Cello Intermediate with Ailbhe McDonagh takes your playing to the next level. Building on the strong foundation of Cello Basics, this series introduces expressive techniques such as vibrato, shifting, harmonics, and double stops.
This cello pedagogy video series is designed for developing cellists. These lessons unlock new colours and confidence on the instrument, guiding you through higher positions and more advanced musical expression.
This cello pedagogy video series is designed for developing cellists. These lessons unlock new colours and confidence on the instrument, guiding you through higher positions and more advanced musical expression.
Cello Intermediate Video Series
Cello Intermediate: Intro
Ailbhe introduces the new Cello Intermediate video series. Discover the cello pedagogy roadmap for the next level of your cello journey.
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Ailbhe introduces the new Cello Intermediate video series. Discover the cello pedagogy roadmap for the next level of your cello journey.
Read more.
Cello Intermediate 01: Introduction to Vibrato (part 1 of 3)
The secret to a beautiful vibrato starts in the elbow. Learn the "door handle" concept, how to support your 3rd and 4th fingers, and the essential "polishing the fingerboard" exercise.
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The secret to a beautiful vibrato starts in the elbow. Learn the "door handle" concept, how to support your 3rd and 4th fingers, and the essential "polishing the fingerboard" exercise.
Read more.
Cello Intermediate 02: Introduction to Vibrato (part 2 of 3)
Moving from mechanics to sound. Learn to "polish the string," master the "plant" exercise to find your pitch center, and why a slow "ambulance" siren is the perfect vibrato starter.
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Moving from mechanics to sound. Learn to "polish the string," master the "plant" exercise to find your pitch center, and why a slow "ambulance" siren is the perfect vibrato starter.
Read more.
Cello Intermediate 03: Introduction to Vibrato (part 3 of 3)
Refine your vibrato speed and intonation. Learn why you should vibrate "into" the pitch (from below) and use the "pulse" exercise to gain control over your oscillation speed.
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Refine your vibrato speed and intonation. Learn why you should vibrate "into" the pitch (from below) and use the "pulse" exercise to gain control over your oscillation speed.
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Cello Intermediate 04: Tuning Practice & Focus
Learn how to really zone in on your tuning using "double stops" against an open string. This lesson covers listening for resonance, adjusting intervals, and balancing bow weight.
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Learn how to really zone in on your tuning using "double stops" against an open string. This lesson covers listening for resonance, adjusting intervals, and balancing bow weight.
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Cello Intermediate 05: Introduction to Shifting (part 1 of 4)
Master the first type of shifting: "same finger" shifts. Learn to use the elbow and wrist to lift the hand, release 60% of the weight, and arrive smoothly at your new position.
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Master the first type of shifting: "same finger" shifts. Learn to use the elbow and wrist to lift the hand, release 60% of the weight, and arrive smoothly at your new position.
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Cello Intermediate 06: Introduction to Shifting (part 2 of 4)
Explore "substitution shifts," where you replace one finger with another during the move. Learn the "Newton's cradle" concept and how to transfer weight instantly to the new finger.
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Explore "substitution shifts," where you replace one finger with another during the move. Learn the "Newton's cradle" concept and how to transfer weight instantly to the new finger.
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Cello Intermediate 07: Introduction to Shifting (part 3 of 4)
Master the "link note" shift for cleaner classical playing vs. the "giant sausage" slide for romantic expression. Learn when to use each style to suit the music.
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Master the "link note" shift for cleaner classical playing vs. the "giant sausage" slide for romantic expression. Learn when to use each style to suit the music.
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Cello Intermediate 08: Introduction to Shifting (part 4 of 4)
Learn the secret to fast, effortless shifts. Discover how to use elbow and wrist circles to glide on the string, and master the "pin prick" shift for rapid passages.
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Learn the secret to fast, effortless shifts. Discover how to use elbow and wrist circles to glide on the string, and master the "pin prick" shift for rapid passages.
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Cello Intermediate 09: Playing in 4th Position
Learn how to start playing in 4th position. Discover how to use the cello's physical markers to find 4th position, why your finger spacing must get smaller, and how moving your bow fixes a weak sound.
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Learn how to start playing in 4th position. Discover how to use the cello's physical markers to find 4th position, why your finger spacing must get smaller, and how moving your bow fixes a weak sound.
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Cello Intermediate 10: Left Hand Extensions
Stop struggling with wide stretches! Learn the correct mechanics for forward and backward extensions, including the crucial elbow pivot, thumb release, and how to avoid left-hand tension.
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Stop struggling with wide stretches! Learn the correct mechanics for forward and backward extensions, including the crucial elbow pivot, thumb release, and how to avoid left-hand tension.
Read more.