This month, SMMC celebrates Jaden Z. for earning the Student of the Month award for August 2026!
The cello is a large instrument relative to the player. One positions the cello with the knees at the sides of the lower ribs on the instrument. The top of the cello rests on the chest. The neck leans to the left side of the player while positioning the lowest peg in the pegbox at eye level. The instrument rests angled slightly inward in a manner that facilitates bowing for the right hand and arm. When held correctly, the neck of the instrument will be floating freely. This will give the student access to the full range of notes on the neck, even though a beginner will only play out of the first position.
Playing A Cello
Pressing the strings of the instrument with the left hand to the fingerboard is one aspect of playing the cello. The lowest notes of the instrument are at the top of the fingerboard. As you slide your finger down the neck, the notes get higher in pitch. Beginners will often use thin pieces of tape on the neck to know where to put their fingers for which notes. Over time, a student will develop a good sense of pitch to be able to play the instrument without tapes at all.
The right hand uses a bow to run across the strings. Pernambuco wood or carbon fiber are the materials for bows. The bow’s base has an ebony “frog” attached. Here, horsehair is glued on to the end. The hair runs to the tip of the other end and is glued there as well. Using a tension rod, the hair is tightened to be able to scrape it over the strings. This causes the strings to vibrate, which resonates against the wood and produces the sound. Holding the bow and the act of bowing itself require their own techniques that students need to master and learn.
Playing the instrument is not as straight forward as it seems. Developing good posture, left hand technique and bowing technique are not simple skills to learn. The process of learning these can be a challenge for young students. It’s key having an skilled, engaging teacher who is patient and can make it fun! Degreed musicians who help students achieve their musical goals are what you get when studying with SMMC instructors.
In His Teacher’s Words
Jaden takes lessons from Ms. Sarah Clark. Ms. Sarah attends UCLA where she is in the 4th year of her undergraduate studies for a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance. Sarah has been the principal cellist at the UCLA Philharmonia and at Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra. Of Jayden, Ms. Sarah writes:
“I started working with Jaden earlier this spring, and I recognized very quickly that he is a dedicated and naturally focused student. He is always eager to learn! My first experience working with him was playing through his pieces for his ABRSM exam. It requires a high degree of discipline in learning repertoire and performance. Our main focus so far during lessons has been intonation training; Jaden has impressed me with his willingness to tune each interval during lessons and his commitment to outside ear training by practicing interval identification. What impresses me most about him is his dedication and commitment; even with time away for summer travel, he jumped right back into lessons ready to work. I am excited to see how his skills continue to grow, and I’m looking forward to supporting his musical journey as he encounters future milestones!”
For the ABRSM exam, Jaden passed his Level 2 Examination with a “Merit” score! That one level removed from the highest score given: “Distinction“. This was the first time Jaden’s first time taking the exam, so it’s quite the big deal!
Jaden’s Recital Performance
Jaden performed in SMMC’s recital earlier this year as a soloist. Enjoy this performance from a gifted, young musician!
In His Own Words
We sent Jaden a list of questions to learn a little more about his likes, dislikes and what inspires him to play! Here is what Jaden had to share:
1. How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
“I have been playing the cello for 4-5 years. My favorite part about the cello is how it can sound really powerful when you play it.”
2. How did you get started playing the cello and why did you decide to take lessons?
“I started playing the cello in my school’s VAPA program. There were many instruments to choose, but I chose cello. I decided to begin taking lessons outside of school after I felt like I was not learning as much.”
3. How do you go about fitting practice time into your schedule? Do you have any advice for students who struggle with consistent practice?
“I practice my cello for 30 minutes usually before or after dinner. My advice is to practice for shorter amounts of time and gradually build up to your desired practice time.”
4. What was preparing for the ABRSM exam like and did you enjoy the experience? On the whole, what did you like about it?
“Preparing for the ABRSM exam was certainly more repetitive than I anticipated. Specifically, I had to focus on practicing only 4 songs. Towards the end, really only two songs had to be fleshed out. However, one thing I enjoyed about participating in ABRSM is, in the end, my pieces sounded much nicer and polished than usual because I had practiced them for so long.”
5. What is your favorite food, movie/tv show, video game, etc.?
“My favorite food is sukiyaki, my favorite movie is Flow, and my favorite video game right now is probably the Splatoon franchise.”
6. What are your top 3 favorite things to do in your free time?
“My three favorite things to do in my free time are playing games with my friends, reading, and watching TV.”
7. What have you done this past year that you consider to be the most fun you’ve had all year?
“The most fun thing I have done this year is definitely my trip to China!”
Sukiyaki-that sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing everything Jaden and our sincerest congratulations to you!
Start Your Musical Journey
Surely, you or your child are ready to get yourselves started on your musical journey! In that case, our wonderful teachers are eager to work with you. Study with degreed educators who have years of experience. Whether you are a beginner, have not played for years, or looking to make the jump to intermediate or advance level, our teachers have the tools to help you achieve your ambition! Book a trial lesson today!