Cello advanced workshop
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: ME122C
- Dates: 23/04/24 - 09/07/24
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Una Birtchnell
Course Code: ME122C
Choose a start date
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 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?
This course is for students who have been playing for at least 4 years and who are playing at Grade 5 standard and above. You will develop your technique, learn works from the solo repertoire, and learn music for cello ensemble. There will be opportunities for individual performance.
What will we cover?
- Technical work: scales and arpeggios up to four flats/sharps, chromatic scales (up to 3 octaves), studies
- Vibrato, playing in higher positions, shifting, and chords
- Bowing techniques for control of tone and articulation, string crossing
- Reading and playing in all three clefs
- Works from the solo cello repertoire
- Practice discipline, including playing with a metronome
- Awareness of musical structure and style
- Ensemble repertoire
- Developing confidence in performing.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Acquire solid proficiency in all neck positions and thumb position
- Explore above thumb position
- Sight read more fluently
- Play with improved tone production and vibrato
- Play ensemble music covering various periods and styles
- Move comfortably between bass, tenor and treble clefs
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of some solo repertoire
- Improve performance technique and confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need at least four years regular tuition or grade 5 equivalent or above. 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?
- tutor demonstration and explanation
- group playing of technical work, studies and solo and ensemble repertoire
- short solo 'master class' type work with individual students within the context of the group
- feedback from tutor and classmates
- sharing of resources and feedback via Google Classroom
A daily practice routine is essential for progress at this level (at least 30 mins 5 times per week is recommended).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need your own cello, bow, case, a pencil, rosin and spare strings.
The tutor will provide musical materials via Google Classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may continue in Cello: advanced workshop for as many terms as you wish.
You may also be interested in ensemble playing classes such as String ensemble, String Winter/Easter/Summer school, and Chamber music: intermediate. City Lit also has a wide range of Music theory, Musicianship and Music history courses that support your practical learning.
Una has a successful freelance career as a cellist, performing as soloist, quartet member and in numerous ensembles and orchestras, including the Ulster Orchestra, Garden Opera, English Symphony Orchestra and the London Mozart Players. She collaborates with chamber choirs, cabaret acts and for Live Music Now and the BBC, conducts and arranges music for four regular orchestras, conducts the Lewisham Junior Orchestra, and had played for many recording sessions including the best-selling album, Dummy by Portishead, and a recent album of female composers. Sherecently formed a piano trio with Gisela Myer and Natalee Jeremic. Una plays a 1790s Hardy cello. In 2017, Una won Classic FM Peripatetic Teacher of the Year, for which she was nomintated by her City Lit students and endorsed by her other college and private students, who range from six to over 80 years old. The citation praised Una’s ability to “bring a miracle mix of laughter, encouragement, and challenge to everyone she teaches” and her “ability to seek out areas for improvement in the most constructive way,“ with an ideal mix of solo and ensemble repertoire and technical work.
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.
