okie smokie here goes Hey, Im laura byt the way, I'm new here I used to play violin, and I've just started taking it up again, I got grade 4, but i'm starting for scratch again i'm getting old now - i'm 19, and my love for music has really begun...I sing, being my main instrument, but I desperately want to play the cello and violin, I've just started lessons in both and music theory and piano (As I sing, I'd like to teach therefore piano wll be so helpful!!) The trouble is I don't have much confidence or patience, and I really want to do well, and I am prepared to work hard, but I was just looking for a bit of advice from fellow violinists and cellists on what I can do to impress my teacher and get through to some decent grades before I get past the stage of being physically able to teach/play. ...erm, sorry if this sounds all a bit strange, I just need encouragement and help with theory ;-) thanks, Laura x

I'm not a cellist or violinist (used to play a bit though!) but you do sound as if you are really willing to learn etc.

One main thing- grades aren't everything so don't think you need to pass them all really quickly to impress people! Just have fun learning the instruments!

Welcome to the forums and good luck!!

Mastering all of singing, piano, violin, cello, and theory, seems quite a time-consuming programme of work. Do you think you will have the time to do this? Also can you afford a teacher for each of these strands? Teach-yourself is not really an option if you want to make rapid and secure progress. As you've got to G4 on violin, maybe stick with that and leave cello for a later date?

Do ask any questions, that's what we're here for!

I 'm ... ...both.
I think cello is better though^^

Well as i'm university studying musical theatre, I get free music lessons I'm starting cello at christmas as that's when i'm getting it! lol...I'm pretty organised so I think i can cope with the load! Thank you all for your comments, Laura.

Well, that makes things more feasible I guess. The main points I'd make, as an intermediate amateur cellist, regarding the instrument are as follows.

1. There are an awful lot of bad cellos out there. In fact, I'd say only about 1 in 10 is really fit for purpose. Making a good cello is not easy, and is much harder than making a good violin I think. I'd avoid cheap Chinese cellos if possible. Try and find one with a good tone and resonance. You might want to enlist the help of some cello-playing colleagues at Uni to test instruments.

2. Get the right strings for the instrument. There are dozens of different types, and the choice you make will have a big influence on the sound. Luckily, there is now a luthier who specialises in string setup for cellos. His name is Robert Aitchison, and you can bring your instrument along to him, and for a modest fixed fee try out many different combinations of strings without obligation to buy. He is in Ely, Cambs, see http://www.aitchisoncellos.com/ follow "String Trials" link.

3. Once you have the right strings, you can then look for a bow to match them. Again, the bow has a major influence on the sound and the playability of the instrument. It's quite amazing really, but absolutely true. Also you need to pick the right rosin too; I use Liebenzeller Gold IV which is excellent.

Regarding playing:
1. Make sure your bow hold is correct. In particular, avoid the "locked thumb".

2. Relax the LH as much as possible.

3. Work on open strings is good.

4. Build up your ensemble skills on the violin by playing with groups of all kinds and you'll be able to transfer them to the cello later.

I'm sure others have suggestions too.

Good luck!

You say you are not particularly patient, but you will have to be very patient learning to play string instruments because it takes quite a long time to become good. The biggest impression you can make on your teacher is through diligent practice...and lots of it too.

Storini mentiones there are a lot of bad cellos out there. There are also a lot of bad violins too.

If you live in the UK I would suggest you contact Liz at Elida Trading. She is the best person I can recommend for advice and supply of good string instruments that won't cost you a fortune.