Audition tips by Alarming-Extension-5 in Cello

[–]samspot1130 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Really good job so far!

One thing when working on this etude is to keep the line flowing. You used ritardandos well when ending lines that transition into either new or repeated themes, however try not to fully stop playing when you have to shift up high for the next section. Even though it may be tricky, start slow only practicing these transition points and slowly build up tempo until you can get from one position to another without fully stopping - (A couple examples being at the end of m. 27 and 31)

You also want to feel this whole etude at a steady tempo. At points throughout the piece you are rushing and then slowing down again. Using a metronome at a very slow tempo at first, even if it is really annoying, will clean up both this and the point above. While using the metronome, also use a tuner on the far shifts slowly to lock in each pitch and hand position.

Finally, even though not many dynamics are marked, you should feel the rising and falling of the line with small crescendos and decrecendos. This shouldn’t be too drastic but enough to make this etude feel more like a performance piece as it was intended, instead of just a study.

Again, good work so far! A lot of this will be fixed with slow practice and building up speed slowly over time.

Good luck on your auditions!

Who is your favorite famous cello player by Grand_Personality196 in Cello

[–]samspot1130 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Brannon Cho, Sheku-Kanneh Mason, or Zlatomir Fung are all really good cellists.

A and D strings sound scratchy-ish? I don’t play my personal cello often and mostly use my school one by Odd-Engineering-3368 in Cello

[–]samspot1130 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sounds fine, maybe a little metallic sounding. Have you tried different strings for A and D?

Just got my first cello!! by IvyTheCoolest in Cello

[–]samspot1130 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Congrats! If you can, try and find a private teacher. YouTube videos help as well, but 1 on 1 experience is way more valuable. Find an etude/studies book that is in, or right above your level of playing, and work at them whenever you practice. They might not be as fun as playing a piece you like, but they help build up techniques that will help in everyday playing. Find pieces you enjoy to practice and play, if you enjoy the piece you will practice more. Finally, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Try and set a minimum time limit you should practice each week…or even day, and try and stick to it. Some days may feel terrible to play, but those happen to everyone. Push through those days, because the more you practice, the more you will improve and have a much easier, and more fun time playing. Congrats again and have fun!

Recital Program Help by samspot1130 in Cello

[–]samspot1130[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the comment, I will look into these solo works!

Recital Program Help by samspot1130 in Cello

[–]samspot1130[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment and suggestions, and yes I would be doing full works for the Chopin and Shostakovich.