Full Version: Learning The Cello
I'm hoping to learn the cello in the not too distant future but does anyone have a rough idea of how long it would take to get to grade 8 level. I have played the piano at grade 8+ish for years and so can read music etc, but the cello is obviously a completely different ballgame. I would probably have weekly lessons and practice accordingly. I know this is a how long is a ball of string question but just wanted a rough idea. Thanks.
4 years?
(total guess really)
(total guess really)
here's a thought,
why don't you find "8notes" Cello Forum with a Google search and post the same question there. America being a lot bigger, there might be someone there with a similar experience who can answer your question.
why don't you find "8notes" Cello Forum with a Google search and post the same question there. America being a lot bigger, there might be someone there with a similar experience who can answer your question.
It depends entirely on practice. Eight to ten years would perhaps be average.
Liz
Liz
Hi Clare_C
I wouldn't under-estimate the 'cello! Like you I've done grade 8 piano years ago and am fine on theory etc. I took up the 'cello late last year, and I wouldn't be able to say easily in words how challenging this instrument is, especially for latecomers like us who haven't played bowed-strings before.
Zoda (hi again!) - I think grade 8 from scratch in 4 years would be very exceptional!
Liz's '8-10 years' would be more realistic I think.
It's one thing to just bow the notes which are written down - which the lower grades allow. But having read the expectations from the ABRSM on the higher grades, they expect great technique, little or no scratching or the usual 'noise' which can be eliminated but only with technique and practice and patience and good teaching - in my humble view!
I haven't taken any grades in 'cello yet. I've managed to 'get through' a grade 6 piece (Bach Minuet I&II, suite no1) without stopping, but I wouldn't want anyone to actaully hear it! Making that a grade 6 standard will take a long time in my view and will be best achieved by working up to it.
There is such subtlety, things which you don't see but only pick up with good teaching and perservence... (saw on a posting where someone is going to learn 'cello without a teacher??!! Not possible). Not to mention 3 clefs (ok you've got 2 of them already!). If you were allowed to pluck instead of bow, I'd say 4 years to gr8! Bowing has to be one of lifes great challenges!
Have you any particular reason for wanting to attain Gr8 as quickly as possible?
You will need a very good teacher and be prepared to practice a GREAT deal to achieve this quickly (agree with Liz very much on that).
I could be wrong though! There are always exceptions to everything....
I've just bought Rostropovich's DVD on Bach's 'cello suites, and he makes it look so easy its not true. But then he is one of the all-time greats (he's not half bad on Piano either - it'd make you sick - all that talent in one individual!!)
He says he 'went through' the 6 Bach solo suites when he was only 15! Mind-boggling!
Keep us posted on how you get on!
I wouldn't under-estimate the 'cello! Like you I've done grade 8 piano years ago and am fine on theory etc. I took up the 'cello late last year, and I wouldn't be able to say easily in words how challenging this instrument is, especially for latecomers like us who haven't played bowed-strings before.
Zoda (hi again!) - I think grade 8 from scratch in 4 years would be very exceptional!
Liz's '8-10 years' would be more realistic I think.
It's one thing to just bow the notes which are written down - which the lower grades allow. But having read the expectations from the ABRSM on the higher grades, they expect great technique, little or no scratching or the usual 'noise' which can be eliminated but only with technique and practice and patience and good teaching - in my humble view!
I haven't taken any grades in 'cello yet. I've managed to 'get through' a grade 6 piece (Bach Minuet I&II, suite no1) without stopping, but I wouldn't want anyone to actaully hear it! Making that a grade 6 standard will take a long time in my view and will be best achieved by working up to it.
There is such subtlety, things which you don't see but only pick up with good teaching and perservence... (saw on a posting where someone is going to learn 'cello without a teacher??!! Not possible). Not to mention 3 clefs (ok you've got 2 of them already!). If you were allowed to pluck instead of bow, I'd say 4 years to gr8! Bowing has to be one of lifes great challenges!
Have you any particular reason for wanting to attain Gr8 as quickly as possible?
You will need a very good teacher and be prepared to practice a GREAT deal to achieve this quickly (agree with Liz very much on that).
I could be wrong though! There are always exceptions to everything....
I've just bought Rostropovich's DVD on Bach's 'cello suites, and he makes it look so easy its not true. But then he is one of the all-time greats (he's not half bad on Piano either - it'd make you sick - all that talent in one individual!!)
He says he 'went through' the 6 Bach solo suites when he was only 15! Mind-boggling!
Keep us posted on how you get on!
Well, since you've learned the piano I think you'll learn faster...I'm a pianist and cellist too, and 4 years ago I started to learn cello. My teacher didn't exactly teach me level by level, he taught me piece by piece. In 3 years I had already learned the 1st Bach Cello Suite, which was Grade 8 level in 2003-2004. 
The prelude is still my favourite piece until now. It relies heavily how much you practice. But that 's just about the pieces, as for the scales my teacher hasn't taught me much.... 
The prelude is still my favourite piece until now. It relies heavily how much you practice. But that 's just about the pieces, as for the scales my teacher hasn't taught me much....
Hi
I'm a pianist and a cellist. Have already completed grade 8 piano last year. I personally find the cello an extremely challenging instrument. It requires patience and lots of practice (funny how i should say that and yet not do it). Even though I only took up the cello early last year, my teacher feels that I should take grade 5 next year. It does seem a little quick, but all his students did that! Well I must say that I'm not sure i'll be able to pass- from all the "performances" I've put up I haven't exactly got positive feedback. I guess it must be the lack of practice.
I'm a pianist and a cellist. Have already completed grade 8 piano last year. I personally find the cello an extremely challenging instrument. It requires patience and lots of practice (funny how i should say that and yet not do it). Even though I only took up the cello early last year, my teacher feels that I should take grade 5 next year. It does seem a little quick, but all his students did that! Well I must say that I'm not sure i'll be able to pass- from all the "performances" I've put up I haven't exactly got positive feedback. I guess it must be the lack of practice.
it depends on 2 things really...
1.) how much you practise
2.) how good the teacher is!
i have an excellent teacher (she got 148 in her grade 8!) and getting through grades is very easy indeed.
cello is a great instrument though, so keep playing!
1.) how much you practise
2.) how good the teacher is!
i have an excellent teacher (she got 148 in her grade 8!) and getting through grades is very easy indeed.
cello is a great instrument though, so keep playing!
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