Cello Talk 82: Calgary Talk V: Playing Fast

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Cello Talk 81: Calgary Talk IV: Stretching

Learning to stretch the left hand to cover larger intervals is an extremely useful component of cello technique. Here are some exercises, some examples of sensible stretching, and solutions for awkward positions.

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Cello Talk 80: Calgary Talk 2: 4 Minute Demo

Here’s how I would use four minutes to practice a tricky passage.

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Cello Talk 77–79: Calgary Talk I – Questions Answered II

So many have written with great questions prompted by the Cello Talks that it’s time for me to respond again. I hope my suggestions are helpful, and thanks to everyone for all the support and encouragement you’ve given me.

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Cello Talk 76: Vibrate Above: Good or Bad?

Some of the greatest violin players and string pedagogues say that vibrato should be from below the note and up to it only. But the singers don’t do it that way – see the earlier Cello Talk on that subject. Here’s why I sound better vibrating slightly above the note, for what it’s worth.

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Cello Talk 75: Bow Tightening

It’s important that the bow is tight enough to perform certain functions, without being too tight. Here are some guidelines.

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