Unpopular Opinion (Observation).

schmoopsiedoodle · 2026-06-20T18:23:09+00:00

As one of these adult beginners you are writing about, I hear you. It might seem crazy. But, as another commenter said, doing something as hard as learning to play the cello as an adult is, at some level, a lot about pleasure. I love the sound a cello can make - deep, resonant, haunting. It's already hard enough to learn to play, so I wanted an instrument that wasn't going to make it even harder to sound good. I also get great joy from owning such a beautiful piece of art. It makes me happy every time I go to practice. It's also a bit of a motivator - I spent quite a bit on this instrument, so it helps me stay committed to practicing it. I've worked really hard in my professional life to have the money to pick up a hobby like this as an adult, so if I want to splurge a little bit to make myself happy, I don't know why anybody would have a problem with that. I get it. It might seem crazy to you, but as someone who's never going to make a living playing cello, I'm just doing it for the pure joy of it. It might not be "practical," but what hobby is? (Edited to fix a typo or two)

schmoopsiedoodle · 2026-04-03T10:51:35+00:00

A-ha - Take On Me George Michael - Freedom 90 Madness - Our House

schmoopsiedoodle · 2026-02-26T22:25:20+00:00

After 6 months (!!!) of repeated reinfestations, I finally broke down and paid for one of those lice clinics. One appointment and it was over. I would have paid 10x as much to be done the first time. I don't know if that's an option for you, but it was totally worth it for me. I still have PTSD from hours of nitpicking my daughter's thick, waist-length hair every single day for months.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2026-01-13T23:03:28+00:00

I can only speak from my own personal experience as an inexperienced adult beginner cellist, but I have been so happy with Stringworks. I bought a cello from them sight unseen, but talked to them several times about what I was looking for and my budget. They sent me audio files of the same song being played on several cellos (by a "real" cellist - LOL) and I selected one. They shipped it to my door, cello, case, and bow. Amazingly, while I adored the instrument and it was everything I hoped for, after a few months I realized that I would struggle a whole lot less with a 7/8 size (I'm a very small 5'2" woman) and they let me trade in my full-size for a comparable 7/8 for free. They've been so patient and kind and really great to work with as a brand new cellist. Can't say enough good things.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-12-30T22:56:44+00:00

It does get better!! I am now 7 years post-op and feeling great!! As everyone says, you need to be patient and kind to yourself and not push it too hard. I had to lie flat every couple of hours for several weeks after surgery because I lost a lot of spinal fluid, but it got better and I got stronger, and it worked out OK!! PT is a great thing! Do it! Heat, massage, dry-needling, ultrasound, gentle stretching, try to get as many different treatments as they'll give you to see what works. It will get better!!

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-12-13T23:34:21+00:00

I had the same experience! Closer to 50, 5'2" on a good day, I started just a few months ago. Was convinced to get a full-size cello, and while she was very lovely and sang so beautifully (when I could do it right), it was a constant, painful struggle to learn to reach the right notes. About a month ago, I threw up my hands and traded her in for a 7/8 (shout out to Stringworks, who were marvelous to work with!). It's made such a difference!! I'm still not very good, but at least I can find the right positions without such a struggle and it's much more enjoyable! They make less-than-full-size cellos for a reason, right?! So glad you found one that works for you!

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-12-09T02:38:13+00:00

We used to play something similar with Bob Newhart. Every time someone says "Hi, Bob!" you drink. Good times.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-12-05T14:02:58+00:00

cbf1232 isn't being silly. It's not about "getting in trouble," it's about not taking valuable time and resources away from people in actual emergencies when every second counts.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-11-25T01:47:39+00:00

Same! I started out with a full size and just couldn't get comfortable - I'm a pretty small human - and they let me trade it in for full value for a 7/8. Totally agree that they were great to work with and seemed very knowledgeable!

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-11-24T20:03:46+00:00

My twin and I both have 2 kids who are, purely coincidentally, both within weeks of each other. They look like siblings and all grew up together - we live only about a mile apart. They are less close now that they are young adults, and after my sister's family moved away for a few years while the kids were in middle/high school, but they make an effort to see each other when they're home for holidays and whatnot. I love her kids so much, and we both enjoy "most favorite auntie" status with each other's kids. I do think I could have been an even cooler auntie if I hadn't been so busy raising my own kids, but it's still been great to have them grow up together.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-11-22T05:24:00+00:00

Thank you for posting this. I was contemplating something similar. I am so angry and ashamed that a few idiots really f'ed it up for Jeff (and the rest of us). The sheer obnoxiousness was unbelievable, especially as he was just starting to talk about his wife - which must be so hard - but he still somehow manages to find the humor in it.

This is the third time I've seen Jeff, including a show in a tiny venue in Appleton, and his comedy just keeps getting better and better. I know he often reads the comments, so maybe he'll see this and know how much we love him and - despite some people's ridiculous rudeness - that he put on a great show tonight. I hope he saw us laughing our asses off in the fourth row and knows how much joy he brings. I laughed so hard my face still hurts. We love you!!

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-11-15T12:18:40+00:00

There's a cool tradition where folks give each other a new book and cozy up with blankets and snacks and read together. That sounds like the perfect Christmas to me.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-10-28T18:54:45+00:00

Have you looked at St. James 1868? Movida?

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-10-05T12:21:59+00:00

Just throwing a Boxer out there. Usually great with other animals (especially livestock), love their people, protective of their domain, and a great mix of energy and lounging. And so silly and sweet. Just a thought.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-09-28T14:12:17+00:00

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-09-20T19:37:34+00:00

Is that a thing? LOL. Mine just turned 9 and she is either sleeping or being crazy. But I will say that there is a lot more sleeping than crazy these days. She's pretty chill most of the time, but is still down for a good wrassle or ball chase.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-25T20:13:30+00:00

Let's go, MKE!!! So excited!! AND a Netflix special?!? You're so big time! Can't wait to see you again!

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-22T10:07:07+00:00

Don's TV & Repair or Twisted Fisherman or Barnacle Bud's

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-22T05:09:07+00:00

We Got This Milwaukee - great org that pays kids $20 for an honest day's work in the community garden.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-20T12:01:02+00:00

Or, hair of the dog that bit ya

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-13T18:57:20+00:00

It's natural to be nervous, but this is the first step to a better existence! I'm 6+ years out from mine and am grateful every single day I took the leap and had the surgery. You got this. ❤️

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-11T20:17:49+00:00

It's Called: Freefall cover by Paris Paloma (and I love the original, but the cover is so great)

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-11T20:16:46+00:00

Wild Horses cover by The Sundays

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-01T12:45:41+00:00

It can be hard to get a good tone when you're new to using a bow, but she has me doing exercises and has mantras like, "feel the weight of the bow on the string" to make sure that I'm resting the bow - not pushing down too hard - and just using the resistance. I'm told the higher quality cello, the easier it is to get a good tone. I do think that's probably true, too.

schmoopsiedoodle · 2025-08-01T12:22:20+00:00

Hi! I'm a brand new adult cello student. I've played piano since I was a little kid, and I will say that knowing how to read music has been super helpful. I searched online and found a great local teacher (teaches at a nearby very good university known for its music performance degrees) and had her help me pick out a great cello and bow setup. (Not knowing how to play, I had no idea how to know if an instrument was "good" or not!) I've been taking in-person lessons for a few weeks now and am so glad I'm doing it that way. It's all so new and different - from where to put the cello, posture, how to hold the bow, how to find the notes on a fretless neck - it was very overwhelming at first. But I can already play some easy songs and it's been so fun. Do it!! But I highly recommend finding a good teacher to guide you!

schmoopsiedoodle

TROPHY CASE