The Cello is one of the most beautiful instruments in the world, however not everyone takes up Cello because they fear it is a difficult instrument to learn. In truth, children can start to learn the Cello as early as 3 or 4 years of age, although some Singapore cello teachers will not take children until they reach the age of 6-8.

In fact, many Singapore cello teachers decide to use the Suzuki method when teaching the Cello, although some prefer to teach a combination of traditional method and the Suzuki. The Suzuki method is more favored by more people because of the very natural way it employs the sight and sound abilities of the student.

The Cello is made in different sizes precisely so this can be done. The instrument comes in ¼, ½, ¾ and full size. It is best to start to learn the Cello at an early age, although older people can also learn this instrument, but may not progress as fast or as far as a child will.

Learning to play the Cello is much like learning to play the violin, however the fingerboard of the Cello does not have any markings so it is a little more difficult to learn where to place the fingers. Teaching these finger positions takes a little more patience from both the teacher and parents.

It is much more acceptable for children to have to practice a simple song like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” over and over again. They have much more patience for this exercise than an adult, who is more likely to be bored with such simple melodies.

Another great advantage that children have in learning the cello is that their brains are still very malleable so they can easily find that needed control of both arms at the same time. One arm will be controlling the bow, while the other is working on the fingerboards. It is said that to attain this brain has to work both hemispheres.

The most difficult and the most important part of the Cello that should be mastered is the Bow. When you learn to adequately use the bow you can bring out the resonance and the sound even when playing softly. This ability is developed naturally in children, especially those who learn under the Suzuki method, and develop all hemispheres of the brain when learning to play.

As a child they become used to the instrument and develop the strength necessary to control the Cello and draw the bow out evenly. The scratchy tones and flat pitch are usually caused by the uncertain strokes of the bow.

In summary, the Cello is a truly a complex instrument but learning it can be enjoyable, relaxing and completely satisfying. Children adapt well to it and with parental help enjoy even the beginning practice pieces where an adult may easily become board with the practice tones. Children are not usually asked to play a sonata their first lesson with the instrument. They just expect to have fun learning and being in a class with other children.

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,