8 Things to Consider BEFORE Learning the Cello as an Adult!

[@notmyworld44]

Carolyn, you're awfully pleasant and helpful to watch and listen to! I'm 78 now and in my 2nd year of learning the 'cello. However, 64 years of playing the violin and 40 years of professionally playing the double-bass kinda prepared me for this new self-teaching adventure. I still have the violin, but donated my double-bass to a deserving young man who was playing beautifully but didn't own an instrument. It's all good!

[@cellodiscovery]

Hi Wayne! Thanks for sharing your story. Yes, if you played bass that long, I'm sure the transition to cello wasn't as hard for you as it likely is for others. Glad to hear your bass went to deserving hands. :)

[@PauloEdson]

❤❤❤

[@EdwinvandenAkker]

That is amazing. I'm turning 48 this year. So, there might be hope for me. Though, I never played the violin before. So, it's still challenging.

[@notmyworld44]

@@EdwinvandenAkker Challenging for me too, Edwin, but I'm loving it! I'm finally beginning to try to get used to the thumb position and finding it really awkward and a bit hard to get accustomed to. The side of your thumb does not enjoy being pressed against a metal string, but the old pros say you eventually get used to it. Blessings on you, my friend!

[@DaphneIson]

I’m 78 too and have just began cello lessons after buying one for my granddaughter. I have a background in classical guitar and recorder.. I don’t know how far or where this is all leading but I am enjoying it very much. It’s never too late to learn .

[@y.martins2860]

I have been obsessed with the Cello since I was a kid, I've been nurturing this passion through music listening and watching everything I can find with a cello in it. I am in no way in a position where I can acquire a Cello at the moment, financially. But I will live vicariously through those of you who can and are able to learn and play this marvellous instrument.

[@cellodiscovery]

@y.martins2860 - do you live in the States? If so, reach out to me at [e-mail]. I have an idea for you.

[@leeVB]

It is the only instrument that makes my skin crawl even on my face. It calms my soul the moment I hear it. I love the vibes if this sounds.

[@y.martins2860]

@@cellodiscovery Hi! No, sadly I don't live in the States. I'm in Africa, Angola.

[@dxrkfoxx]

some places let you rent cellos! i saw some places near me for 20$ a month !

[@y.martins2860]

@dxrkfoxx I'm pretty sure you're in the USA, whilst I'm not lol. I live in Angola, África

[@davidsanme1715]

Hola Carolyn disculpa que escriba en español. No domino el idioma inglés. Tengo 66 años y un año de estar practicando el cello. Obviamente no aspiro a metas profesionales, pero me ha sido muy util desde el punto de vista psicologico, fisioteraprutico, neurológico y hasta atletico (he reducido 6 kilogrsmos). Tus videos me han resultado muy útiles y espero que los sigas publicando. Un punto dificil es el economico. En México es dificil encontrar academias donde enseñen el cello, se enfocan a instrumentos mas tradicionales (guitarra, drumms). Mil gracias y que te encuentres bien

[@dhouse-d5l]

Great info Carolyn. Im 63, a lifetime musician and now at cello 7 mnths. Biggest thing after a lifetime of busy work is aches and pains which as a kid learning violin was non existent....still, I do my physical excercises and I love it.

[@BergProvettiMusic]

Thank you, Carolyn, for another wonderful video; I'm a 64 year old multi instrumentalist musician, being playing since I was 14; this year, after being diagnosed with cancer and supposedly being now, cancer free and in need of something to help get my mind back to normal and cope with the stress I decided to learn the cello, which is an instrument I was always in love with and my knowledge of music is definitely making the journey a little easier; currently I'm learning on my own but I'll definitely find a teacher to make sure I don't get trapped into bad habits; I've been following your videos (and subscribed) and I would like to thank you for making them available

[@cellodiscovery]

Thank you for such a sweet note. And you conquered the beast. ❤ I'm sure getting the mind to come back to "normal" will take time. Learning the cello is a great choice. If you think learning partially online might be a good fit for you, come join us at cellodiscovery.com. There's a LOT of guidance to help you (video lessons, interactive music, weekly zoom classes, virtual cello choir and a lovely community). You'll also find others who have overcome big life hurdles and they have found great joy in learning the cello plus the new friendships formed in the process. Hope we can meet you. :)

[@corinneseaside2512]

I'm 77, and I started to finally learn to play the cello. It's been a rocky journey. Been difficult finding a teacher that worked for me. .

[@maxxvidzs]

This is it!!!! This is the video I have been scouring the internet for a year!!! I am 52 and All the Points Checked! I am starting next week!

[@cellodiscovery]

Well awesome!! You should also check out cellodiscovery.com to help in the learning process. 🙂

[@jenna2431]

I returned to cello at 63 in that oh-so-fun summer 2020. I had played 50 years (yes, class--half a century) prior in junior high school for 2 years in an experimental program. I was shocked at how much came back to me. I had kind of blocked it from my mind (I didn't choose to stop, but was forced to), but when the sales associate handed me the cello, I had to fight back the tears - I felt as though I had come "home." My challenge was that I had spent much of that half a century in front of a keyboard. I had to battle what I call "Praying Mantis Pose" - that computer hunch-over, the foreshortened chest muscles and overly long weak back muscles. It really did affect my ability to bow properly, pronating the right hand, use the left hand across all the strings, lift the left elbow, all of it. I used a broom handle (behind the upper back, gripping in isometric stretch and also flexing the lats) to help, as well as some weight and thera-band training. I began by playing out of Suzuki 1 on a rental, but took it back and purchased a just-over-plywood cello with the COVID stim. I've been playing on my own for 3 years. Just through the Bach no 3 Sarabande and Bourees. Ready to step up from my starter cello. I sub to 8notes dot com to get some sheets and play-alongs. My only caveat is do NOT use ArtistWorks for remote instruction. That was unsatisfactory - is all I'll say. My best tip: Learn the fingerboard. REALLY learn it. I used to inch my way along every string with one finger, singing the note name from Half to the harmonic as part of my early daily. A-Bb-B-C-C#...... One thing that still amazes me is I'll have what I consider a totally terrible practice one day, but then by the next day, my brain has worked in the "background" and developed the neuro-connections in the meanwhile and the SAME music comes rather more easily and successfully.

[@stuntdouble777]

I know exactly what you mean with the terrible practise and then better the next day.I now know when it’s a difficult practise I am making new neurological connections and to power through it. When it’s fun I’m not actually growing. It helps the motivation knowing this.

[@cellodiscovery]

Thanks for sharing your story, Jenna! How wonderful that you have found the cello again! It's also not surprising that much of it came back to you. It's like so many things in life - you can be away for it for a long period of time but you've got that muscle memory and it comes back easily.

[@mikecoughlin9437]

I played the cello back elementary and middle school - 4th through 7th grade. Then we moved, and there was no orchestra - so I stopped playing. Now I am 61 years old and thinking of taking it up again. Thanks for the information.

[@rachelendicott6999]

I first learned to play at the age of 10 when the intermediate school orchestra teacher came to our class every week for lessons. I fell in love with the cello enough that my parents paid for weekly professional lessons from the first chair cellist in our city philharmonic. As most children do when they grow up, my interest changed and I grew bored. Near the end of high school I leaned into the passion again and rented to buy with my lifeguard money. I’ve owned a cello for 7 years now but unfortunately never got motivated enough to play consistently. I take it out once a year for several weeks then it goes back in the corner. It’s that time again and I really want to devote myself to being good enough to play in the worship band at church. Your channel has inspired me, I’m getting new strings today to jump start my journey again!

[@cellodiscovery]

Good for you! Perhaps join us in Cello Discovery?! We have so much material (video lessons) and interactive scores, weekly zoom lessons, a welcoming community, and virtual cello choir. It's a lot of fun and you can get plenty of good information for a very reasonable price. :)

[@Hasselblad9999]

Hi Carolyn, thank you so much for this video that you posted. It has really hit home with me. I’m 69 years old and lost my wife of 25 years three years ago now I know they say till death part but I could never envision myself spending time or being with another woman, I still work full-time so that takes my days but my night times were very lonely and I needed something to pull me through so I have been learning for the past two years. I have been learning acoustic guitar electric guitar, bass guitar, piano, and drums teaching music theory sight reading, one thing I need to point out I’ve been reading a lot about how do you prevent or or the progression of Alzheimer’s or dementia and all of the articles agree in one thing that keeping your mind sharp is is a key and I doing all this music study and learning all these new things completely new things to me Has helped tremendously with my memory. I am 10 years younger beginning to learn how to do music I’m 10 years younger and everything so I am taking your recommendation of renting a cello for three months along with once a week one hour once a week lessons and hoping for an enchanting journey, I’ll let you know how this goes. I don’t put any pressure on myself. I have no expectations other than to enjoy as much of the journey as possible to enjoy the entire journey.

[@cellodiscovery]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry you lost your wife - far too early. But I love that your loneliness guided you to music. Sometimes these beautiful things happen in the darkest of times. And you are soooo right about keeping the Alzheimers away by keeping your brain young. It got my mom and I'm determined it won't get me. If you ever want to come over to Cello Discovery and supplement your lessons, we will welcome you with open arms. It's a very supportive environment for adult cellists. I wish you all the success. 💖

[@Hasselblad9999]

@@cellodiscovery thank you so much for your gracious invite to cello discovery I will see you soon. Thank you. John.

[@AnneFrancke]

I started the Cello as a adult late 2019 formal lessons at music teacher I always say he came from heaven man that was born with Patience a God given attribute bless him, in 2020 the world was hit with covid we had to stop our lessons but my teacher propose we go via zoom it was tough but we kept on trying at that stage we were doing book 1, unfortunately we couldn't continue cause the world was under locked down & going to work was not possible so financially it was a strain my teacher suggested we stop but encouraged me to keep on practicing lesson by lesson & he did monthly check in with me via zoom at no cost at all😢 when I started on the cello I was 55 so many people around me thought I'm busy going off my rocker telling me I should try an instrument for old folks now my question is there an instrument out there specifically made for old people what a joke😅I like what Carolyn is saying about consistency that's the gospel truth my cello teachers first words to me when I started, I luv her video so much the 8 points echo in my ears exactly how my cello teacher taught me right from the start, I'm from a music's background family was blessed with a mother that loved music our home was filled with Love, music, prayer & lots of singing as well😊 I fell in love with the cello cause it kinda transport mu soul to a level of NO return brings comfort to a weary soul, I also play the piano, soprano recorder & alto recorder All my musical toys keeps me busy enrichment for my soul & keeps me out of trouble😮 I'm now finishing off book 2 I'm still going for lessons my goal is to join our church ochestra where I'm currently playing the records sitting next to my daughter she's playing the violin & we are mean team even at home practicing it's heavenly fun on another level my husband enjoys the crazy music mania😅music is soul food when I practice on any of my instruments I forget the aches & pains of which we have at age 60 but who cares you only live once😂age is only the number of years the world was enjoying you let the music play on folks.Thank you Carolyn you've inspired me more I'm gonna share your video with my cello teacher his 3yrs older than me but oh my goodness what an amazing man if it wasn't for my family & my teacher's encouragement I would NEVER have come this far Thanks 2 you All I'm TRULY blessed to have such a support system in my life God bless❤My name is Anne from South Africa... where there's a will... there's a way keep walking...🎉

[@austinburns4213]

I started the Cello as an adult about five years ago. Before that, I played electric guitar in some rock bands for years, but that is so much easier on the fingers.... I stopped the cello lessons after about a year due to untenable finger pain and the 'focus' issue Carolyn mentioned. I could not enjoy and focus on the lessons because any higher notes using that digit/joint sent a painful jolt and had to stop playing. So here I am 5 years later, determined to try again. (1) One player suggested tuning down 1-1.5 steps to reduce string tension while I learn and build finger strength and learn proper hand technique.... maybe. I can imagine it being too 'farty', but will give it a try. Also probably not the best for ear training. (2) Going to try arthritis cream on that joint before a practice and ask my doctor about treatment options. Wish me luck.

[@cellodiscovery]

You might also have a luthier look at the height of your bridge. It could simply be that it's too high making it difficult to comfortably press the strings into the fingerboard. I might also suggest you check our my site: CelloDiscovery.com. Lessons are short yet detailed and there's tons of fun stuff in there to help you learn correctly!

[@tanyajacobs9974]

Thanks for this. My son just started learning the violin . In the beginning he wanted to learn cello and I was so excited for him. Then he changed his mind..I realized part of why I was disappointed with his choice was that I really love the sound of the cello. So I ve decided to get lessons/ rent an instrument for my fiftieth birthday this year. I would love to eventually join a very low level orchestra. I m so disappointed how little opportunities there are for adults to learn instruments in my city. And cello isn't an option in the only music centre for adults.

[@abhijeetdchawan]

Thanks for advice. I am very happy that you are presenting clear picture and not talking like motivational GURUS . Teachers like you are more helpful than motivational gurus. Gratitude

[@marzenafroow5401]

Thx for great advices. I started a long time ago at school and after 6 months I had to finish. I've been waiting for 40 years. Today I am an adult admirer -beginner and the cello is the only thing that can control my ADD and put in order my creative chaos “ around. 😂

[@cellodiscovery]

Congrats to you for finding the cello again!!

[@JonSveinsson-ot4bb]

An old guitarist (amate) wanting to learn the cello. I´m at 70 so thanks for the advise :)

[@jamesschuyler8068]

This video was very informative in regards to physically playing the instrument. I think equally as important is putting a lot of emphasis on learning to read and understand music as well. You can’t play cello without understanding notes and reading them. A lot of people struggle in that category (I sure do) and they become discouraged from learning the instrument because the music part is too hard.

[@cellodiscovery]

Very true. Here's a link to some online flashcards. (Give it a second to reveal - and also it's not mobile friendly). You can set the clef you want, the key you want and the amount of time you need before the answer is revealed. Do this with cello in hand. It might help a little? cellodiscovery.com/learn-to-sight-read/

[@barriereid9244]

After 22 years as an investigative journalist bouncing off of the wall of corruption, I am waiting on a new cello. I understand that it will be around five years before its voice is found and around the same time I will be proficient. I aim to practice around three to four hours a day and the nearest teacher to me is around a two hour bus journey, so effectively a work day and here in Scotland a Royal Conservatoire trained teacher is around £25 an hour. I have since the age of five had a fixation on JS Bach having heard The Brandenburg Concertos and it will be his music that I will be playing...no Twinkle twinkle little star!

[@cellodiscovery]

Congrats to you for realizing your dream of learning the cello! If you practice as much as you say (truly focused practice) you should make great strides. And yes, the Brandenburg Concertos are wonderful (#3 is my favorite!). My very best to you!

[@rockalleanv]

I've always wanted to play since I hit high school. But felt discouraged to do it, now I'm scared to fail, but I still really want one. Idk, what to decide, idk music, but I was planning to get one because I am ready to make myself happy and love myself and I feel like the next step is just to buy one and see what I can do next

[@lenyaya3534]

I don't think you should worry about failing. Really, I don't see how failing is possible. You want to try it out, so go for it! You won't be sounding amazing from the beginning but it just takes practise. And if you do you best, then you've succeeded already, no matter if others are better or faster at learning. And if you quit, then you gained experience. You've jumped over your own shadow and now know that the cello isn't your thing! So unless you plan to become a professional cellist, there is no failing. Don't let that fear hold you back. Because what if you tremendously enjoy it and succeed?

[@KB1.1]

Hi Carolyn. As an overweight individual, i really have some problems keeping the c peg behind my ear. Sometimes it just moves forward. Is that acceptable?

[@cellodiscovery]

Hi there - The C peg really should be behind your head, not next to it. It could be several factors; the size of the cello, the length of the endpin (you might try bringing the endpin out more and placing it further in front of you) or how you are sitting on the chair. I wish I was near you so I could help you in person. :/

[@lizxiao2925]

I've learned it for 6 years so far, but I want to quit now. I don't enjoy to play the cello that much, but I still force myself to practice everyday. It's like a chore or a burden for me, but another part of me didn't allow myself to quit. I don't know what to do......

[@cellodiscovery]

What is your hope with the cello? What do you want to do with it? It sounds like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. This shouldn't be a chore. Of course it's not easy, but you should at least find some joy in the process of learning. I would recommend a little time away from your cello (maybe a few weeks?) and see if you miss playing. Then when you return, only play the things you really enjoy. Also, play with some online accompaniment - something which truly makes you feel like you are playing a complete piece of music. And if at all possible, find someone to play with in person. Maybe a pianist, maybe a small chamber group or perhaps a community orchestra. If none of those things help, it might be time to reconsider why you are doing this.

[@lizxiao2925]

@@cellodiscovery Thank you!

[@lizxiao2925]

@@cellodiscovery I decided to give up learning cello yesterday, and just to play it for fun. Today, I noticed that the pressure of practicing was gone away, and I can immerse myself more on playing it. I enjoy practice more and my motivation is coming back. Sometimes giving up isn't a bad thing.☺

[@Fidi987]

I would really advice to take maybe at least four lessons, if possible, to see if you get along with the cello or not. Maybe half a year. With a borrowed instrument. Then you can see if the cello is generally for you or not. I play the violin and cello (a little) and seem to get along with string instruments (I am just a mediocre hobby player) and once took clarinet lessons for half a year. That was so exhausting that I was glad when the last lesson was in sight and I could return the borrowed instrument. I would have regretted buying a clarinet and then never wanting to play it again because I looked like I had played for 4 hours after playing for 2 mins. I play a 3/4 cello now (adult learner) and I can hardly reach 4th finger and 1st at the same time. My cello does sound quite good IMHO, but if I had smaller hand, I have been in trouble with finding a well-sounding instrument at the appropriate size. These are things to consider as well.

[@cellodiscovery]

Excellent suggestions! And how wonderful that you are playing on a smaller instrument! I never understand the push to get adults in a 4/4 regardless of their hand size and special circumstances. And I agree, there are MANY great sounding 3/4 instruments out there!

[@michaelblaney4461]

I was thinking of learning the cello but #4 is quite the problem . When a gradeschool level cello cost $3000 thats a problem. I have many professional electric bass guitars that are no more then $2500

[@cellodiscovery]

I totally agree with you. But if you can find a really good rental (rent to own) you should be able to play on a decent instrument for $40-$50/month. I highly recommend the Eastman cellos.

[@nickpetersonvfx]

I wish id rented longer. My current cello isnt that great, and is much harder to play compared to some others ive tried. This makes it really hard to push through and want to practice much.

[@cellodiscovery]

Oh no. :( It's so true - a cello which fits you well, is easy to play and has a nice sound will definitely help you stick with it. You might see if your local luthier can do some adjustments to your cello to make it easier to play (height of the bridge, a well-shaped fingerboard) and perhaps get some good strings. Hope it works out for you.

[@nickpetersonvfx]

@@cellodiscovery I had it in recently and the Luthier says it needs a new bridge. It's unfortunately twisted, but the cello itself isn't worth spending the many hundreds on the bridge fix. I may end up selling it and going back to renting, but we'll see! Cheers and thanks.

[@Kaalina99]

What is that wonderful piece that plays in the background in the beginning?

[@cellodiscovery]

It's called "Waerme" by Magdalena Koenig. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWwc56en7pqmdk

[@SilasAndTimothy]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@z-man7883]

Do you need perfect pitch to learn cello?

[@cellodiscovery]

Absolutely not! I do not have perfect pitch. I have what is called good "relative pitch" which is something that can be learned.

[@z-man7883]

@ that’s great to know since not having perfect pitch has always felt like a disability in trying to learn music.

[@cherukutnancy]

What's the name of the piece at the start and end?

[@cellodiscovery]

Hi @cherukutnancy- It's this piece (link below). All of the composer's info is below the vid. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWwc56en7pqmdk

[@honeybeetee]

Your chello is beautiful

[@Paige.Robinson]

I wish id rented longer. My current cello isnt that great, and is much harder to play compared to some others ive tried. This makes it really hard to push through and want to practice much.