Learn the basics of playing this warm and mellow instrument in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. For complete beginners. Continues to Cello 1B next term.
Break weeks Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026 Term 2 No scheduled break week Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
An introduction to playing the cello in a supportive group environment.
What will we cover?
- How to hold and use the bow - Correct left hand position and fingering in 1st position - Playing in the most natural and relaxed way to take care of your posture - How to read bass clef - Listening skills for playing solo and ensemble - General maintenance, insurance and travelling with your cello.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Play simple tunes on the cello with a good relaxed posture and correct technique in each hand - Read and play simple music in bass clef - Play in ensembles - Play on your own with confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for complete beginners. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice. Sessions will also include class discussion, aural skills and theoretical study. A regular practice routine is essential to make progress (ideally at least 20 minutes a session, 4 times per week).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own cello, bow, rosin and case, as well as a pencil and notebook. If you do not yet own a cello, youmight consider hiring one.
You will need to purchase some music (used throughout Cello 1 A/B/C):
Kathy & David Blackwell, Cello Time Joggers Book 1 (OUP) Benoy & Burrowes, The First Year Violoncello Method (Novello)
You may wish to purchase this book an an added extra-ABRSM Cello Scales and Arpeggios Grades 1-5
This course will lead to Cello 1B next term. You may wish to support your learning through musicianship and music theory classes. Please visit our blog Musicianship and music theory at City lit for information about our courses.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/cello-1a1179133Cello 1Ahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Violin-Viola_2A-1024.jpg229229GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Strings22851314135113541228513141351<p>Learn the basics of playing this warm and mellow instrument in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. For complete beginners. Continues to Cello 1B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027</p>153034867Cello 1A229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Violin-Viola_2A-1024.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Performing artsME140A229229Cello 1A229160229cello-1a/me140a-2627<p>Learn the basics of playing this warm and mellow instrument in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. For complete beginners. Continues to Cello 1B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027</p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00<p>An introduction to playing the cello in a supportive group environment.</p><p>Learn the basics of playing this warm and mellow instrument in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. For complete beginners. Continues to Cello 1B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027</p>- How to hold and use the bow<br>- Correct left hand position and fingering in 1st position<br>- Playing in the most natural and relaxed way to take care of your posture<br>- How to read bass clef<br>- Listening skills for playing solo and ensemble <br>- General maintenance, insurance and travelling with your cello.- Play simple tunes on the cello with a good relaxed posture and correct technique in each hand<br>- Read and play simple music in bass clef<br>- Play in ensembles<br>- Play on your own with confidence.This course is for complete beginners.<br>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice. Sessions will also include class discussion, aural skills and theoretical study.<br>A regular practice routine is essential to make progress (ideally at least 20 minutes a session, 4 times per week).<p>Please bring your own cello, bow, rosin and case, as well as a pencil and notebook. If you do not yet own a cello, youmight consider hiring one.</p><p>You will need to purchase some music (used throughout Cello 1 A/B/C):</p><p>Kathy & David Blackwell, <em>Cello Time Joggers Book 1</em> (OUP)<br>Benoy & Burrowes, <em>The First Year Violoncello Method</em> (Novello)</p><p>You may wish to purchase this book an an added extra-ABRSM Cello Scales and Arpeggios Grades 1-5</p><p>See our blog <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/where-buy-music-and-instruments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Where to buy music and instruments</a> for more details.</p>This course will lead to Cello 1B next term.<br>You may wish to support your learning through musicianship and music theory classes. Please visit our blog <a href=" http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit-0 " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> for information about our courses.MusicStringsvirtual229229160ME140ANONEWed16/09/26 - 02/12/2619:45 - 21:1519:4521:1511 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Performing arts229229Cello 1Acello-1a/me140a-2627<p>Learn the basics of playing this warm and mellow instrument in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. For complete beginners. Continues to Cello 1B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027</p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00<p>An introduction to playing the cello in a supportive group environment.</p><p>Learn the basics of playing this warm and mellow instrument in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. For complete beginners. Continues to Cello 1B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027</p>- How to hold and use the bow<br>- Correct left hand position and fingering in 1st position<br>- Playing in the most natural and relaxed way to take care of your posture<br>- How to read bass clef<br>- Listening skills for playing solo and ensemble <br>- General maintenance, insurance and travelling with your cello.- Play simple tunes on the cello with a good relaxed posture and correct technique in each hand<br>- Read and play simple music in bass clef<br>- Play in ensembles<br>- Play on your own with confidence.This course is for complete beginners.<br>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice. Sessions will also include class discussion, aural skills and theoretical study.<br>A regular practice routine is essential to make progress (ideally at least 20 minutes a session, 4 times per week).<p>Please bring your own cello, bow, rosin and case, as well as a pencil and notebook. If you do not yet own a cello, youmight consider hiring one.</p><p>You will need to purchase some music (used throughout Cello 1 A/B/C):</p><p>Kathy &amp; David Blackwell, <em>Cello Time Joggers Book 1</em> (OUP)<br>Benoy &amp; Burrowes, <em>The First Year Violoncello Method</em> (Novello)</p><p>You may wish to purchase this book an an added extra-ABRSM Cello Scales and Arpeggios Grades 1-5</p><p>See our blog <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/where-buy-music-and-instruments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Where to buy music and instruments</a> for more details.</p>This course will lead to Cello 1B next term.<br>You may wish to support your learning through musicianship and music theory classes. Please visit our blog <a href=" http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit-0 " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> for information about our courses.MusicStringsconfigurable
