Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
ethanwiner.com
Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
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Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#2> "PRACTICE SMARTER, NOT HARDER"
This is key (sic).
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#3http://ethanwiner.com/adultbeg.html
> HTTP Error 400. The request is badly formed.
edit: google has it cached, it's a good read
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#4> "PRACTICE SMARTER, NOT HARDER" This is key (sic).
Not just smarter, but on real problems, and the really boring parts.
It was a really good read, and applies to more than just learning the Cello. I particularly loved the bit about how it's easier for children to pick up new things, because they don't know (or care) how bad they are. I know feeling self conscious about things definitely impairs my ability to learn things I really love from the outside.
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#5from this: http://ethanwiner.com/music.html
I also played lead guitar in a band with John Scofield
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#61997 but still relevant today, nice! (well, except maybe the very last part about tapes and not being able to adjust tempo).
While this is pretty much a goldmine of information, one thing I would advise of being careful about is about this « My practice hours are divided about equally between works from the standard cello literature and highly focused mechanical exercises ».
While I'm sure it's the the best solution if your only goal is to get better, it is not a format I would suggest for everyone. I for one would have been so bored if I had to to this that I probably would have quit. What I'm doing is about 1/3 practicing scores with sheets, 1/3 mechanical exercises and scales and 1/3 improvisation and just fun (which is very important to me for keeping the motivation to go on, and I guess it could apply to other people). Just for the record, I started playing violin at 24, a bit over one year ago (first instrument), so obviously I can only say that as a total newbie, just keep in mind though (:
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#7I played Cello for 3 years, starting in my 30ies. It's true that it's doable if you've figured out learning in general, maybe know a few things about music, or even better, have played a stringed instrument for that left hand coordination.
But you know how good you'd like to play, and that is a massive undertaking: Playing on a fretless neck, bowing, keeping high body tension throughout, the sightreading requirement (tenor clef anyone?), the character of the instrument and the relevant cello pieces expecting virtuous play, are all compounding factors that make it really hard, with no clear goal:
Get some friends out of their musical retirement? Be the novelty instrument in a alternative band? Find an orchestra or quartett that's beginner friendly and ...cool?
Meanwhile, the return on a minimal investment in guitar playing and a bit of singing is almost comical. Also plenty of bands need a bass player and you'll easily find a group of cool people to play with even if you're just starting out and in your 50ies. Want more? Try the piano; moderate effort will enable you to play all pop/rock songs.
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#8I played Cello for 3 years, starting in my 30ies. It's true that it's doable if you've figured out learning in general, maybe know a few things about music, or even better, have played a stringed instrument for that left hand coordination. But you know how good you'd like to play, and that is a massive undertaking: Playing on a fretless neck, bowing, keeping high body tension throughout, the sightreading requirement…
Not everything has to be about ROI, especially when it comes to art, in my opinion. For example, I might want to write a fiction book even though I know I won't sell any, just because it's something that inspires me and want to have done in my life.
You could also mitigate the ROI by learning both the guitar to get your quick ROI boost, while learning the cello when you want to get serious (not that you can't get serious on the guitar, but you might like the cello better and want to get serious on it instead).
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#9Played the cello for 7 years as a kid. Gave it up and learned piano with 23 or so.
Your skill is going to depend on how much time you want to invest practising. In my experience, as a hobby musician, my most "efficient" practising schedule was:
* 5 day/week: 30 to 45 minutes
* 1 day: 3 hours
* 1 day: nothing, don't practise
Re: Learning the Cello as an Adult (1997)
#10Played the cello for 7 years as a kid. Gave it up and learned piano with 23 or so. Your skill is going to depend on how much time you want to invest practising. In my experience, as a hobby musician, my most "efficient" practising schedule was: * 5 day/week: 30 to 45 minutes * 1 day: 3 hours * 1 day: nothing, don't practise
Hi, thanks for your schedule; was wondering if you can give more details for what exercises you do during your daily regular practice (30-45min) vs. the long practice (3 hrs), e.g., improvisation/repertoire/mechanics?