Lesson 16 - Flattened fingers and double stops

Today I was allowed to use the lovely LG Chen carbon fibre bow and bring it home with me until I get one for myself.

We started, clumsily, with slurred bowings where my left wrist and arm were too close to the fingerboard, clutching inwards like a chicken. I find that I naturally assimilate this position and that I have to consciously tell myself otherwise - shoulders down, relaxed, arm up a little and power from the back, please. I ease somewhat into the right position soon enough but it is still a bad habit, like slouching.

Today's lessons were more akin to revisions and seeing if I had the methods and techniques done properly which I mostly did.

The last method chapter, 17 - flattened fingers and double stops challenged both intonation and finger placements as one needs a flattened finger over 2 strings to play the notes. It was rather awkward at first as I kept cringing to the left due to the unfamiliarity of it all - another bad habit that Deryn finds common in people all levels. I guess one should just play with confidence even when unsure on the cello

Still, we moved onwards to the exercises and all seems well. Deryn advices not to dwell on this chapter too much as they can get taxing on the wrists.

I am to look through the final chapter and play, if possible, all the exercises purely for my own test of ability and revision. We will be heading straight into book 2 next week of which I am rather excited about.