Welcome to Cello Basics by Ailbhe McDonagh. This is a step-by-step video series designed for beginner cellists. These short, focused lessons cover essential topics such as posture, bow hold, finger placement, tone production, and musical expression.
Whether you're starting from scratch or returning to the cello after a break, this series builds a strong technical foundation through clear instruction and practical examples. Each video introduces one concept at a time, making it easy to follow and revisit as needed.
Explore the chapters below and begin your journey toward confident, expressive cello playing one step at a time.
Whether you're starting from scratch or returning to the cello after a break, this series builds a strong technical foundation through clear instruction and practical examples. Each video introduces one concept at a time, making it easy to follow and revisit as needed.
Explore the chapters below and begin your journey toward confident, expressive cello playing one step at a time.
Cello Basics Video Series
Cello Basics Intro: About Me and My Cello Teaching Videos
In this intro, I explain my background as a professional cellist and teacher, and what you can expect from my cello lesson videos.
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In this intro, I explain my background as a professional cellist and teacher, and what you can expect from my cello lesson videos.
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Cello Basics 01: How to Sit Properly with the Cello
Learn how to set up your body and chair for correct cello posture. A relaxed, balanced position supports all future technique.
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Learn how to set up your body and chair for correct cello posture. A relaxed, balanced position supports all future technique.
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Cello Basics 02: Understanding the Parts of the Cello & Bow
Get to know the parts of the cello and bow, what they’re called and how they function. This is essential groundwork for any beginner.
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Get to know the parts of the cello and bow, what they’re called and how they function. This is essential groundwork for any beginner.
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Cello Basics 03: About Your Bow & Rosin
Understand how your bow works, what rosin does, and how to apply and care for it properly.
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Understand how your bow works, what rosin does, and how to apply and care for it properly.
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Cello Basics 04: How to Hold the Bow
Learn how to form a natural and relaxed cello bow hold, building the foundation for all bowing techniques.
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Learn how to form a natural and relaxed cello bow hold, building the foundation for all bowing techniques.
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Cello Basics 05: Bow Hand Exercises
Strengthen your right hand and fingers with simple exercises to improve control and flexibility in your bow hold.
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Strengthen your right hand and fingers with simple exercises to improve control and flexibility in your bow hold.
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Cello Basics 06: Open Strings & Pizzicato
Discover how to pluck the open strings using pizzicato while learning string names and hand positioning.
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Discover how to pluck the open strings using pizzicato while learning string names and hand positioning.
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Cello Basics 07: Introduction to First Position
Learn what first position is on the cello and how to begin placing your fingers correctly on the fingerboard.
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Learn what first position is on the cello and how to begin placing your fingers correctly on the fingerboard.
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Cello Basics 08: Starting the Left Hand, C-Shape & 1st Finger Placement
Begin shaping your left hand properly on the cello with the all-important C-shape, and learn how to place the 1st finger with control and accuracy.
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Begin shaping your left hand properly on the cello with the all-important C-shape, and learn how to place the 1st finger with control and accuracy.
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Cello Basics 09: Introducing the 3rd Finger on the Cello
Build strength and accuracy with your 3rd finger and understand how it fits into the left-hand shape.
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Build strength and accuracy with your 3rd finger and understand how it fits into the left-hand shape.
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Cello Basics 10: Introducing the 4th Finger on the Cello
Learn how to use your pinky finger (4th finger) on the cello and strengthen its placement and control.
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Learn how to use your pinky finger (4th finger) on the cello and strengthen its placement and control.
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Cello Basics 11: Introducing the 2nd Finger on the Cello
Understand how to place the 2nd finger in both high and low positions and how it relates to accidentals.
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Understand how to place the 2nd finger in both high and low positions and how it relates to accidentals.
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Cello Basics 12: Understanding Bow Angles
Learn how to bow with the correct angle on each string to produce a clean and even sound.
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Learn how to bow with the correct angle on each string to produce a clean and even sound.
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Cello Basics 13: Bow Contact Points Explained
Discover how the point where your bow touches the string affects tone, volume, and control.
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Discover how the point where your bow touches the string affects tone, volume, and control.
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Cello Basics 14: Your Bow Arm
Explore the role of the entire bow arm - from shoulder to fingers - and how to move it efficiently and without tension.
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Explore the role of the entire bow arm - from shoulder to fingers - and how to move it efficiently and without tension.
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Cello Basics 15: Separate Bows vs. Slurred Bowing
Learn the difference between separate bows and slurs, and how to practise both clearly and musically.
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Learn the difference between separate bows and slurs, and how to practise both clearly and musically.
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Cello Basics 16: Changing Bow Direction
Work on smooth bow changes from down to up bow, keeping the sound even and controlled.
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Work on smooth bow changes from down to up bow, keeping the sound even and controlled.
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Cello Basics 17: String Crossings
Learn how to move cleanly from one string to another without unwanted noise or hitting other strings.
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Learn how to move cleanly from one string to another without unwanted noise or hitting other strings.
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Cello Basics 18: Bow Retakes
Understand how to lift and reset the bow silently between repeated down bows and keep the rhythm steady.
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Understand how to lift and reset the bow silently between repeated down bows and keep the rhythm steady.
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Cello Basics 19: Bow Distribution
Learn how to divide the bow effectively based on rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing, using Frère Jacques and Chinese Garden as examples.
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Learn how to divide the bow effectively based on rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing, using Frère Jacques and Chinese Garden as examples.
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Cello Basics 20: Introduction to Staccato
Learn how to play clear, detached staccato bow strokes on the cello. This lesson covers full-arm and wrist staccato and how to control the start and stop of each note.
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Learn how to play clear, detached staccato bow strokes on the cello. This lesson covers full-arm and wrist staccato and how to control the start and stop of each note.
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Cello Basics 21: Introduction to Legato
This lesson introduces legato playing on the cello, creating smooth, connected notes using controlled bow technique. Perfect for beginners learning to shape more expressive phrasing.
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This lesson introduces legato playing on the cello, creating smooth, connected notes using controlled bow technique. Perfect for beginners learning to shape more expressive phrasing.
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