Reading Notes

[cratz2]

Actually, cello music is written in Bass, Tenor and Alto clefs. The other thing about non-fretted instruments like the violin, viola and cello is learning positions (1/2 thru 4th and there is a thumb position).

I started with the cello in my early thirties. One disadvantage as an adult learning the cello are extended positions where you are stretching between your 1st and 2nd or 4th finger; kinda like a piano player playing 10ths.

I love the cello.

When it comes to these instruments, learning the piano is your friend :yes:

And a good bow. The tone the cello produces is influenced by the bow and your bowing technique.


My favorite cellists were: Janos Starker, Mstislav Rostropovich and Paul Tortelier.

Find yourself a good teacher and have fun!

I don't think I ever had to learn a piece notated in alto. I only played three years but even as a pretty advanced student, I don't think I ever had to learn a piece notated in alto. I think Saint-Saens's Le Cygne is notated in treble clef, but I'm 99% sure everything else I ever learned was in bass and tenor. I could read alto as I'd played viola for two years prior to starting cello.

Still I'm guessing an average student won't have to worry about reading alto clef for the first year when learning the cello.

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

True - you're more likely to see treble and tenor notation. The average cello student most likely would never encounter music noted with the Alto clef

My ex was a music major/teacher. Her primary instrument was the violin but she also played the viola. I remember seeing some cello sheet music once that used four clefs. It could have been a transposition necessary to shift into a higher position. I believe she referred to the Alto Clef as one of the C-Clefs.

Still I'm guessing an average student won't have to worry about reading alto clef for the first year when learning the cello.

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

I'm one of those people (that can play by ear). Depending on the music and the instrument, you can get away with this up to a point. My primary instrument was the cello but I also took piano lessons on the recommendation of my cello teacher. His explanation to me: "A lot of string players don't hear certain cords."

Once, I went to one of my piano lessons but I hadn't practiced. I sat down at the piano and played through the piece by ear. When I finished playing, my piano teacher said to me: "That was very nice, except it was in the wrong key."

Most rock musicians (hell, mostly every musician that didn't play classical or jazz) play by ear, meaning they listen to a recording and emulate the song.

 

[valvenator]

One piece of advice? :scratch2:

Let the song play you, not the other way around. :yes:

Not as easy as it sounds but good advice and a great goal to reach for. :thmbsp:
Once you're at that point you can truly call yourself a musician.

 

[specialidiot]

Give it a go! I played some brass instruments and sang in choir back in my skool daze, then nothing until 3 years ago when I picked up the guitar for the first time. Now I'm playing with others and having a blast with it.

Reading guitar tab is quite a bit different than playing sheet music, but I think that you will pick it up as fast as your ability with the cello will allow. I wouldn't worry about that part at all.

I do find that learning to play an instrument is instantaneously incredibly humbling and immensely rewarding at the same time.

Just don't forget to take a break once in a while and spend time with your loved ones!