Cello Bow Arm Technique Explained (Part 1) | Cello Professor Jamie Fiste

"Cello Bow Arm Technique Explained” is a detailed exploration into the biomechanics of cello playing. Jamie Fiste, cello professor at Central Michigan University, breaks down the complexities of bow arm movement, offering insights into how leverage, angle, and movement contribute to an efficient technique.
The corresponding webpage is "The Movements of the Bow Arm", www.celloprofe...
Cello Bow Arm Technique, Part 2: • Cello Bow Arm Techniqu...
Sheet music available for a donation amount of your choice! www.celloprofe...

[@tazzie261]

Brilliant explanation. BRAVO! 😊

[@danpetresculi994]

Thanks a lot, Mr. Fiste! I really appreciate your light and precise expalanations which help me a lot to understand the complex movements the cello is affording. Please keep posting here your profound and comprehensible knowledge.

[@CelloProfessor]

Wow, thank you for such kind words! I'm glad the videos are helpful. More videos are planned!

[@Silverstarka]

As a former massage therapist, your anatomy knowledge is superb and yes, you’re saying things correctly. Thank you so much for this information.! I already have chronic pain so it’s helpful to see ways to mitigate injury.

[@CelloProfessor]

Thank you! Glad I am getting the anatomy all correct! And I'm happy the video was helpful for you!

[@mettevunsjensen4094]

Thanks. I look forward to a full video about the potential risk😊

[@CelloProfessor]

Yep. Basically, having a pronated hand (palm down) with the elbow up put us at risk for shoulder injuries. I actually have a whole presentation ready that I gave at the MMC (Michigan Music Conference) about these risks but not being a health care specialist I wasn't sure it was a good idea to post the video.. Hmmm....maybe I could have someone from the CMU medical school look it over.

[@richardstein832]

I like to think of the force applied to and by a pool cue. A proper cue hold at the back end is very relaxed and gentle, like a cello bow hold, but force is focused at the point of contact in a myriad of ways.

[@CelloProfessor]

I like that analogy.

[@PatchworkDragon]

Any insight on why my right shoulder goes up and tries to attach itself to my ear when I play?
I really appreciate knowing the science behind why it all works the way it does, and that it's all a matter of which choices you make. That means there can be no "perfect" cello technique - only that which works best for you.

[@CelloProfessor]

Ah yes, I could have covered that! Sounds like you have a case of "helium shoulder" haha. You don't want to use your trapezius muscles to "shrug" your shoulders up when you play. Keep those relaxed. Interrupting your playing with some shoulder shrugs up and down when you feel or see it happening (as in a mirror) can help.

[@PatchworkDragon]

@@CelloProfessor Thanks! I'll have to try that.