The Cello and the Violin have been used to make beautiful and exciting music for centuries. So string players have a huge choice of musical styles to play, ranging from baroque and classical music to folk music, jazz, film music and pop. Once you have a good foundation of skills, you can explore this music, playing solo or in a band or orchestra.

What will I learn?
As a beginner, you will start by exploring how to make sounds with your instrument and control the qualities of those sounds. Next, you will be playing simple tunes and finding out how to play an increasing range of notes. You will also learn how to read music for your instrument.

As you extend the range of notes that you can play confidently, you can take on a wider range of melodies. You will learn to play with expression, using different volumes and lengths of note to make the music more fun and exciting.

In due course, you will play alongside backing music, either a recording or played by another person. At this stage, you can begin to work with music from the exam board syllabuses, which provides a big selection of music that needs different levels of skill. We will use this music because it provides good learning material, but you could potentially use it to mark your progress by taking a grade exam.

What will I need?
You will need a suitable cello or violin. If you’re an adult student, you will need a full sized instrument. If you are still growing, you may well need a smaller version, so that you can easily handle the instrument and reach the notes you need. A reputable stringed instrument shop will be able to advise you here, and far the best way is to visit the shop and actually try out different sizes.

Stringed instruments come in a very wide variety of qualities and prices. Again, trying some instruments out in person is the best way of finding the best one for you within your budget. Remember that you will also need a case, a bow and some rosin, as well as a music stand. Cello students will need a spike holder too.