Hardest Thing About Learning Cello as an Adult | My Dirty Little Secret
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- What's the hardest thing about learning the cello as an adult? Physical tension? Time constraints? Brain plasticity?
Here's my argument: it's battling the stigma "you have to start cello as a kid if you want to be a real player"
I thought the battle was me against others who held that stigma to be true. Eventually I realized that, deep down, I too was under its influence.
Cello in 30 Days: The Ultimate Beginner Course
www.adultcello...
Billy Tobenkin is a Los Angeles-based cellist who specializes in teaching adult learners. As a professional cellist who started playing the cello from scratch at 25, he is in a unique position to help others, like him, who found the cello later in life. He has developed strategies from his own musical journey to accelerate the learning process, and he is here to share them with you.
Please contact him at billy@adultcello.com with any questions or comments! Or visit adultcello.com
Your comments are right on. I started learning cello about 2 years ago at age 76. Yes, it is both the most difficult and the most consuming thing I have ever attempted to learn. There are times where I sound like I am calling the whales! However, when I hit the shift just right, it gives me great joy.
I love your comment! Those moments of success totally make the journey more than worth it!
At 76 ? And I’ve been asking if I’m to old at 55…. Awesome..
@@thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225 Never! Pablo Casals was asked at one point why he still practiced several hours a day well into his 90s. His reply was that he was “making progress.“ 😊
New here. Accomplished percussionist but starting cello at 60. The channel and comments have convinced me to go for it. I enjoy the journey so time to get on it.
I LOVE this
I started cello aged 26, now I'm 32. I was not that 'beginner' my teacher said in the third year of learning. To be honest I pushed my self to do more than my teacher gave me, for example: learning bach cello suite no 1 and playing aria bwv 156 while I was still on suzuki cello school book 3. Well at first my teacher thought it was too far fetched until she heard me play with quite good intonation and a developing vibrato skill. She then said I could do any cello piece I wanted, but she insisted the etudes she recommended me play as routine. I took that as a challenge, and I am now endlessly grateful for that moment, I'm now a member of the teaching staff in an independent string instrument music school in my town. I also play in quartet and ensamble for public events.
That's wonderful, thank you for sharing your story and congrats on all the hard work and success!
Thank you so much for this inspiration. I started cello at 51 and have been at it for 4 years. As an adult it is very hard to be so bad at something. For the first year my goal every week was to return the following week. Now i cant imagine giving it up. I found an amazing teacher and participate in u of south carolina string project, adult class and orchestra. Many universities have string project programs offering opportunities for adults. I have nothing but respect for adults who are brave enough to take this on. Some of our members are in their 70s. Playing cello is a superpower!
I love reading your comment! It shows that lifelong passions can be more challenging than rewarding at first, but eventually they truly become a part of who you are. It sounds like you've found a great local cello community as well!
This video helped me so much. I started playing a year ago at 21 and I felt kind of embarrassed to tell other people. Constantly making the excuses that I "was just learning and was just trying it out" even though I feel very serious about cello. Thank you for the amazing content.
Thank you for your comment, I'm so happy to hear that! I don't think there's any reason to limit your dreams as a cellist, and if you ever have any questions along the way, feel free to email me at billy@adultcello.com.
@@adultcello Thanks!! 🙏🤗
I started just over 3 years ago at 49 and I love it! I play badly but I love it! I think it's the challenge, the fact that it's so hard to sound nice that keeps me wanting to try and achieve the target.
I really like your videos, I find them very relatable and helpful. Cheers from Australia!
Thanks so much for your message! I think your attitude has you set up for success, that's awesome!
This channel is an inspiration. I realised a bit too late, unfortunately, how crazy in love I am with this instrument. I think I have been wanting to start learning cello for a few years but I have been putting it off, partly because I never had much confidence when it came to learning musical instruments. Now, at the age of 32 I have decided to finally give it a go. It might be a total write-off but, Jesus, you only live once.
It's definitely not too late! Learning the cello is such a rewarding experience, I say go for it! If you have any questions about getting started with cello or about music, feel free to email me at billy@adultcello.com. Thanks so much for your comment!
After 38 years of professional performance on the double-bass, which was ended by a stroke, I am now 10 months into teaching myself 'cello at the age of 77, with the help of CZcams instructional videos. I am loving it, and playing often in area churches. Billy, I enjoyed your presentation here very much.
You are incredible Billy!!!! I’m about to start learning the Cello (first lesson today!) at the age of 31! You are inspiring me a lot. If I was you I would be so proud of myself!!! Thankyou for the amazing videos you have put up.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it! And congrats on starting your cello journey! It's a wonderful experience and a wonderful instrument!
I'm an adult learner, I got my first cello in 2006 at the age of 37 and my mantra was "I'm going to learn to play this if it has to kill me". I wanted to learn the cello as a child, but I was the youngest of 5 children and my parents didn't see music as a future for me and they couldn't afford to send me to lessons. After my cello arrived, I took it to The Sound Post to get it set up and then I set about looking for a teacher. I had 3 different teachers in one year, but when I moved to Cambridge, I found the perfect teacher in Kitchener. The first question he asked me was, "What type of music do you like? What style of music?" I was a member of church choirs, so I love my church music and from there, he catered my lessons according to my interest. I was one of a couple of adult students he had. I always knew that I would never be a professional cellist, I did it because I love music and it was for my own enjoyment. He never discouraged me. He was the best teacher I've had. I just bought my 3rd cello. I don't play as often as I would like, but when I do, I have fun.
I started in my 70's ! I am lucid, reasonably healthy and have had excellent teachers. My current one is Fred Edelsen , formally of the Consertgebow Ochestra of Amsterdam. Not one of them discouraged me because of age. They all have been encouraging. While I won't go to Conservatory I in no way feel intimidated by those younger then myself. They have their reward and advantages. I have mine including emmotional maturity and life experience. I have my goals which is to play Bach. I am having a Baroque Cello made. So I will keep moving forward and enjoy it.
Besides I have listened to you play and you are very good. So accept who you are and keep moving ahead. I enjoy your videos as they speak to me well. You do good work .
I started cello at 13 and I also always worried about people thinking I was too old to start learning to ever get to a high degree of musicality. If you don't start at three years then people look at you like, "why even bother playing?" Or at least that's what I felt I was seeing! I'm sure that wasn't what they were actually thinking lol.
Thanks so very much! I've started learning cello earlier this year beginning with my retirement at age 65. My self-talk about my age and "how slow I learn" are the greatest blocks to my progress and enjoyment. I am grateful that you shared this.
My pleasure! And congrats on starting your cello journey!
Thank you Billy! I am starting at 53 and I love your videos! They are so helpful and you are my only instruction at this point and I am very happy with that. I do have issues staying on the D string with out hitting the G string. I'm working on it!
Thank you so much for your message and congrats on starting your cello journey! I hope you're loving it so far!
100% agree! I started to make real progress when a new teacher shifted my focus to having fun rather than becoming the best. Let go of the goal and enjoy the fact that you are playing (PLAYING) cello. Have fun!
Love it!
Thank you so much for this channel. I am starting at 42 and I have wanted to start for ten years. I finally just told myself “jump!” I live in rural Alaska so I don’t have access to teachers. I am going to just do my best for me.
I love hearing that! Congrats on starting your cello journey!
Hey, Just wanted to appreciate the authenticity that comes out in your videos. Almost all of CZcams is filled with videos built to move the needle on the algorithm, so this was a welcome change. I have no idea about Cellos but now would like to take a shot at learning it.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! I hope you do decide to give cello a try, it's a wonderful experience.
I prize being yourself.. and I love your, “ I don’t give a sh** hairstyle….. Awesome…
Haha thanks so much! Yep, pandemic hair.
I am 72 and just started learning cello. I've been playing violin for 3 years, and want to try cello now.
I understand you, perfectly. I also believed in all this BS when I was a teenager and then later, when I was in the music conservatory I lived another type of prejudice. So, I will tell you my story. My father was very stric and difficult to deal with -- and aggressive. Yes, I lived that too in his hands. For no reason he would beat me so hard I had wounds all over my body. My father controlled me with his violence and he didn't want me to be a musician. He wanted a "lawyer" or "doctor" in the family. (I had no mother who died in my birth). I was under his tyranny 24/7. But I wanted to play cello and I had no money to buy one, I couldn't work for it because he would find out and... you know the rest. And in the music conservatory (I was going there in secrecy, it was from the State and I didn't need to pay anything) there was only one teacher. Another had left the country and the other died of a heart attack. I tried to have classes with that teacher but he didn't want me because "I was not young enough..." later I realized he had only boys and even men older than me! He had a student in his 30s! So, I realized the "why". That cello teacher was gay and he badly had any girl for student (I believe by that time only 2 or 3, and one was older than 18 years old! from the 3 female students, one was a lesbian) and the boys were all the most handsome he could find; then he got a new male student in his 20s (but not me). He had a crush on that boy and he also told me that... so I realized I would never ever be a cellist. I gave up! People brainwashed me with the idea that because of my age (20), it would be impossible. It was very hard. I cried so many tears... My father still torturing me and I had no place to go to. Then I went to college... I abandoned it 4 years later. That was not my call. I didn't go back to the cello either. I believed the lies... We didn't have internet and CZcams in those years. So, I started working in another field (brokerage) and years later I moved to Germany -- away from my relatives, my father and the bad memories (I really don't miss those years!). In 2012, I bought my first cello with my own money, I bought some books and I started watching the videos in CZcams. Then I found a Russian cellist nearby my district. I was 37 years old then. What do I hate about the past? the coward I was, when I left my father do what he did to me, the fact that I believed the lies of so many people and when I accepted that a gay teacher could say "no" to me just because I was a woman! I should have fought him too and talked to the administration of the music conservatory -- but I knew he had influence and power, they would expell me and I would be just the laughing stock in town and called "homophobic". Today, I made some decisions and I hired one of the best cellists from Europe to be my teacher, I will pay him a lot of money, btw. And I plan to take my diplom as a Musician, starting 2023. If you read my comment, please, follow my advice: don't let anybody destroy your dreams. Maybe you have one, maybe it is not cello but something else and someone or family are telling you negative things or saying you are too old for your dream. DON'T BE LIKE I WAS! I WAS STUPID! I BELIEVED THE LIES! AND I WAS A COWARD! DON'T BE ONE! BE BRAVE! Follow your heart, your passion and let the dogs bark. Don't let regret come to haunt you, it hurts a lot, very much, it hurts, trust me. Try and if you fail at least you know you have tried. But imagine if you don't ever try! you will never ever know. Don't be like I was. Show to the world you don't fear anything, anybody. Love is more powerful than fear. Go for the fight now, tiger!
This was just what I needed. I started at 51, have played on and off for the past 6 years, and have kept my expectations low even though my desire to be as good as possible is very high. But what is possible? I think the answer I’ve been giving myself is, “Not much, don’t be a fool.” Maybe I can start shedding the regret that I didn’t start 47 years sooner, and simply keep moving forward and aiming high. Really, what’s the harm?
Hello, thanks for to share your experience. I started study cello 10 years ago, I was 27 years and I was fill out of doubts and scary. There are many prejudices around the adults cello students, but I try forget it day to day (Sorry english is not my native lenguaje)
Thank you for doing this, Billy. I enjoy your channel and your suggestions. I am also a late learner; I started at 46. A good friend of mine was beginning the viola (he had already mastered the trumpet & French horn), And another was learning violin for a second violin; they had a good level first violinist, and needed a cellist. So I started learning cello, and we had so much fun together. 20 years later, we are much better and can take on more exciting repertoire. We perform for our community and enjoy the experience and each other's company.
It has been an intimidating but fun journey. Like you, I was a pianist before starting the cello, and still love the piano and try to practice and improve there as well.
But I have learned so much from the cello experience, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Thank you so much for your message! That sounds like such a wonderful combined journey with your friends! I actually don't play piano, which is unfortunate because it would have been a tremendous help when I was learning how to play this wonderful instrument. The string quartet literature alone is reason enough to learn to play the cello, that's wonderful that you get to enjoy it!
@@adultcello Oops! I saw your beautiful piano in the videos and assumed! Anyway, I wanted to thank you also
For the video about vibrato. Those are fascinating ideas and I can't wait to practice them and hope that it fixes my vibrato, which is a bit shaky.
@@marykarensolomon7103 My pleasure, I'd love to hear how the exercises go for you after you've tried them a bit! Thanks again for your comment!
I started at 44. My cello aches and pains tell me I’m too old! 🤣 What I do like is that this was a choice, and I am not under great pressure to do auditions or exams. I do want to play better and eventually land in a community orchestra.
I love your attitude, and I agree that one of the great things about starting as an adult is that you can decide what will bring you the most satisfaction! Thanks so much for your message!
I started cello in 4th grade and played in school ochestra thru my junior year in high school and was never good. I just kept on out of obligation. That was 50 years ago. So I consider myself an adult learner🤓. Starting totally over.
I love it! Congrats on (re)starting your journey, it's even better when you're doing it because you want to be!
You hit the nail on the head about how we learn. As we age, I think we tend to become more analytical, while kids are so intuitive! It's kind of like "The Inner Game of Tennis" (not "The Inner Game of Music"): how do children learn to walk? By watching other people walk, and then trying different things until the process clicks. If we were to depend on verbal instructions on how to do that, we'd still all be crawling! Thanks for providing such a great model for all of us!
Thank you so much! I totally agree, it's such a challenge for an adult learner to try different things without worrying about possible failure. Such a battle, but a rewarding one! Thanks for you comment!
that cat metronome is the cutest thing ever wth...
Haha thanks so much!
Thanks for this, Billy. I was introduced to cello in the 6th and 7th grade but moved out of state and didn't have a chance to pick it back up until my mid-20s. A full-size laminated cello outfit from Sam Ash, I could never get very far as I was trying to teach myself based on what I could remember from my lessons 10+ years back. I hit that exact same wall you described and just...put it away. I felt like Angela in that episode of Who's The Boss? However, a good friend recently got into playing cello herself and inspired me to give it another go. Realizing that the full-size was actually too large for me to play comfortably I acquired a lovely 3/4 size with a robust, rich tone that I can play without overextending my right hand. I'm hopeful that this removes a huge barrier that's kept me from advancing beyond beginner level and will seek out an instructor for private lessons once I can get to a decent level of basic proficiency. Thank you for your honest and earnest insights, they're much appreciated!
Your words motivates me a lot. Thanks for the good vibes
This is so true. I also had a lot of demons from having played the violin badly as a child and an experience of myself as not being musical. My teacher has really helped me challenge all my inhibitions - she constantly says don't worry if it's in tune, don't worry what it sounds like just try it out. It's very liberating and conducive to learning. She also encouraged me to focus on musicality from day one. Nearly two years in and I have just started to allow myself to let go a bit, and it's helping a lot.
I love hearing that you're allowing yourself to let go more and experiment more freely in your practice! As adults its so easy to impose a whole slew of expectations and/or negative memories on ourselves and once we shrug that off it's amazing how quickly we can progress and how much more enjoyable the experience is! Thanks so much for your comment!
@@adultcello it's SO enjoyable! Like unlocking a new level!!
Child like learning. That is how I have approached every new endeavor. It's the only way you can free yourself from the adult ego and that nagging voice in your head that says you're too old to do this.
However, I am fighting the feeling of not deserving a good teacher. I am afraid to call teachers because I feel I don't deserve their instruction BECAUSE I'm older.
Thanks so much for your message! It's true that there may be some teachers who are solely focused on teaching and developing talented youth, but I think you will find that the majority of teachers would be thrilled to work with an adult learner who is motivated and dedicated to making progress towards their goal. Anyone who truly wants to learn cello, regardless of age, deserves a great teacher!
It's crazy how we underestimate ourselves, right? I've been playing for a year and now I'm working on Shostakovich's Waltz No.2, but still feel like I'm a beginner...we need to believe in ourselves more and do music because it's fun!
would you be able to do a video on your daily practice routine? also how to fit practice in the daily life as an adult who works a normal non-music related office job? thanks!
That's a great topic! I'll try to tackle that in the next few weeks :)
I'm going to look at cellos today, I've waited long enough, I'm going to be 51 in a few weeks, so this is my birthday present to myself. I think you're right, we are our worst enemy at any age, but I hope my absolute love for the instrument, determination, and life long commitment to learning what it has to teach me will carry me through the tough times of the learning process. Thank you for your candor.❤️
That's wonderful, congrats on starting your cello journey! It sounds like you have all the ingredients to make it a lifelong, rewarding pursuit!
@@adultcello thank you. I've been enjoying your videos too, which are a great help!
In a way I'm confused; I'm 26 and I'm gonna start Cello lessons next week! I wanted to start 2 years ago, but life happened. Now most is calmed down and I can't wait! I've been telling *everyone* I know and everyone is so happy and excited and wanna try the cello when I finally have one (which will also be next week). People know it can be harder when you start later, but not one person has been negative! I can definitely see myself saying; "oh no gosh I just start sorry to terrorize your ears", but not because I started as an adult! Have fun, don't take life too seriously, people like it as long as you like it yourself! 🥰
Hi, thanks for your comment! That's true, pretty much everyone was totally encouraging to me too when I first started learning the cello.
When I told them a few months into learning that I was going to try to become professional and make a career as a cellist, that's when I started getting strange looks :D
Congrats on starting your cello journey!!
@@adultcello aw man :c It's good that they encourage you at first but sad that they doubt you when you wanna be professional :o You sound amazing and I love your clips! Keep it up! 🥰
@@AnnekeH95 Thanks so much, and thanks for your comment! :)
I’d love to try a cello. I had been a viola player as a 7-year old child, but had to give it up after middle school when my dad was transferred all around. At the time, it hadn’t mattered to me. Fast forward 30+ years, and my biggest regret is giving up my music. I’m 46 and have just started playing the violin a month ago. I usually work as a school janitor from 14-16 hours a day, but I drag my silent violin into work to play in my closet during my dinner break once every teacher and child have long left the building. I may eventually try the cello once my hours have dropped back to normal when this pandemic thing has calmed 100%. The most disappointing thing about my job is the fact that our school has no orchestra program and our band teacher has been cut to only our middle school children.
Thank you so much for your comment! That is a shame about the lack of music at the school you work at, but it's inspiring to hear that you bring your violin along to practice when you have a moment of peace! Both instruments are wonderful pursuits, and congrats on restarting your musical journey on violin!
Is that a cat metronome? Awesome!
Yes it is! :D
I just turned 40 on 6/20 and I had my first lesson last night.
Love it! Congrats on starting your cello journey!
I take my first cello class today and I'm already 38!!
Oh Sr.. wish I started cello at a very young age... Hoped I'm not yet too late to learn this beautiful instrument though 🙏♥️😔
It is never too late to learn, I promise! I have personally started people from scratch who are in their 60s and 70s and who are playing every day now and enjoying themselves immensely!
Thanks, I really needed this
My pleasure! :)
Right on target!!!!
Lol, I have never ever thought about something like that before. I always do things just like that, no matter what's "normal". I mean, why should one bother about it at all since you can't turn back time anyway? E.g. usually one starts an apprenticeship (here) at the age of 16-18, I started a second one with 26 after having usual jobs for years and now I'm the best pupil in school, as a female in a mens profession. Don't care for what they say, just do it your way and it's all fine. I'm now 29, my boss wants me to study and I just started to play the piano some month back. Now I want to get my first cello, since violin isn't for me. Let's see how it will be like 🙂
Stop worring what others do believe, flash them by beeing good instead. 🤟🏼
Appreciate your channel very much. Would you happen to be left handed? I notice you wear your watch on the right wrist, ( I am left handed)
Hi! I'm actually right handed but I prefer to wear a watch on the right wrist because it's uncomfortable on the left due to the cello. Thanks for your message!
Im 48 this year & just started my 1st class today
I love it! Congrats on starting your cello journey!
Nice hair!
haha thanks!
Iv not practised for a week but to fair I have a chest infection. I love learning cello though
Hi,
Do you know of any school in Europe which proposes similar experiences as the one you had in Meadowmount school of music ?
Thanks! :)
Hi! You know, I don't off the top of my head but I'm sure there are some. The Strad magazine usually comes out with a comprehensive list of summer programs organized by country, so that might be a good place to start. Hope that helps!
I’m almost 21. I bought my cello 2 years ago. I practice intermittently because I get demotivated so easily. I take a break and then get back to it. Also, I’m bad at sight reading. I’m having hard times while finding a will to start practising. Do you have any advices on how to build a practice routine? Thank you😊
Hi Aysenur, thanks for your message! If your main problem is losing motivation, I would try implementing and setting both short and long term goals. It can be hard to practice consistently if you're only doing it "to get better in general," but if you have a piece your working towards being able to play, or a scale routine at a certain speed, or a certain etude, etc....that may help because the goal you've set is clear. Hope that helps!
@@adultcello thank you! I will try that.
Hey thanks for the video... im 64 fixing to give it a go.. wanted to ask "what is your take on a Bellafina Prodigy cello..
Hi, that's so exciting! I've actually never encountered the Bellafina Cello brand, but I would see if you could try it out against some other brands, if you have a potential teacher lined up he or she could play on them for you so that you can hear its tonal characteristics. Congrats on getting started and good luck!
@@adultcello thank you for your input
@@dpickettturnings7484 I just got a Bellafina Musicale Series cello from musiciansfriend.com. My son, a musician, researched it and loved it.
@@rick5489 thank you rick. Really nice to know. Trying to get the best bang for the buck.
Am 43 an I am about to start . He he
Hi! I'm 18 and really looking to learn how to play the cello. I have no prior experience with chordophones so I need some advice on buying my first one. Would you recommend starting with a more affordable one, and upgrading in a couple years or so? Or is it more convenient to invest in an instrument that may be on the pricey side? If so, are there any you would recommend? I also really like your metronome haha :,)
Hi! I usually recommend renting an instrument first; this way as your playing develops in the first few months you can better understand what you might be looking for in your search for your first real instrument, both in terms of sound quality (dark, bright, etc.) and price range. If you think after the first few months that you are going to continue learning the cello, I think investing in a pricier cello would be a great idea. A better cello, say $3,000 instead of $300, will likely be easier to play along with sounding better. So it would probably help you advance more quickly. And if you buy a good cello from a reputable maker, its value won't go down over time. I recommend looking into Jay Haide cellos, they have multiple price levels of instruments and I'm always impressed with how they sound. Hope that helps, if you have any other questions feel free to email me at billy@adultcello.com.
@@adultcello Thank you so much!! :))
All I know is... this guy looks like a cello player :)
Haha, thanks so much!
It is even harder when the teacher doesn't believe in the adult student. Just a source of income.
Oh you’re still a baby! Of course you can learn beginning in your 20s. Starting in your 50s is a much different story though.
That's true, but anything is possible! Thanks for your comment!
Your hair looks like "Wolverine" style.
😂🤣
Haha, quarantine chic
@@adultcello 😂🤣😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂
It is not hard, you just need one hand to play, it is harder to play piano, trumpet, sax, clarinett!
You do need two hands to played bowed instruments. Bow control is way harder than you think it is. I'm a pianist who played violin in the past.
Played cornet and guitar before beginning cello a couple months ago: it is by far the most challenging of the three.
Think about the song "all my little ducklings". 5 minutes for a day-1-learner to play it on piano smoothly.
At least **One effing week for cello** mostly because of the extremely different movements of both hands and the inability of beginners to play both second and third finger in tune plus in a rhythm with the bow while holding the bow at one exact place at the string and maintaining the proper speed and position with it. Not to talk about the position of the elbow, how long it takes to just remember correctly (millimeters) the positions of your fingers on the string while trying to curve your damn pinky. And hold this correct position of your fingers while changing strings.
And all of this you need to learn and keep in sync before you can even think of playing a simple song without sounding like shit.
So don't you come at me saying I need only one hand.
@@JCel You need only 4 fingers to play in cello, the tumb are support! Right hand holding the bow, I play a lot of instruments, even gitarr is harder to learn, that why I choose cello instead
That’s funny! 😂 You’re clearly being silly