Cello 1A
- Course Code: ME140A
- Dates: 18/09/24 - 27/11/24
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Polly Hewett
Course Code: ME140A
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
An introduction to playing the cello in a relaxed and supportive 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,
you might 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
See our blog Where to
buy music and instruments for more details.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
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.
Polly is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer, musical director and conductor who has been an adult education tutor since 2009. She enjoys the challenge and exchange of ideas and energy that adult education provides-both as a tutor and as a student. Polly's work also includes live performances and session work in many genres and venues in London and the South East, e.g. playing cello with Clerkenwell String Quartet, piano for Associated Board exams, singing at weddings and parties, and playing in orchestras and ensembles. As a cellist she has appeared on BBC TV's Top of the Pop and on a number of albums. She has also played in lots of pop bands and, after attending a City Lit jazz piano course, she started playing jazz and blues piano too. Polly composes music for radio, for theatre productions and library music for BBC Radio 3, 4 and the World Service and for television around the world. Her study to PhD level at Goldsmiths College opened up the world of Dada and John Cage and conceptual and performance art. Consequently she has sung Dada masterpieces such as "Ursonata" as well as her own compositions at contemporary music festivals such as The Brighton Festival.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
