Learn the basics of playing cello in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for those who have been learning for at least two terms.
Break weeks Term 1 27th - 31st Oct 2025 Term 2 16th - 20th Feb 2026 Term 3 25th - 29th May 2026
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.
Further develop your cello playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.
What will we cover?
- Improve your reading of bass clef - Bow control and distribution - Correct left hand position and fingering in 1st and 4th positions - Improving your intonation - Playing in the most natural and relaxed way to take care of your posture - Developing good listening skills playing in ensemble.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Play a variety of tunes on the cello with a good relaxed posture and correct technique in each hand - Read and play music in bass clef with increased fluency - Produce a pleasant tone and play with good intonation - Play in ensembles - Play on your own with confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for those who have been learning the cello for at least two terms, and know the basics of cello technique and reading music in bass clef. 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 (please bring your own instrument). 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. Many music shops offer a good hire or hire-purchase scheme or you can see our blog Where to buy music and instruments for more details. You will need to purchase Kathy & David Blackwell, Cello Time Joggers Book 1 (around £9), which you will use throughout Level 1. You should also purchase a copy of Cello collection-intermediate [external website].
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
By the end of this course you should be ready to progress to Cello 2A the following academic year. You may also be interested in courses which support general musical development such as Musicianship: Sounds and Symbols, Essential ear training, or Rhythm class.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/cello-1c175352Cello 1Chttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/e/cello_1c-1024.jpg219219GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Strings22851314135113541228513141351<p>Learn the basics of playing cello in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for those who have been learning for at least two terms.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 27th - 31st Oct 2025<br/>Term 2 16th - 20th Feb 2026<br/>Term 3 25th - 29th May 2026</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Further develop your cello playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.</div>002989253Cello 1C219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/e/cello_1c-1024_6.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026Performing artsME140C219219Cello 1C219153219Polly Hewettcello-1c/me140c-2526<p>Learn the basics of playing cello in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for those who have been learning for at least two terms.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 27th - 31st Oct 2025<br/>Term 2 16th - 20th Feb 2026<br/>Term 3 25th - 29th May 2026</p>0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00Further develop your cello playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.<p>Learn the basics of playing cello in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for those who have been learning for at least two terms.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 27th - 31st Oct 2025<br/>Term 2 16th - 20th Feb 2026<br/>Term 3 25th - 29th May 2026</p>- Improve your reading of bass clef<br/>- Bow control and distribution<br/>- Correct left hand position and fingering in 1st and 4th positions<br/>- Improving your intonation<br/>- Playing in the most natural and relaxed way to take care of your posture<br/>- Developing good listening skills playing in ensemble.- Play a variety of tunes on the cello with a good relaxed posture and correct technique in each hand<br/> - Read and play music in bass clef with increased fluency<br/> - Produce a pleasant tone and play with good intonation<br/> - Play in ensembles<br/> - Play on your own with confidence.This course is suitable for those who have been learning the cello for at least two terms, and know the basics of cello technique and reading music in bass clef. 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 (please bring your own instrument). 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).Please bring your own cello, bow, rosin and case, as well as a pencil and notebook. If you do not yet own a cello, <br/> you might consider hiring one. Many music shops offer a good hire or hire-purchase scheme or you can see our blog <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/where-buy-music-and-instruments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Where to buy music and instruments </a>for more details. <br/> You will need to purchase Kathy & David Blackwell, <a href="http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/056814/details.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Cello Time Joggers </a> Book 1 (around £9), which you will use throughout Level 1. You should also purchase a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cello-Collection-Intermediate-Schirmer-Instrumental/dp/1423406478target=_blankrel=noopener" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cello collection-intermediate</a> [external website].By the end of this course you should be ready to progress to Cello 2A the following academic year.<br/>You may also be interested in courses which support general musical development such as Musicianship: Sounds and Symbols, Essential ear training, or Rhythm class.MusicStringsvirtual219219153ME140CNONEWed22/04/26 - 08/07/2619:45 - 21:1519:4521:1511 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetPolly HewettSome experienceAvailable courses2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Performing arts219219Cello 1Ccello-1c/me140c-2526<p>Learn the basics of playing cello in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for those who have been learning for at least two terms.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 27th - 31st Oct 2025<br/>Term 2 16th - 20th Feb 2026<br/>Term 3 25th - 29th May 2026</p>0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00Further develop your cello playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.<p>Learn the basics of playing cello in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for those who have been learning for at least two terms.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 27th - 31st Oct 2025<br/>Term 2 16th - 20th Feb 2026<br/>Term 3 25th - 29th May 2026</p>- Improve your reading of bass clef<br/>- Bow control and distribution<br/>- Correct left hand position and fingering in 1st and 4th positions<br/>- Improving your intonation<br/>- Playing in the most natural and relaxed way to take care of your posture<br/>- Developing good listening skills playing in ensemble.- Play a variety of tunes on the cello with a good relaxed posture and correct technique in each hand<br/> - Read and play music in bass clef with increased fluency<br/> - Produce a pleasant tone and play with good intonation<br/> - Play in ensembles<br/> - Play on your own with confidence.This course is suitable for those who have been learning the cello for at least two terms, and know the basics of cello technique and reading music in bass clef. 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 (please bring your own instrument). 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).Please bring your own cello, bow, rosin and case, as well as a pencil and notebook. If you do not yet own a cello, <br/> you might consider hiring one. Many music shops offer a good hire or hire-purchase scheme or you can see our blog <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/where-buy-music-and-instruments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Where to buy music and instruments </a>for more details. <br/> You will need to purchase Kathy &amp; David Blackwell, <a href="http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/056814/details.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Cello Time Joggers </a> Book 1 (around £9), which you will use throughout Level 1. You should also purchase a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cello-Collection-Intermediate-Schirmer-Instrumental/dp/1423406478target=_blankrel=noopener" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cello collection-intermediate</a> [external website].By the end of this course you should be ready to progress to Cello 2A the following academic year.<br/>You may also be interested in courses which support general musical development such as Musicianship: Sounds and Symbols, Essential ear training, or Rhythm class.MusicStringsconfigurable
