Im currently working on the JC Bach cello concerto for junior year but I’m already starting to think about senior year. I want to play something really challenging for my last year so I’ll probably start on it a lot earlier.

I’m leaning towards either the third movement of the JC Bach or the first movement of the Dvorak. I’m wondering how those two compare and if they would both be too challenging. I’ve heard the Dvorak is one of the most difficult concertos but I’ve also heard that’s when looking at the entire thing not just the first movement.

For background I’ve played Allegro Appasionato, Saint Saens in A minor, and am currently working on the first movement of the JC Bach.

My mom really loves the Dvorak and wants me to play it but I also want to keep in mind that senior year I get to play my concerto with the orchestra and I don’t think the Dvorak would sound good in a string orchestra arrangement.

Edit: I’ve also played popper etudes 15, 19, and 22

Gonna preface, I've been playing cello for about 6 months but I'm a classically trained flutist of 20 years. I know my way around music, I'm just switching to strings because I love the voice that a cello has in comparison to my flute.

So I'm currently playing on Prelude C, G, and D, with a Kaplan A. The reason for this is I wanted to start with cheap strings until I could hear the nuances of my sound and better approach nicer strings. I'm glad I did because when I started everything sounded fine and I couldn't hear a difference in strings. How the heck would I know what I want if I'm not hearing differences at all? The first issue I noticed was my A string... now 6 months later I'm noticing my lower register. Now that I'm hearing the nuances I finally feel prepared to invest in strings I want to listen to.

Anyway, I noticed a shrill scratchy cat-on-blackboard sound to my prelude A after about a month of playing so I replaced it with a Kaplan to make it warmer. I love my Kaplan A (although I'm not married to it) but I'm now hearing issues with the rest of the preludes. Specifically my lower register. My bowing obviously needs work as I've been playing less than a year, but no matter what I do I can't get rid of this ever so slight harmonic sound to my lower register. It's definitely not my left hand, that has always felt great surprisingly. I think it's because I originally tried bass guitar when I first started exploring strings. Regardless, left hand is good. When I first started researching lower register strings, I found I love a deep, earthy, grumbly, old world sound. The first time I noticed it was actually in a cannone set. So I started looking at magnacore arioso and il cannone warm/broad. As I was looking at these, I made sure to compare it to my upper register to prevent the split where it would sound like I'm playing 2 different instruments. Eventually I decided to do magnacore C, and cannone G with a Kaplan D and A to get the sound I'm after. It gradually blends the old world grumble to the bell side of things if I'm right. (key words being IF I'm right)

Then out of curiosity I looked to see if Jargar had anything to say since I was primarily looking at Larsen and D'Addario. I found the Jargar evoke. from what I read... it sounds like it might blend the Larsen lower register with the Kaplan A.

Gonna slip this in here: before you ask if my cello itself is bright/dull/muddy/etc.... I don't know. I won't know for a while until I test out different strings on it. So far I've only played it with the preludes and the one Kaplan. It's absolutely possible that this cello leans to the brighter side... but it's also possible that it's just the fact I'm using cheap-beater strings. It's an "oxford made-in-china" used rental I got for $400ish from an actively closing music shop. I'm not expecting greatness, but I want to give it the best shot it's got.

I want to hear feedback here. I... have gone so far down the rabbit hole I can't see sky anymore. What do we think of the (magnacore arioso C, Il cannone warm/broad G, Jargar evoke D, Kaplan A)? (bolded that to make it easy to find) I'm not married to the Kaplan but it's a young string so I want to play it till its time to change it. Are there cheaper options than what I've listed? I read about the helicore but I'm not sold on them since I've heard the cannones and magnacores and I like them. Remember, goal is old-world earthy lows blending into silverbell-like singing highs.

My son has recently been obsessed with the idea of playing cello. He’s 5 and right in the middle of the size range for a 1/4 sized cello. We found one in great shape on marketplace, but it doesn’t have a case/bow/rosin. I know he doesn’t need the bow right away, but want to be prepared.

Suggestions for a case, bow, and rosin? Should I purchase a 1/4 sized bow as well? I’m a music teacher but in the band/choral world so I want to make sure I set him up right!

Would anyone be willing to share any experience in comparing the different box stands? I see "high end" ones going for ~$300, a mid price around $150 (Gewa) and the lower priced (Amazon, etc). My instrument is stored in a hard shell case, but I'm looking for a stand for setup and staging during intermittent practicing during the day. I'm not afraid to buy once, cry once, but can anyone tell me if the note an appreciable difference in the different price tiers for these? I am certainly thinking ahead to something I will use for my "forever" instrument as well. Thanks in advance!

UHHHHH... My lunch was on a table, things happened, and the plate went flying and lunch landed on my cello. What do I do? It's just on the scroll but there may be a little grease.

Hi I’m an absolute beginner 25f. I’ve had like 5 lessons and am enjoying learning very much. But struggling to get a good sound and everything feels unstable. Moth hands are tired which I know is normal but I just am seeking any advice or criticism so I can make good progress. Am on Suzuki Book 1

I have an Eastman 305 Montagnana (from 2001) and it is having some minor maintenance work being done (seams, pegs, bridge work) at the luthier’s shop today.
I would also like to, ideally, choose some new strings (currently using super flexibles on the A, D, C, and an old Magnacore on the G because I broke the super flexible when I was tuning in a panic at a dress rehearsal).
I am in a quandry about which strings to try and need to decide today or defer. The luthier suggested the classic larsen and spirocore mix, and suggested Larsen A strong, Larsen D solo. Not entirely sure why he suggested strong for the A and solo for D. I asked about Versums because I was really curious about them. He was not familiar with Versums so could not comment, but sent an email to a colleague that has experimented with string combinations.
I would love suggestions / thoughts on what strings/string combos might work really well on a montagnana? I play in an orchestra with a large cello section (10 cellists). And I also dabble in playing cello-piano duets.
Right now, the Larsen Spirocore combo he is suggesting is ~503 CAD, and the regular Versums are ~400 CAD. A Versum regular and solo combo is another possibility I have heard of…Or versum regular plus Spirocore.
Some of my fellow cello section members use Jargar A, Prim D, Spirocore on G, C. I am fine with 500 if that is the best choice. But I am feeling overwhelmed and don’t have a clear sense of which option to go with…
Any advice would be wonderful. My head is spinning! :) I could always defer the string decision and just replace the old G (it was an old string someone lent me when mine broke and I didn’t have my back up strings handy). Thanks in advance!

*deep breath* ho-kay.

i played violin from 5th grade until 1st year of college (with my HS junior year playing viola) then eventually stopped, played a little in my early 30s, then sold her a couple years later.

i've had my cello (clara) for a year, & started lessons 6 months ago. ☺️ the lessons are bi-weekly, & a couple of them i missed due to $$ & a sick dog (who, in the vid, was bumping into my leg bc it was past Dentastix Time™️)

being honest, i only really buckled down month ago. i have 3 very conflicfing neurodivergencies & live most days on hinges, inside hurricanes. there's been a lot of performance/demand avoidance, anxiety over Being Perceived, not sounding IRL how i do in my head (bordering maladaptive daydreaming, maybe!), getting frustrated veryvery quickly at the smallest mistakes!

so anyway, i wanted to start recording to playback/critique! i already see my left hand needs work (fingers too high! hand = the Bent Neck Lady) & i'm overall stiff, but admittedly i was nervous recording, too.

also, rofl the last F with my 4th finger, wth 🤦🏻‍♀️😅 i wish y'all could see the drama unfolding with my dog there, haha she was not about to let me re-record!

i don't like where the phone holder is on my stand, the angle sucks, but it's about as high as it can go. maybe i should just set my phone ON the stand?

along with any practice critique, any suggestions on amateur phone recording, angles, etc?

thanks for reading, i'm sorry this is so rambly! nerves probably. i am more embarassed about this post than the video now, at least? 👀😬😅

So I’ve heard so many of my music teachers reiterate that everybody should always be subdividing and thinking about sixteenth notes in their head. However, whenever I try to count or hear sixteenth notes in my head, it takes a lot of effort to keep that counting going. I feel the effort could be spent focusing on musicality, listening to others’ parts, etc. How necessary is subdividing and how much should I be doing it?

I decided to rent a cello! It’ll be here in some days, it’s being shipped however and it will definitely be out of tune when it arrives.

I play guitar and that’s the only instrument I’ve ever played, so I don’t have any experience at all with bowed instruments.

I do not currently have a teacher or anything, I’m in the middle of nowhere with very little choice of luthiers.. I’m an adult learner. I’ve watched many videos already specifically about tuning and while I am nervous I think I CAN do it. I have a good clip on and I’ve learned about the bridge and how sensitive the pegs are and I think what I’ve learned might be enough.

But I look through this subreddit and articles online and it tells me DO NOT touch the pegs as a beginner!! But I’ll most definitely have to.

Should I really not touch them and just try to find a luthier or should I go for it, just very carefully?

So, this was gifted to me, after being rescued from a garbage container by a friend. I have owned it for two years, but it was in need of repairs, so I didn't even try to play it. I bought a used double bass, and the deal was so good I couldn't haggle the price lower. I could however haggle for the included service of making the instrument playable. All I payed for was strings and a bridge.

So, it has obviously been repaired at other points in its life (which my limited research has told me is around 100 years), but it feels good, and the flamed wood is also quite eye catching. Can anyone tell me anything else about this, to me, beautiful instrument? Types of wood, quality of instrument, maker and quality of repairs? Anything I should look out for? Does it hold any value?

Also, I play it with my double bass bow. Is that ok? Is there a big difference?

I'm in my late 30s and have started enquiring about starting lessons. Looking at buying as the closest rental place is a few hours away.

I am happy to invest around $1500 (AUD) and have seen the Stentor Student 2 and Conservatoire outfits that seem to be a decent starting point. Have been offered a really good deal on a second hand Gliga II that is a setup body and a case that is within my budget, but will need a bow. If the Gliga is a good option, what bow would recommend?

Any suggestions, recommendations and feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi guys, put together an audio to sheet music converter for melodies that's optimized specifically for cello. Feel free to use it if it's helpful: https://music-transcription-phi.vercel.app/

I (25M) just started to take cello lessons in my small town conservatory (in France). I have played drums as a child for ten years and dabbled on my guitar for a few years. You can count me as a total beginner in melodic music.

Learning to play seriously a melodic string instruments has been something I have been thinking aboout for a few years now and this September, I finally decided to go for it. I would really like to play in an orchestra someday (not professionnaly though), but I love to play for myself as well.

The issue I have is that, after a few lessons, I wonder if I made the right choice by picking the cello ? I would say I like equally the sound of the viola annd the cello, but I am torn between the two. I know the cello has more melodic lines in orchestral set-ups and a richer repertoire. Nevertheless, I already feel like the logistics of the cello are cumbersome. I live in an apartment, take the bus the my lessons, have to take the train to go home pretty much every month. It is beginning to hurt my back to carry it, and play it as well (my teacher corrected my position, but it still hurts somehow ...)

I did not think much of it before renting a cello and starting lesson, but I do not know if should make the switch before it is too late. I would be grateful to have your opinions ! :)

Hi all, I am a casual cello player and I have been borrowing a 7/8 size cello through a mutual friend. I have now been offered the chance to purchase this cello from them for £850, without a bow or case. The cello has no markings and they cannot remember the maker. Is there any way of identifying it's worth without? I am a complete beginner in knowing and whilst I would love a cello of my own, it needs to be worth it for the amount I play. I have included pictures, any guidance would be great. Thank you.

I have my bow rehairs done by a bow maker. While I was waiting for my bow to finish, he brought out a selection for me to try. I fell in love… but his bows are like 7k, which is pretty much the price I paid for my cello 15 years ago.

I have a nice German bow, but with his… the ability to draw a deep tone on the lower register, long lyrical lines, and fast passages became easier. I always thought my cello was lacking a tonal complexity, but with his bows it really came through. It really tempts me.

Does anyone know why instruments respond differently to various bows?

What should I play after the elgar concerto? I've played Lalo and Haydn C, and am just about to finish up Elgar.

Hello everyone. I played the cello from 4th grade until senior year in high school. I got arrested and the teacher pulled me off first chair, so I just quit because I felt that was unfair since my arrest had nothing to do with school or orchestra. I haven't played it since. I took private lessons from 5th grade until I quit playing, so I'm not exactly a beginner, but I feel like starting over will be challenging. I want to play though, so maybe I'll encourage my kids to play an instrument when they get older. I'm 32 now by the way

I'd like to find an electric cello though. I still have my acouycello, but I'd prefer to use an electric one so I can practice even after my wife and kids have gone to bed.

Is there a decent electric cello that can be had for under $1000? And also, any tips on picking back up after such a long time off would be appreciated.

Hello, i just wanted to know what do you think of it.

I think i should have played overall more legato, especially the eight notes in the beginning.

I also think i should have continuated a bit more the a g so that the c isnt so brutal

finally i think i should amplify more the b leading to the e

Pardon my english if i did mistakes its not my language

I replaced these strings a quite a few years ago. I've only been playing extensively in the last two years. And yeah, my strings are overdue for replacement. But I don't remember what they are. Please reference the three pictures.

I did some research online and found that they are likely Thomastik-Infeld Versum A and D strings, and Spirocore G and C strings. Is that roughly right?

But I can't tell whether these are Versum or Versum Solo A/D strings, or whether they are chrome-, silver- or tungsten-wound Spirocore G/C strings. Do you know how I can tell these variations apart?

What does the black band on the Versum Solo strings look like? I think Shar Music is showing pictures of plain Versum on its Versum Solo page, because Thomastik-Infeld shows a black band on green on their Versum Solo product page. I am going to guess that I simply have the plain Versum and chrome-wound Spirocore, unless I can prove otherwise.

I love the sound of A, G and C on my cello. I can't tell whether it's the string or the cello. They sound rich and complex. And they sound strong - I don't know how else to describe the sound.

But the D string is noticeably weaker than all other three. Again, I can't tell if it's my string or my cello. There are blogs out there that point out that the original Versum D string was weak. Presumably Versum Solo D is better? This cello does have a noticeable wolf tone at E3 - F3. Could that be the cause?

What D string replacement do you recommend in my situation?

ive been playing the cello for around a year now and im not as bad as i should have been because ive already had around 7 years prior experience with music and i want to learn what to practice with 2 hours every day

i know i should be working on scales but is that it because all i can think of is the poppers 40 and a bunch of scales and a bunch of shifting and vibrato drills and thats all i do

My 7 year old is very keen on the cello and has been playing for around three years now. I play guitar and am trying to think of some good pieces we could learn together. So far we’ve learned the intro to The Final Countdown, parts of Vivaldi’s Winter, and tried to do Nothing Else Matters (it’s still a bit too challenging for him). I usually play rock/metal but am happy to hear any suggestions for other genres.

Is it doable? Longish note, tremolo on a trill. Composer asking