Lesson 30 - Cello New Year 2013

What better way to start the new year than with a cello lesson!

Today's lesson began with techniques; my favourite method of reaffirming my progress. We started with B flat Major scale and arpeggio 2 octaves as warm up and proceeded with more of the same covering both forward and backward stretches.

When Deryn asked how my progress was during the holidays, I mentioned that my sister came over and we played duets together. This prompted a discussion on the YLSS - Yorkshire Late Starters String and that it might be something I could try as it was somewhere nearby (Horsforth).

Then Deryn sprang a couple of specimen sight reading tests(!). I was briefly reminded of piano examinations when I was 8. If only I remembered what was expected of me during these tests!

I performed satisfactorily; got all the notes, stretches, accidentals and intonation but faltered when it came to time signature and dynamics. I also plucked the notes before playing and forgot that I was expected to play the piece. Hahaha :)

The next sight reading test was much better and I got the gist of it by then. Deryn said this was all to see how I coped with both backward and forward stretches and if I was able to spot them. Looks like I passed. :)

The remaining hour of the lesson was spent on reestablishing my understanding of upper half position and lower first position. This means I am to practise all the studies and exercises found on Chapters 22(f), 28(a)-(e) and pay extra close attention to the fingering when it comes to string crosses from D to A ~ no panicking, keep the same hand shape with minimal, efficient movement.

Finally, Deryn observes that my bowing hand is still unfamiliar with string placements as I'm currently bowing at much more acute angle than the 90 degree angle that is perpendicular to each corresponding string. This is especially so during the sight reading when I was focusing more on the left hand. This issue will be addressed in the following weeks which I am very much looking forward to. And if all goes to plan, I'm looking to start Book 3 in the next few weeks.