Learning the Cello

Anyone can learn to play!  It is recommended to pupils in Year 3 onwards, although there are exceptions.  Cellos come in different sizes suitable for younger/smaller players.

The violin and viola are string instruments that are suitable for the very young/small. As with all string instruments, the cello requires both hands to be co-ordinated. If this is a problem you might prefer to play a brass instrument.

The cello has a beautiful deep, rich, low sound. As the strings are played, the vibrations resonate through the body which is good for hearing impaired pupils.

Everyone needs a cellist! As well as being a solo instrument, orchestras need a large cello section and in string quartets, the cello provides the important bass line accompaniment.

Cellos come in different sizes for younger/smaller players. They are similar to double basses in appearance although they are considerably smaller; both have extending spikes that they rest on at the bottom of the instrument, also they are played in the bass clef and you will need to be seated to play them. Cellos have a longer spike that the double bass and a higher pitch range of sounds.

The cello has lots of beautiful pieces written for it throughout different musical eras, by composers such as Bach, Haydn, Elgar and Saint-Saëns - Do you recognise any of these iconic melodies?

You might like to listen to performances by Jacqueline Du Pré, Yo-Yo Ma or Sheku Kanneh-Mason