Update on Cello

I have been steadily working through my beginning cello method book, and finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. I may have mentioned before that a friend of the family gave us his old Kay Cello. Kay Cellos were manufactured in the USA and were primarily sold to schools for their orchestra programs. They have been around since the late 1920s/early 1930s. I am guessing that my cello is from the 1960s. It is pretty dinged up, but still plays a nice warm sound. Kay Cellos are not considered to be "good" cellos (now, Kay Basses are supposed to be well-liked among many players). Even though my Kay is old and pretty cheaply made, I am enjoying learning to play it. One of the things they were know for (Kay) is their ease of play -- perfect for the student player.

The book I am using to learn to play cello is the Carl Fischer Basic Method Book I for Violoncello. My son's piano teacher recommended the Alfred Books series, Strictly Strings. I haven't been able to find these locally, so I have been working through the one that came with the cello.

At first, this book was far too difficult for me -- given that I have had no real prior music instruction. I studied online, using YouTube and eHow.com videos along with some very basic "how to get started with cello" websites. I practiced for about a month -- just open strings (very boring, but beneficial I think0. Since then, I have made good progress through the Fischer method book. I am up to playing on all four strings (I know -- wow!)

I find the cello to be enjoyable and interesting to play. I love the sound of the cello, especially the deep voice and the higher pitch of the A string. I am having a wonderful time learning how to play this instrument and also how to read music.