Anyone play the Cello?

[Darby]

I took lessons a long time ago and enjoyed it but wasn't very good at practicing. I'm looking into it again, specifically with the idea that maybe if I put my own money into it this time maybe I will have more of an incentive to practice and get good.

Part of the reason I'm looking into it is because I think the sounds it makes are amazing, and because I need a hobby, right now i just sit on various forums reading everything other people are/n't doing with their lives while I waste mine away. Also I would like to be able to tell someone when I meet them that I have a talent other than being ok at mathematics.

I guess the question is, if you play, how is it, what makes you want to play, or if you don't anymore, why did you, and was it hard or easy(relative to other things you have done in life)?

Also curious about any tips you may have for someone who is just starting out.

 

[Puffy]

I don't play Cello, but some of your questions could be applied to other instruments. What I really regret is not finding other people to play with early on. Playing with others turns the hobby into something social, but at the same time gives you a feel of how your instrument should play in time with others. I decided to teach myself bass, now I basically play bass like an acoustic because that's the way I taught myself; to unlearn a lot of bad habits would be quite difficult.

 

[Darby]

Yes, I apologize, the thread is more or less towards "stringed instrument players" with a focus towards the Cello.

Also, thank you, I do have a friend who sings, so not a stringed instrument, but someone who does music and knows a lot about it. I also have a friend who plays drums but he is out of town at the moment. hopefully we can get together and I can not suck too terrible.

 

[jachian]

Sadly I dont play...... I think the sound is Amazing and I would like to learn as well.

My problem is finding a a good teacher.

 

[Sosekopp]

My sister plays the cello, and I borrow her instrument sometimes precisely because of the amazing sounds cellos make. I don't really know how to play it, but I am planning to use it for my post-rock experiments.

 

[Darby]

YAY! other fans of the Cello!

Another question(for people who have learned how to read music/play an instrument), lets say I don't know how to read music, should I do that first, or should I learn as I go? Because currently I don't have the moneys for a Cello (this is also a test on saving up as well as self discipline once I actually get it).

 

[Architectonic]

All you can learn without playing an instrument is notation - tone, rhythm, articulation and dynamics. The rest is compositon.
Some people can easily 'hear' the music in their head, others need lots of experience with an instrument first.
The real challenge is becoming fluent at reading music while performing. I was never quite good enough to keep going with learning an instrument, so I never much worried about that.

The Cello is a great instrument as it has a very large and expressive range, as well as a great variety of articulations. The older I get, the more I love the sound of cellos and the more I hate pianos.
But if you are serious about the Cello, then you must make sure you love playing it to continue. It can take over 10 years, practising every day to get good and you will be playing it for the rest of your life, so..

 

[digital angel]

YAY! other fans of the Cello!

Another question(for people who have learned how to read music/play an instrument), lets say I don't know how to read music, should I do that first, or should I learn as I go? Because currently I don't have the moneys for a Cello (this is also a test on saving up as well as self discipline once I actually get it).

I used to play the violin. Sometimes, I think about going back to it.

Is there any way you can rent an instrument? If you find an instructor that you like, perhaps they can help you find one? Good luck.