Cello is an instrument that has been in our musical history since the 1500’s (WOW-that is 500 years ago!). It has been featured in all varieties of music from classical (Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor-Saint Saëns) to rock (“Something In The Way”-Nirvana) and popular movie music (“Stranger Things”). Cello is a beautiful sounding instrument that is often described as warm, elegant, enchanting and sophisticated. It can also be made to sound scary, strange, ethereal and ominous! Due to the instrument’s size, people often think you cannot learn this instrument from a young age.
When Should I Start Learning To Play?
It’s true most students get introduced to cello in a elementary school orchestra programs. This puts a child at the age of 9 or 10. But it’s possible to start learning to play cello from as young as 5 or 6. For a student that young, it’s a good idea to have a trial lesson first to see if the child is ready. Things to consider before starting cello lessons are:
- Can the child hold the instrument on their own?
- Does the child understand the instrument is delicate and can they handle it with care?
- Is the child able to attentively focus for 15-20 minutes at a time?
If your answers to these questions are “Yes”, then your child could be ready to start!
Having the right size instrument is key because they range from full to 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 and even 1/8 in size! SMMC carries a variety of cello sizes available to rent that can be viewed from our online store. With the right size cello and teacher, a student is properly set for a great learning experience.
Congratulations Olivia M.
Olivia has been taking music lessons at SMMC since February 2025. Prior to starting cellos lessons, Olivia was enrolled in flute lesson at first. Currently, Olivia studies cello with Ms. Jasmine who also teaches piano at SMMC. Ms. Jasmine received her Bachelor of Music degree from UCLA, performed at the Konz Chamber Music Festival in Luxemburg, and has performed solo works with Southwestern Youth Music Festival Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony Youth Orchestra, Mt. Saint Mary Orchestra and the Olympia Youth Orchestra. Of Olivia, Jasmine writes:
“Olivia demonstrates strong effort each week and shows noticeable progress in every lesson. She enters class with a sincere, earnest attitude and absorbs advice and feedback like a sponge. We are often able to play duets because she comes prepared to perform the piece she has been working on. She recently learned the piece “May Time,” containing challenging dotted rhythms and arpeggios that require “skipped” fingerings and bow changes across different strings. These new techniques were difficult at first, but she listened intently to my advice, practiced “smooth bow-changing” exercises diligently, and remembered to keep her shoulders relaxed instead of tense. Thanks to her hard work, we are now able to play a beautiful duet together with steady beats, clear rhythm, and smooth bow changes that avoid hitting other strings!
Olivia also brings in orchestra pieces for guidance. Even though these pieces use techniques we haven’t formally covered, she picks them up quickly and is able to understand them by the following week. Olivia is such a dedicated student with great potential and a joy to work with!”
That is unbelievable praise from an experienced teacher for someone who has not been playing cello for very long! It is wonderful to hear how Olivia is progressing.
Olivia Performing In A Lesson
Check out Olivia performing a duet with her cello instructor during their lesson just before she was awarded the certificate!
Get To Meet Olivia
Time for the Q & A with our award winner! We always ask our students some fun questions to get more insight into who they are as a person and what inspires them to be so musical. Check out what Olivia had to say below.
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 about 4 months. What I like most is the sound of the cello and how it blends with other string instruments in orchestra. I also like learning to read music”.
2. How did you get started playing cello and why did you decide to take lessons?
“I started playing cello because when my mom was around my age, she started playing cello. She played in her high school orchestra and loved it! So I wanted to try it too. I decided to take lessons because I want to be able to play well in my middle school orchestra.”
3. What do you like about how your instrument sounds and what do you enjoy most about playing it?
“One of the things I enjoy is going on different strings and the slight movement of changing strings which makes such different sound. I most enjoy how it feels when you can extend your arm when pulling the bow. I like the way my arm flows with the bow.”
4. If any, who are some of the artists you look up to for your instrument and why do you like them?
“I don’t know many cellists but I like the way the cello sounds in certain songs, like Coldplay’s Viva La Vida.”
5. What is your favorite food, movie/tv show, video game, etc.?
“My favorite food is ice cream, my favorite tv show is “Wednesday”, and my favorite singer is Olivia Rodrigo.”
6. What are your top 3 favorite things to do in your free time?
“I like to make art, read, and bake.“
7. What have you done this year that you consider to be the most fun you’ve had all year?
“I went to Yosemite over the summer and climbed a waterfall with one of my best friends.”
Wow! Baker, mountain climber, musician, artist-you have many talents Olivia! Congratulations on the award and keep up the great practicing and music.
Start Your Own Musical Journey
If you are ready to get yourself or your child started on their musical journey, 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!