Useful Stuff
To start playing cello there are a few purchases you will need. I have included these suggestions which may help your purchase. Shopping around can bring prices down.
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Equipment
Music stand, collapsible
cello stopper
small bluetooth speaker or CD player
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Suzuki Book and downloads
I recommend buying the CD in itunes, and the book separately. If you have a CD player buy the book with the CD.
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Apps
Slows the tempo down of the CD. Make sure you search Roni music. Here is a link to help to put the CD into your phone.
Chromatic tuner
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Hiring or buying a Cello
Cellissimo - Melbourne based company although will come to your home to set up your child.
Sydney String Centre - Sydney company with higher prices but solid instruments
Performing Arts Unit - Public school only, larger sizes available.
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Buying a cello through gumtree or ebay can be beneficial for finding a nice instrument and saving money. Having to re-sell can be difficult although some sellers have deals that will resale the cello. Generally, instruments move up a size a year.
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Websites and youtube
Pianoguys - Youtube sensatation that have fun with cello theme and popular themes.
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Music Appreciation - Susan Deas. A Leichhardt teacher who runs classes for theory, history of music and more...
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Practice tips
Make sure the environment is correct giving enough room for the instrument without other disturbing sounds or movements. Keeping the practice time the same daily is the first step. Some days could be pyjama practices, so only playing the easy parts. Reward the child to continue working every day will bring success. In the practice include:
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- warm-ups
- repetition of difficult sections
- listening
- review
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Below are some apps that may help desperate parents
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metro music maker - practical advise for setting up routines
The Practice Shop - an insane amount of worksheets and motivational tools
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