Watch My Progress - 6 Months Playing Cello

[@lisapocketchangeyo]

I am a private cello teacher and orchestra director and you are doing GREAT!! You're more than Average, Aaron! You have a great teacher, keep it up!!!

[@averageaaron9127]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@westernadventures5561]

That’s so nice

[@sexymanicou3403]

@@averageaaron9127 I am considering in looking to buying the cello in the future but the direction to which the strings are tuned seems symmetrically disturbing to the aesthetical nature of the others, would It not make more sense for it to be tuned in perfect 5th from left to right as to make bowing make more sense.

[@najinea08]

I’m 22 and I am saving up for a cello and i hope to learn the instrument soon. 😃 you’re really inspiring

[@averageaaron9127]

Yay! I'm super excited for you!

[@a.inostroza7914]

Heyyy! I'm 22 too and I'm also saving up for learn to play the cello :)

[@najinea08]

@@a.inostroza7914 woah! That's nice! I actually just paid 50% for my cheap student cello haha it's to be delivered on august. Hihi. I hope you can get your cello soon as well! :D

[@katem8875]

I’m also 22 and I was thinking about the cello for the last couple of years... was learning piano as a kid but I guess the cello was meant to be 😂

[@oliva8282]

Broo, me tooo!! Thks ti this guys I'm gonna go 4 it

[@sebastianfischer498]

this video was the last drop of inspiration I needed to start my cello journey. I wish you all the best.

[@zuccacello3362]

Please do it is very worth it 🤩

[@skedaddledbraincell]

You got this!

[@aislynnemackenzieharvey3610]

I’m 15 and I’ve been saying for years that I want to learn cello since I was really little and I found out yesterday that I might be getting one and I’m almost crying

[@honkngoose]

Did you end up getting one? I decided to go rent one the day after Christmas, now I just have to stay dedicated and keep putting in the practice...

[@aislynnemackenzieharvey3610]

@@honkngoose we are trying to find somewhere to get one from. Most of the music stores in my area don’t sell them or even rent them without having to go across state to get one

[@honkngoose]

@@aislynnemackenzieharvey3610 I'm not sure if you have any by you but look for a violin shop specifically. I had the same problem, called a few music stores and they either didn't have any cellos or only rented them to students through their school music program. Then I found a place on google maps that still came up when I searched cello rental but it was called Valley of the Sun Violins and they were a smaller shop that only sells and rents violins, cellos, and violas. They had a wide selection too.

[@aislynnemackenzieharvey3610]

@@honkngoose we’ve tried and the only violin store is across state

[@honkngoose]

@@aislynnemackenzieharvey3610 Aw man, that's a bummer. I hope y'all can find one somewhere!

[@DityaSangGita]

Never give up, buddy, do the long notes, have a better grip on holding the bow, if you do it consistently, you will make it in 3 or 4 months from now. Btw started cello aged 26, now I'm 32, and I can call myself a pretty much solid cellist, having a side job as my teacher's assistant giving tutors to her beginner students. I also play in my church orchestra, and I have my own string quartet and a band for wedding entertainment.

[@nothingatall7843]

This may seem silly but hearing you do This is very inspiring. I always worry about doing something late and not being able to pick it up or go anywhere with it.

[@hellou415]

Hi im 14 years old and also play the cello. I think you should hold your left arm higher, so the notes get cleaner ☺️

[@catherinepark3154]

As someone who has been playing cello for five(ish) years, you are doing really well (a lot better than me when I started)! I suggest to develop yourself on your own, use some AMEB syllabus books - they are good for scales and techniques and really helped me out! I have never done an AMEB exam and I pursued Suzuki through to book 8, but the issue with Suzuki that I find is that if you only do that on its own, then you miss out on emotion/making your coordination better and that is something that I regret. Some comments/tips! - Your bow hold is so much better than mine lol. I completely gave up on my bow hold after a while but PLEASE DON’T DO THAT!!! Every practice, check your bow hold/position etc - If the metronome is difficult for you, then I suggest playing scales with a metronome which you are familiar with. It really helps in the long term! - I don’t know if you are, but maybe practice while looking at a mirror: It makes you conscious about posture. From personal experience, posture makes a huge difference to sound - Practice everyday: even stopping for one day can ruin everything you worked for - Listening to your Minuet II - amazing job! Just hearing you play it was such a throwback. It seems that you are struggling a little to make your staccato (short notes) flow which is exactly what that piece is trying to teach you (other than positions, etc). You’ve probably improved a lot by now, but if you notice something wrong that your long notes (legato) are choppy or your staccato notes are not fluent, then just practice that! Hold a long note for a few seconds on an open string or do staccato on an open string - it will help you a lot - Record yourself and listen to yourself play. I honestly hate hearing my cello playing, but you need to force yourself through that torture! Then you can see if your position is wrong, if your fingers are stiff, hear what notes are wrong, etc. It will help a lot - Never stop! I stopped for like 6 months a few years ago because it became so stressful and frustrating. I am so glad I never quit though You are absolutely killing it!

[@averageaaron9127]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the tips! So cool that you've been at it for 5 years now :)

[@bellesebastian012]

I’d love to see how far you ve come with the cello now… I’ve always wanted to learn cello, but learned piano for many years and always feel compelled to spend time honing those skills rather than starting on another instrument.

[@taylorered6874]

As a 20 year vet, I can tell you're already naturally talented, not brown nosing. .

[@averageaaron9127]

That is incredibly nice of you to say, thank you

[@BarbaraO-to6ph]

@@averageaaron9127 not a joke, there are people who played for 3 years who are at your level. keep going. well done.

[@MsSpinbike]

I’m 36 and just started lessons and this is the same song I’m learning 😆👍🏼

[@rezaasadi890]

I was contemplating about getting a cello , maybe in summer . I have a question , I assume you have a full time job . I want to know how do you manage practicing and working and socializing ?

[@manojperumarath8217]

Your mother is really supportive, keep going bro

[@gsheichuckavorte6200]

5:40 "I still feel like I sound like garbage" I've been playing for 7 years and it took me two years to get to where you are. that is the farthest thing from garbage playing!

[@matthewfonseca5580]

Sounds really good dude! I love your mom’s reaction to the advanced level of twinkle twinkle lol.

[@averageaaron9127]

Thanks man! Defo a work in progress. And lol, yeah I know she's too much 😂

[@chelsea_1623]

As a cellist who has played for 5 years your progress was amazing

[@SadieJia]

OMG I start my cello lesson since 9 Nov 2019 , a day after you 😍

[@averageaaron9127]

That's so cool!!!

[@ooobzv]

I'm 25, and i'm saving my mother for months to buy a not-so-expensive cello. thank God because we have a free lessons in our church! i hope i can buy already a cello so that i could start learning. you are so inspiring. keep it up! God bless!

[@rickbartoldus8501]

What great progress! As one adult learner to another, keep it up - it such a rewarding experience :)

[@averageaaron9127]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. I took a look at some of your videos and you're super good, I'm very impressed!

[@rickbartoldus8501]

Thank you, I really appreciate that :)

[@lulcy789]

Metronomes are the key to getting rhythms down and getting good at understand what they feel like.

[@charlenemack7040]

It should be called “Twinkle Twinkle Big Star”. Whatever you do, don’t give up.

[@merasayang4035]

Thanks for the video, I am 42 years old and just started learning cello about 1 months ago. I have very similar experience with you how I started because I just love it. You are so brave to show everyone your progress, I love it❤

[@MB-cd8rg]

Also 42 and a Mom of 3.Always wanted to learn a music instrument, and the Cello is something I considered for a while. Just have to find the time to do it, as 2 out of the 3 kiddos are still little. I was wondering how I will be doing once I find time, considering my age. Please let me know your progress and good luck 😊

[@CoronaLisaa]

i’m 13 and have been playing cello for about 3 years and i also use the cello Suzuki books and i loved seeing this because i recognised all the pieces and i still struggle with using the metronome 😅

[@onioncream9260]

I'm going to start playing cello and this made me feel a lot better about getting progress. I'm starting late in my orchestra class so everyone is ahead of me. Thanks for the extra boost!

[@tinfoilhat908]

Woah. I got some flashbacks. To those songs for when I first started about 8 years ago. You have made so much more progress than I did in like 4 years! Keep going :D And to anyone who is learning make sure to get things right the first time. Because relearning a habit is hard. You got this

[@SuffocatingMadness]

At 27 and having survived a stroke I am getting my cello soon to restart the lessons I had to pause for my health, this is great!

[@BrljoMrljo]

I don't play cello. I do try as 45 yo man to learn electric guitar and I do admire you for showing struggles of a beginner. I will look your progres

[@CrimsonHellkite]

How often do you practice?

[@skylarzitro657]

As a cellist, sometimes what helps me when it comes to the metronome confusion you spoke about, I think counting the best out loud is a great way to learn how to use the metronome and tapping your foot too! Just start slowly and let the process do it’s thing and I bet you’ll be using a metronome in no time and not even think about the beat sound it makes ♥️❤️ you have a nice cello btw I have one very similar and if it’s anything like mine you probably like the warmth the lower strings have and the brightness of the upper strings :)

[@jhj6636]

Well done! Thanks for sharing. I'm looking to begin cello this year (2024). You've helped me to be realistic about expectations, and also to motivate me to practice! Hope that you're making lots of progress and enjoying playing too.

[@questerng3080]

I think you did great, I have been thinking of learning the cello for awhile. my dad plays the violin and cello, all the kids were given the chance to learn when we were young, but we just didn't bother. Now that my dad is gone, I want to learn the cello, hope to be able to relive some of the memories of my dad.

[@mcbusted1985]

I’ve been teaching myself cello for two months now...I already play the violin and the bow hold is different so I struggled with that at first.

[@rae.2041]

I’m a violinist and i’ve been playing for about a year and a half now, the Suzuki Book is an amazing playing music book, and I feel you on the metronome stuff too, even as a violinist I sometimes still have the same struggles 😭

[@averageaaron9127]

Good to know it's not just me 😅

[@anaidcandido]

I just had my first lesson today and I didn't get past the bow hold 😅 I'm 29 and apparently I can't relax my shoulder and arm enough! Guess adult life has had its consequences haha. Just wanted to ask what kind of cello did you buy (second hand/brand new? brand etc). Thanks for motivating us! Hope I can be as good as you in 6 months!

[@marichristian1072]

Your open strings sounded good from your first day. Nice rich tone.

[@figgusriggs6462]

Yo your mom is really on to something about the happy birthday song being weak. Excellent progress! I've been wanting to play the cello for years.

[@SuperSmallkitty]

Thanks for the video. I am right now quite frustrated with the awful sound that I make with my cello (5 months in learning at age 38 now). Perhaps it just takes much time to sound good :

[@meiyara.manawari]

I'm 19, had a cello since 12 but never been consitent and quitted :< I hope I can get back since it's a dream for meeee. I beg my father to buy me one a long time ago, I am ashamed but I hope I can get back before the year ends. I'm turning adult in 3 months, so like I hope I can make time. Getting old makes you regret things + still explore and pursue stuffs for yourself. On the other hand, I've been playing the piano for consistenly for 3 months now :) self-studying, after quitting a long time ago. Sooo I know I can do it!! I have limiting beliefs but I hope I can get through them, I am ashamed for sounding like a goose on the cello back then. And thank you for this one. It inspires a lot of late learners, and I hope everyone who watches this, makes plan to learn, and someday soon could play their favorite song. My goal is Bach's Cello suite no. 1 and Saint-Saëns The Swan. I'm in love with the sound that the cello makes. Playing an instrument is so beautiful.

[@Amanda21629]

Excellent!!! You encourage me🌸😀🌸😀!!! Keeping it real! Love it! Amanda

[@voidofeverything4051]

I was always taught with Suzuki and Schroeder books. Never really read any books on how to play the cello but I wasn't teaching myself.

[@brownieboy8405]

I'm going to try to learn cello as soon as I can afford one, any tips from you experts? I've studied piano for 9 years, so I have some background but I'm just afraid to make the jump! 😅

[@charlesdiaz6974]

Hello my friend I am older person and believe me it's better than zero you're doing great is better to do something or nothing and that's how you start get in there don't be afraid I got my cello. I'm going to do just like you exactly millimeters is 1000 people up there just like us afraid just trying to do the best you can but thank you for being so courageous and showing us what you can do I mean if you can do it I can do it thank you thank you again my friend we got to keep pushing us out.

[@walteryi]

hey, I'm thinking to start my cello journey too. keep going, you are doing great. I wish I could play like you.

[@PootaurStuff]

You will get it down... keep at it!!! I just bought a cello for $150 and its worth $1000!!!

[@georgialenton4590]

I’m currently learning guitar and have previously done ukulele and I don’t know if I want to learn the cello I have always thought it would be so cool

[@andrewwilliams2193]

I think you're doing great. I need to keep up with my practicing, but with arthritis, easier said than done some days.

[@sw-hg8eq]

Buying the instrument is less a problem for me, but monthly payment of a teacher is 😔 Do you think, I can learn on my own, at least for couple of years until I can afford a teacher?

[@violapoggi295]

what do you think of those who start going to the conservatory late? I came into conservatory in this year and I feel so much out of place, because I am 19 and I am the one who is the most late with the studies. I don't know if I will have a future in the orchestra :(

[@olakolade6656]

nice! not sure what i'm doing here since I learn the piano lol but well done!

[@girlcellist8066]

Pretty good! I’d definitely say keep working on the bow hold, however it’s gotten a lot better through the video so I think it will just continue to get better. Also another tip is when your using the bow don’t move your whole arm to move the bow across the string, work on only moving the elbow and down to play with the bow. Also pressing down on the strings didn’t seem to hard on the fingers at first, however it will get a lot more painful expessially while doing chords and shifting which come later in learning cello. But overall pretty good! I started cello when I was 9 years old so I’ve been playing for quite a while now, but good job!

[@averageaaron9127]

Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it!

[@whatsdaddoing6733]

I have been looking around for resources to start my self-learning journey and stumbled onto this treasure! I have always been fascinated with the cello, with its versatile range as an accompaniment or melody. Maybe one day I will be able to chronicle my progress like yours here!

[@ISAIAHTheBook]

The first clip he has been playing for 3 weeks already, so dont expect to be at this level on day 1. 😁

[@kevinrungephotography1201]

Thank you for sharing this. I applaud your bravery and progress. I would like to learn too.

[@Marco78578]

Day one off me playing cello I’m at his 1 month progress to be fair I’ve been playing the violin for years

[@hollymollywewantthis]

I love it you wear a hat saying “foreigner” in my native language (Korean) lol it’s cool!

[@malachaipulido4528]

Nice! How much did you spend on your cello when you first bought one?

[@maryamsamei7330]

I’ve been super frustrated with practice. I watched your first few clips and felt very… accomplished. It reminded me of where I started and that I still have the capacity to improve. Thanks

[@kyliemartin3485]

Great work! You’ve inspired me to get back to my beginner cello lessons. I put stuff on hold in 2020 and now I’m ready to get my life back! Keep it up and happy playing ❤️

[@lh3556]

Love your progress video! I'm also an adult beginner in string instruments, not cello but violin. It's nice to see how much beginners have in common even it are slightly different instruments. An advice I would love to give you is to get rid of your tapes if you haven't done by now because you can't develop a proper muscle memory with tapes. Try to get rid of them even it's a hard and frustrating process at the beginning but it will pay off very soon :) will be excited to see a 1 year progress of you. Don't give up on it. Our string instruments are complicated but it will be worth it :)

[@Laura-rn7zk]

5:10 i‘m playing the violin since a half year and I‘m learning this piece now. It it soo beautiful ❤️

[@ilsedeziah]

Bow looks great, good progress!

[@lulcy789]

A tip that you’ve probably figured out by now - tune your strings before you start to play.

[@yuminlee5540]

외국인ㅋㄲㅋㄱㅋ

[@jewelryboxballerina]

I'm sure that a lot of instrument retailers are thriving now thanks to Covid. Lol

[@alexandrecsu]

Hey, do you want a practice partner, I'm playing for 6 monts to 😁

[@madeleinereincastle8]

One thing that I’ve learnt when learning any instrument, I’m one month into learning cello. Is to clap the rhythm and count the beats out loud. It’s very effective for me. I also did VCE music and when practicing rhythm for music theory my teacher made us do this, literally the only thing I retained from highschool

[@peanutgallery123]

what cello are you using? i recently started as well, and am looking to buy!

[@wolfgangfinke7403]

You are inspiring me to keep on practicing with endurance. Thanks for your video!

[@maryamsamei7330]

The Essential Elements books are also a good learning resource.

[@gasparocelloman9852]

Fantastic! I hope you keep going. Well done!

[@A-Wa]

Your cap says “foreigner” in korean :D so funny xD

[@tiffanyminto2985]

Would you be able to provide information on your classes? Is it virtual? Is there a link ? You sound awesome for just 6 months.

[@zuccacello3362]

I highly suggest searching for local teacher or aspiring cello students There is a girl who took online classes and even if the teacher is very good it is so much different face to face 😁 hope this helps dear Tiffany

[@AzaliahE]

Oh my gosh your progress is sooo good. I also want to learn the cello someday 💖

[@꿩꿩]

I was considering to start learning a new instrument but was afraid that it might be too late🤔 But your video just taught me there's nothing to be afraid of. it was HUGE INSPIRATION! Thanks!

[@averageaaron9127]

It's never too late!

[@marclind8552]

How often do you practice? Every day for a few hours? Just 30 minutes a day?

[@averageaaron9127]

I practice everyday for the most part (sometimes stuff comes up and I skip a day) and for at least 30 minutes.

[@gordontang7837]

Hey, I play the cello too and I find intonation difficult even after playing for many years. One trick I use to help me is to play with a tuner next to me. I reference it every now and then. Free apps are on the app stores

[@averageaaron9127]

Thanks for the tip!

[@brianheath5091]

Are you using the suzuki method? I am 34 years old and starting to learn with that method. I'm a little nervous because you learn by listening by ear instead of site reading or learning the notes first..can adults do this? We will see I guess. I know kids have a huge advantage with this and skeptical for adults

[@averageaaron9127]

Hello, congratulations on starting to learn! My teacher uses the Suzuki books in unison with some other books so I wouldn't say I'm purely learning with the Suzuki method, but I do use Suzuki as part of my learning and practice. So I did learn notes, but honestly it's all a process and just takes time. It's hard not to feel like things would be easier if you started younger, but I don't really believe that your capacity to learn has an expiration. Good luck, you got this!

[@tbawookworking701]

Great job you're doing very well. I started my cello journey in February of 2020 and I'm 8 months in. All the hard work will pay off

[@tammiesworld]

Whats ur favorite piece

[@Snakeplisskin440]

How long have you played guitar? I've been off and on for about 19 years. I was wondering how learning is for someone that's done guitar. I think I wanna finally buy a cello soon.

[@Lily-wd7dz]

I haven't played guitar except messing around for a bit on a cheap guitar, but its pretty different. Honestly, I feel like cello hurts a lot less to play (especially on the fingertips, mine have almost no calluses after 7 months), so if you're used to contorting your fingers to play chords and such on guitar it atleast won't hurt or require as much flexibility. Most of the difficulty is in bowing correctly. The muscle memory for the location of notes without frets comes over time and isn't too difficult. Your intonation can get pretty decent just by holding your left hand in a consistent shape.

[@adultcellolearner4574]

Great progress! I am an adult learner too and I reckon we started about the same time. How did you find buying your own cello? I am about to start looking for my own too as I am still renting.

[@averageaaron9127]

Hey that's awesome! For me buying my cello was fairly straight forward. Since I was so new when I bought it I had my teacher play it to get an idea of the sound when played properly and then I did one lesson with the two cellos I was deciding between. I'm releasing a new video about how much learning cello is costing me soon and I talk a little about that process. Good luck buying your cello! Super exciting :)

[@kijuneeeeee]

외국인. Do you know what the mean?

[@luciver94]

Your luck .you can read notes 😅

[@sarahq478]

I'm 23 and I'm saving money for a cello

[@averageaaron9127]

Awesome! So excited for you!

[@libbymcgugan5116]

You're amazing.. Keep going!!

[@TeamHanssonKids]

I think you are doing great. I have also been playing for like 5 month now, same start like you with no knowledge before starting, and I can't get one single tone to sound Ok. My biggest struggle (even to playing cello is incredibly fun) is not to put my cello away and jump off the balcony on the 7th floor 😅 So you are doing lightyears better than me. Keep up the great work and I will keep wathing your videos.

[@gangaprasadroychowdhury763]

Can you please teach me online

[@GabrielHauber]

Are you still playing/learning? I started learning the cello at the beginning of 2019. I was "only" 43 then. It's been amazing and I'm so glad I did! I joined a community orchestra after only a year of playing and even though I was in completely over my head, it's been a blast and I highly recommend playing with others if you have the chance. I would love to see a progress video of where you're at today! For anyone else out there who've been thinking of learning cello and wondering if it's too late for you, IT'S NOT! people in their 60s and 70s and later start learning cello for the first time and love it.

[@amandaamourashford]

Can we see a new progress video ?? :D

[@jonathanmailloux8899]

i like the horse mode at the very end

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

Thanks for sharing your real experiences. It’s inspiring even for an aged cellist. *if I may ask, why chose cello than violin?*

[@averageaaron9127]

Thank you so much! I chose the cello because I love the sound and I've been drawn to it since I was very young. Violins are wonderful, and I did briefly consider it because they are easier to transport and cheaper to start off with in terms of instrument price. But I decided if I was going to invest the time and money I should go with what I really felt drawn to and let the rest take care of itself.

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

@@averageaaron9127 Thanks for explaining yourself.

[@tammiesworld]

Starting hopefully at 14/15 .... Wish me luck!

[@averageaaron9127]

Good luck!!!

[@lachinita_esa1086]

im 22 too I play piano guitar bass drums and I now wanna learn cello SO MUCH !!! I had always been a little reluctant to do so because i have always been told that if u can only learn cello or violin at a very young age.... and it's past...... BUT your video is rather inspiring !! I'm gonna look for a cello teacher right now!!!

[@sherrybarinowski1826]

More please! I am 6 months in and also brand new to music and 54 (yikes!) years old. I sound terrible but my teacher assures me it's normal at this stage. How did you sound at one year? You have encouraged me by your comments !

[@david_ngo]

I think your bow is strung too tight.

[@Kalymnah]

Hey! What’s with your cello journey? I’ve seen your videos last year and was hoping for an update. Are you still playing?

[@brandonhawkins3245]

Your mom seems really cool lol

[@70MikeMike]

Minuet no.2 sounded awesome! Good job! I play the bass guitar for my church and love it. Always loved the sound of the cello, but never took the plunge….

[@mariakochanska5077]

Ahahaha the ending 🤣🤣🤣 But man, what a lovely video! Great work, congrats! 👏👏❤❤ I'm also learning the cello and I honestly couldn't relate more. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

[@PeppaPigOffical1224]

you shouldn't use tapes after 6 months but other than that your progress has been amazing

[@notmuchtoseehere.9862]

I’m my opinion, people should use tapes until their ear is developed enough to tell if notes are in tune or not.

[@xavieramarica3577]

Hi Aaron, Thanks for sharing your progress. I also signed up for cello lessons next week. So excited! I will also rent a cello in the first months, but I want to purchase my own at some point. What's your experience with the one you bought? Would you recommend it to a beginner like me?

[@winstoncadman4904]

Well done to you. I have respect for your persistence and motivation. You're doing great and please keep going. The world definitely needs more cellists. I remember how I used to watch my left hand to place the notes accurately...even with stickers🤣🤣 but I'm sure by now you are relying more on your ear than watching your LH. Just remember that's it's a journey...YOUR journey at your pace. In the end we all make music for ourselves first. Keep it up!👏👏👏

[@danceratkim]

I've made that "arghbrogh" noise so many times!!!! I started learning at 55, and I'm 57 with zero musical experience. I can honestly say, after daily practice and weekly lessons, I'm just starting to get it. I can read some and am on B major scale, just having learned E major finally. It took me a month. I'm never giving up. Also, you know what's really fun to practice? Sea shanties. No lie. They are repetitive, basic string crossings, and immediate gratification, because they practice everything... rhythm, intonation, dynamics, and slurs.

[@txbooklvr]

You sound great! I have been learning cello for 3 weeks so far, and I struggle the most with my bow hold and playing comfortably on the A string. Looking forward to being more comfortable with it like you had, and wish you the best in your cello progress!