Where should we go from here?

December 10, 2011 at 12:22 PM

I have a student who just started with me four months ago. He's 9, homeschools, and feels great determination towards "getting it right." I don't want to change too much too soon in his playing. So I thought I'd send a little video to you teachers and players, with a query - in your opinion, what's the most important thing he should tackle in his playing right now? See below. Thanks in advance!

Watch here

From Laurie Niles
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 5:17 PM

Jen,
For a kiddo at this level he does play nicely in tune, has a good position, etc. I would start with his imagination, let him know that this is a cello piece, maybe even play him a few recordings (I like to play kids Rostropovich and then Casals, because they are so very different). I like telling the kids they have to enjoy those big chords as if they were coming out of a giant cello!

Then maybe give him some musical ideas, for example, he could try doing a crescendo without beating. I'm sure he is not aware that he is beating, but a musical idea could perhaps help him become aware of it but give him something else to do. He sounds like a good student, have fun!

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.