(Strings) Cello
Parents' Guide to Music Lessons

Must be played sitting.
Normally bowed, sometimes "plucked" (called pizziccato)
The cello is the tenor voice of the strings and often plays melody lines in the orchestra.

Cello ("chell-oh") is abbreviation for Violoncello.

Suzuki method. Can start as young as 3 or 4.

Accessories needed:

• A chair appropriately sized and shaped for comfortable and healthy posture.
• Case.
• Resin ("raw-zin" - a substance rubbed on the bow hair helps it to "grip" the strings better). Strings. (tuners). Floor stopper for end pen..
• Bows vary in quality, weight and other playing characteristics. They are often purchased separately from the cello.
• Music stand.
• If the home is very low humidity, a humdifier might be necessary.
• Teacher might request:
  • Metronome. Makes a click sound at a steady pulse at selected "tempo settings" (beats per minute).

Maintenance:

• Strings will need to be replaced periodically.
• The bow requires hair replacement periodically (requires a professional).
• If the cello becomes stressed from extreme temperature or humdity change, the glue is designed to "give" at the seams to avoid cracking the wood. So periodically, seams must be reglued. (open seams will cause a deterioration in tone and volume).

Listening Suggestions:

• Debussy - String Quartet, second movement

Price Range: $500 to $15,000.
Cellos created in the 17th and 18th centuries by such makers as Amati or Stradivari are still played today, continue to improve with age, and can cost up to $1 million. Even bows can cost $60,000! Fortunately, excellent sounding instruments can be purchased in the lower price range indicated above.

Also see:

Choosing a Teacher

Cello - short history, description, photo http://web.mit.edu/jchang/www/cello.htm

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