | | | learning the cello is a difficult student to teach. |
| about the cello. | | | | The easiest way to determine if your child is interested |
| As a parent I have tried sparking the same interest in | | | | in learning the cello is to talk to him or her directly. |
| my children and students. Over the years I have | | | | Make him understand that cello lessons need |
| noticed that children are easily entranced by anything | | | | commitment and that he will have to practice daily in |
| that makes a sound or looks new to them. To | | | | order to become a good cello player. There is also |
| children, the cello probably looks like an oversized guitar | | | | no exact age on when to start cello or music lessons |
| played vertically. Fascination starts when they see | | | | for your child. So observe your child. If you feel that |
| how the bow is needed in order to produce sound. | | | | she is ready then have the talk. |
| Once interest is cultivated in a child, it is easier to start | | | | Once your child has committed to learning the cello or |
| teaching since the instrument can now hold the | | | | any other musical instrument make sure that he will |
| child’s attention. | | | | have your support. Children get discouraged too and |
| Just like the violin, good posture is needed when | | | | will need you to cheer them on from time to time. |
| playing the cello. It is easier to teach beginners and | | | | Make sure that they get all the support and praise |
| young children correct posture and positioning as they | | | | they need as this will help them persevere and |
| have not yet picked up bad habits which can be very | | | | improve. |