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LEARN TO PLAY THE CELLO

Designed for the absolute cello beginner, this step-by-step video tutorial covers the basic foundation in mastering the art of playing the cello.

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CELLO TWO COURSE BUNDLE

Designed for the absolute Cello beginner, this step-by-step video tutorial covers the basic foundation in mastering the art of playing the Cello. This beginner Cello basic 2 course is suitable for students who have basic foundation for Cello, or have completed the Cello basic 1 course

OUR COURSE

$ 89

Basic 1 Course

PURCHASE

$ 149

Basic 2 Course

PURCHASE

$ 199

Basic 3 Course

PURCHASE
$ 89

LEARN TO PLAY THE CELLO

BASIC 1 COURSE

Designed for the absolute cello beginner, this step-by-step video tutorial covers the basic foundation in mastering the art of playing the cello.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

  • 1 Understand the structure of the cello and cello bow.
  • 2 Basic posture for the cellist.
  • 3 How to hold the cello bow.
  • 4 Exercises to strengthen your cello bow hold.
  • 5 Left hand position on the cello.
  • 6 Exercises for left hand dexterity.
  • 7 How to bow on open strings of the cello.
  • 8 Open strings bowing exercises.
  • 9 Learn 3 bowing techniques: pizzicato, arco, slur.
  • 10 Learn and practice 3 basic scales (G, D and C major), separate bow
  • 11 Learn 3 basic scales (G, D & C major), using slur technique
  • 12 Play a song: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars"
Subtitles are added to each video and where applicable, music notation and scores are incorporated so that you can cross-reference practical practice to theory.
This Basic 1 Cello Course is usually covered in traditional face-to-face coaching over 8 lessons. Valued at US$500, you can grab this at a special price of US$89
Once you have mastered the basics in this course, you can move on to our power-packed "Basic 2 Cello Course".
Ready to start lessons but need a cello? Contact Stradivari Strings to arrange
PURCHASE
$ 149

MASTER THE CELLO

BASIC 2 COURSE

Designed for the absolute cello beginner, this step-by-step video tutorial covers the basic foundation in mastering the art of playing the cello.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

  • 1 Theory
  • 2 Introduction to pitch names and notation for the bass clef
  • 3 Rhythm training
  • 4 Techniques
    • staccato
    • crescendo
    • forte
    • ritardando
    • piano
    • a tempo
    • diminuendo
    • dolce
  • 5 Learn to play 3 songs:
    • Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars
    • Lightly Row
    • French Folk Song
Subtitles are added to each video and where applicable, music notation and scores are incorporated so that you can cross-reference practical practice to theory.
This basic 2 cello course is usually covered in traditional face to face coaching over 10 lessons. Valued at USD$650, grab this at a special price of US$149.
Ready to start lessons but need a cello? Contact Stradivari Strings to arrange.
PURCHASE
$ 199

CELLO TWO COURSE BUNDLE

BASIC 3 COURSE

Access Cello Beginner 1 and 2 course for a special bundle price of $199.
This is a savings of $39!
Grab this bundle savings now!
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MEET OUR MUSIC TEACHERS

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Kendra Sim

Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele & Music Theory

Kendra is an experienced multi-instrumental music educator with more than two decades of teaching experience. She began teaching piano in 2002 and subsequently expanded her teaching to violin, viola, guitar, cello, ukulele, drums, erhu and guzheng.

Her formal music qualifications include a Performer’s Certificate in Solo Piano, ABRSM Grade 8 Violin, ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory, ABRSM Grade 5 Cello and Trinity College Grade 5 Guitar. She is also proficient in viola, ukulele, drums, erhu, guzheng and harp. She has extensive experience teaching cello and has successfully prepared students for ABRSM Cello examinations up to Grade 8, with students achieving Merit.

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James Wong

Violin, Viola, Theory

Jameson is a passionate Violin Teacher and Viola Performer with more than a decade of teaching and orchestral experience. He is committed to nurturing young musicians, helping students build a strong musical foundation while enjoying the learning process.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance from the National Taiwan University of Arts, and also trained at the University of Central Arkansas. His diverse international musical background allows him to bring unique insights and inspiration to every lesson.

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Tevy Tang

(Violin, Theory)

Tevy graduated from La Salle Singapore & Kingston University (DIP. BA in violin music performance, Hons upper 2nd Division) in 1998. He also has piano as minor study for his Dip. BA. He has 9 years of solid coaching experience with private students as well as in music schools.

Tevy’s appreciation of western classical music originated from his coaches from Singapore and UK. Notably, he took master classes from Mr Jonathan Rees (a recipient of the BBC Award violinist in 1978).

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Joanne Zhang

VIolin, Theory

A professional level violin teacher, Joanne graduated from Northeast Nornal University (Chang Chun of China) in 2001, attaining Bachelors degree in music teaching. She is also familiar with the ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal School of Music) and Trinity exam board grading system, having attained ABRSM.grade 8 (Distinction) in 2006, In 2020, she graduated from NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) obtaining music diploma in teaching.

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Elaine Mai

Violinist

Elaine achieved Masters Degree in from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2011). Prior to that, she attained a professional diploma in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2004) as well as Bachelor in Music from Xing Hai Conservatory of music (Guang Zhou, China).

Her performance experience with Global Symphony Orchestra (Mak Ka Lok -2018-2021) includes highlight performances such as:  New Year’s Concert on CCTV in January 2020 (Filmed in Shenzhen with Macau Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra), World Symphony Concert: Fur Elise (October 2021), Peace concert in Hong Kong (November 2019), Concert in Shanghai for 12th China Art Festival (May 2019), Concert in Vienna for Austrian Music Theatre Honorable Prize (June 2018), “All About Love” Concert in Hong Kong String Orchestra Jockey Club Power of Music Programme (April 2020) , Tutti violin Hong Kong String Orchestra (Yao Jue, 姚珏, 2016-2022, Tutti violin I: HKFW Six Arts Orchestra (2013-2022), guest violinist with City Chamber Orchestra & Hong Kong Virtuosi Orchestra (2009-2022).

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Clement Lim

Violin, Theory

Local violinist, Clement Lim has been teaching in Singapore as a full time violin instructor since 1995.

Born in 1972, Mr. Lim started his journey in practical violin at the age of 8. He had received his violin training with several renowned violinists. Among were Pavel Prantl (first SSO concertmaster); Chua Lik Wuk; Kong Zhao Hui – members of SSO. Lynette Lim.

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Kevin

Violinist

Kevin began to learn violin at the age of 9 and started off as a CCA under Michael Tong. He has also went through the tutelage of renowned SSO members Wu Man Yun, Foo Say Ming and Nikolai Koval.

He has achieved a Distinction in Grade 8 ABRSM exam and went on to participate in numerous competitions where the most notable one is achieving Gold standard in the Singapore Performers Festival.

After serving his National Service, Kevin attended the Diploma and Degree from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) where the Degree programme was in collaboration with RCM (Royal College of Music) and was under the tutelage of Professor Michal Cwizewicz.

To further hone his techniques and interpretations, he attended masterclasses held by Chua Lik Wuk, Lynette Lim and Zhao Tian.

Kevin currently holds the Bachelor of Music (Hons) and even took the DipABRSM exam. He is able to teach repertoires to any level and explores not just classical music, but jazz repertoires as well. He also holds a Grade 8 certification in Music Theory where most of his students achieved Distinction in their Grade 5 exam.

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WHY YOU CHOOSE ONLINE CELLO LESSONS FROM US

The cello is such a beautiful sounding bowed strings instrument, many have compared it to our vocal box. The low bass tone of this musical instrument has drawn many to learn to master it. The last decade has seen its popularity rise as more potential students perceive it to be a less “common” musical instrument as compared to the piano, violin, guitar or ukulele. Its popularity is also boosted by contemporary musicians including Yo-Yo-Ma, The Piano Guys, and Two Cellos.
The increase in interest in music students looking to learn to play the cello, coupled by the lack of qualified and experienced teachers have made it difficult for potential students to find a cello coach. Comparatively, cello teachers are harder to locate as compared to other musical instruments. As such, many have turned to online cello lessons, in a bid to start learning this bowed string instrument.
With this in mind, let’s explore the benefits on online cello classes from the perspective of music teachers:
Focus on practical application: With pre-recorded cello courses which one can subscribe to, the student gets a preview and a sense of how the lessons are structured. Armed with a personal set of cello and bow, the student can try to follow the videos and learn as much as possible. So when the student progresses to hiring a cello coach (whether face to face lesson, or live lesson held on various online platforms such as skype or zoom), the teacher can save time on explain theory and focus on practical application.
Be more involved with each student: As a result, the music teacher can discuss with the student the objective to learn cello online. Some adult students have been wanting to learn the cello as a kid, these are super motivated students who have repressed wish over decades. They may want to ultimately get to advance level playing on the cello. Other students may only wish to learn the cello so as to relax and take their minds off work or school. Based on each student’s request, the teacher can then better structure the lesson plan and be more involved with each student, rather than just going through lessons based on a fixed set of lesson plan.
Improved communication: As a result, there is better communication and connection with students.
Next, let’s go into the benefits of the student, if one were to learn cello online. Whether you are a novice student who has never handles a cello or cello bow, or an intermediate or advanced level student, the points below apply: If you opt for online cello lessons which are pre-recorded videos, you can review the lessons many times till you get it correct. A great choice of pre-recorded cello lessons are the online cello lessons by Stradivari Strings. These are a series of videos which one can purchase and learn to play the cello by following the step by step tutorial in the course. This is a proven method to build up strong foundation in music skills.
With Stradivari Strings’ expertise in coaching thousands of cello students since year 2010, we have the necessary expertise to create a series of videos which mirrors the lesson plan for our face-to-face lessons. We have painstakingly created these on-demand, cello lessons which you can purchase for access here:

TESTIMONIALS

STUDENT SAY

I am an adult cello student with piano background. My buddy and I were looking to start cello lessons and found Stradivari Strings. I was impressed with the patience and knowledge Rita has in helping me to select the cello and bow most suit... ed for me. Her specialized shop has a range of cellos and bows that caters to students with different budget in mind. Group cello lessons under Rita has also helped me to transit from piano playing to cello playing effectively. She teaches in a way that engages me at my level of playing and I find myself improving in ways I didnt expect. She also identifies my strength and weaknesses and teaches me the technique to hold, bow and play the cello. I enjoy playing music with the cello more now.
Mark Anson

Cello student

I had a great experience selecting my first cello at Stradivari Strings. Rita had made the process so comfortable and pleasant. She encouraged me to “connect” with the instrument and bow and did not rush me into selecting one. She was patie... nt and provided me with lots of information on the different cello and bows. Cello lessons with Rita are nothing short of fun. She is very enthusiastic, encouraging and approachable. I have progressed immensely under her guidance. She is sharp and makes sure the foundation is done right. With her easy-going nature, it is effortless to start a conversation with Rita. I love to chat with her after lessons. I am also thankful that Rita is always kind enough to re-schedule my cello lessons whenever I need to. These have made my learning journey an amazing and encouraging one!
Rachel

Cello student

We have our daughter on a short term travel to Singapore and away from her usual cello in Seattle. Having Rita set us up with a practice cello for 5 weeks in Singapore was extremely valuable and she has made the arrangement professionally d... one, with clear and timely communication, and sent to our daughter’s hotel room expeditiously. We are fortunate to be in such excellent care of Stradivari Strings.
Boon Siew

Cello student

I am adult cello student with no music background. I started beginner cello lessons with Ms Rita at Stradivari Strings. Learning classical music is like learning a foreign language that comes with its own set of challenges. Fortunately, wi... th Ms Rita’s simplified guidance, understanding and patience, I have managed to progress at my own pace even though I am a busy working adult. I also selected a cello and bow which is based on my budget and requirements from Stradivari Strings. I recommend any serious cello student to contact Stradivari Strings to start affordable cello lessons.
Shafiqah

Cello student

Starting cello lessons at Stradivari strings is truly a magical experience. Teacher Rita is a warm encouraging mentor who is with me every step of the way. She was with me when I chose my cello, ensuring that I had a good sounding Cello tha... t met my needs for future goals of Cello practice and also fit my budget. I would always remember her advise that the Cello is my partner, and I had to be able to connect with it in order to truly learn how to play. She spent a good part of an hour with me making sure I had a connection with my Cello, offering different instruments and letting me experience the feel of holding the Cello. She also ensured I had a good bow, with a good handhold, and a good sturdy weight. More than this, her lessons are encouraging and warm. I probably am not the most talented person musically out there, but she’s always encouraging, allowing me to grow and practice and my own pace, and she is always 100% supportive of her students. It is truly an honor to be called Teacher Rita’s student and I hope more learners like me have the same fun experience I have with Stradivari Strings.
Pat Lazatin

Cello student

After learning cello on my own for about a year, I approached Rita at Stradivari Strings during the Circuit Breaker for online cello lessons to correct my posture and bowing techniques. I have been having weekly private cello lessons with R... ita for 4 months already. Rita was sharp about pointing what was wrong and my posture, bowing and fingering techniques have improved since then. Being an adult learner with no music background, Rita is very encouraging with baby steps improvements and shares with me my progress. She emphasizes on note reading, intonations and rhythms and makes the lessons easier to understand. I will recommend adult cello learners like me to learn from Rita.
Brenda

Cello student

I am an adult cello student who is looking to start beginner cello lessons. Through Stradivari Strings, with the assistance of Rita, I found the cello and bow which I like. Rita also arranged for me to have online lessons with cello teacher...  Erkin since August of 2020. During our one to one, online cello classesm he has been very patient in teaching me and I am really am grateful that he is so willing to share a lot of the tips he has learnt throughout his cellist life. He is really a great teacher and funny too. I am blessed to be able to learn so much and much more to come from such a great cellist!
Irene

Cello student

Always wanted to play the cello but as an adult, I thought starting beginner cello classes would be a bit awkward. Then I found Rita from Stradivari strings. She guided me to find my perfect cello at her shop which specialises in bowed stri... ngs instruments (including violin, viola, cello, bows and double bass). During the cello selection process,I tested various cello and cello bows until I found the one that fits me and my budget. Now, I’m learning to play the cello under her guidance. She’s very patient and accommodating.
Asma

Cello student

I started my cello learning journey with Stradivari Strings. The experience has been positive. Rita assessed my motivation level for starting beginner cello lessons at ten-out-of-ten motivation level. Selecting my first cello could be confu... sing for a beginner who knew NOTHING about string instruments: “there is a part of the cello bow called ‘FROG’?” “Don’t judge a cello by its look? But this one looks so nice!” ”We are using HORSE hair for the cello bow?” Rita patiently addressed all my queries, listened to my needs, and recommended cello and cello bows that were budget-friendly. It was a pleasant seven-week of adult cello lessons so far at Stradivari Strings. Rita is friendly, patient, and more importantly she is able to adjust the syllabus based on my own learning pace. After all, there is no “one size fits all” as every student learns differently. Of course there were weeks with minimal progress and those weeks were draggy and filled with disappointment; I shared my difficulties encountered during cello practice and Rita addressed all of them and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. Six out of seven days a week I am with my cello (at least a “Hi” and a pat on its shoulder ^_^). It is like having a relationship with it: there are sweet and sorrow moments as we get along; I believe we are both learning to fit each other perfectly, and I know that I am in love with it tender-heartedly.
Zi Lin

Cello student

I found my cello teacher (teacher Hughes) from Stradivari Strings. He is a friendly and humorous person, yet professional and serious during cello lessons.His strong passion for music and cello shows through in his teaching. Cello classes a... re always lively and engaging. He is also eager to explain and address whatever questions I have.Teacher Hughes seems to hold his students to high standards. Yet, he is patient and respectful in guiding me when I struggle to meet his expectations. Even though I am an adult cello beginner with very basic music background, I have never felt patronised by him. As a highly accomplished musician, teacher Hughes’ playing is a joy to listen to, and hearing the beautiful tones he produces on my own entry-level cello inspires me to improve my playing.Overall, he has all the qualities of an excellent teacher and is the best teacher I can ask for!
Elaine Chin

Cello student

I came to know Rita from Stradivari Strings when I was looking to start adult cello lessons. She is a dedicated cello teacher who tries various methods to help me improve my cello playing skills. As a beginner I experienced a lot of difficu... lties in terms of intonation. and rhythm. She helped me to focus and concentrate on areas that I need to overcome. She is strict but yet very encouraging, takes each lesson personally and invests her time & energy to help me advance further in my playing. She also went through a stringent process with me for my cello selection, explaining the made of each cello, the different types of cello bows, testing and showing me the difference of each material and how would it affect the sound of the music. Her expertise separates her from the average music teacher from other schools.
Zoey Ng

Cello student

One of the best things that happened to me this year is getting in touch with my cello teacher Ms Rita. I started lessons since January and have come to enjoy my Singapore cello lessons for a variety of reasons: First, for effective learni... ng to occur, it’s important that there is a personal student-teacher fit. This is the first consideration in learning an instrument on a 1-1 basis. Right from the get-go, I found Rita to have an excellent social and communication skills and a winsome sense of humour, a prerequisite for me. This has made cello classes for me really enjoyable. Second, very early in our pre-lesson discussion, Rita impressed me as a very knowledgeable person about the art and manufacture of the cello and cello bow. Her intimate historical and technical knowledge of how the instrument is crafted and it’s impact on its sound quality (and intrinsic value) persuaded me that I have made a good decision to take beginner cello lessons from her. A third reason why I eagerly look forward coming to Stradivari Strings each week is no less because of her unusual pedagogical approach – fun, supportive, encouraging, and pertinently informative. More delightful for me is her use of taking live videos of parts of my lesson for me to view as personal feedback based on the laudable principle of “seeing yourself play as
Tian Rui

(72 year old cello student)

I found my cello teacher Alisa from Stradivari Strings. Alisa has been a great help to my learning journey! During my weekly cello lessons, she emphasizes on having a solid and good foundation, which I really appreciate! Furthermore, she ha... s been really accommodating to my busy work schedule. You can’t find a better cello teacher than her!
Shaun

Cello student

I had an amazing experience with Stradivari Strings, beginning with my first cello and cello bow purchase and subsequent cello lessons. The owner, Rita, is knowledgeable on all matters pertaining to string instruments. Rita is must-see for ... anyone interested in purchasing quality string instruments (violin, viola, cello and bows). Cello lessons with Rita is challenging yet enjoyable. I always look forward to our next lesson. Thanks a lot, Rita.
Wei Yang

Cello student

Teacher Hughes has ignited my child’s interest in cello. He is always patient yet firm enough to manage my active child. His classes are interesting and fun and my child looks forward to his cello class every week!
Adelene

Mother of 6 year old cello student

Teacher Hughes is a dedicated teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that his students enjoy learning. His teaching is very musically based, with many different genres of song selected to develop one’s technique and musicality simultaneo... usly. His witty and friendly personality makes lessons fun, and his deep knowledge and appreciation of music makes songs come alive during his lessons. Hughes is definitely one of the best music teachers around!
Nicholas

Adult cello student

Since having teacher Hughes as my cello teacher, I have gotten a much deeper understanding of whatever piece I have been tasked to play as he educates me and encourages me to learn about the history of the music and hence the character that...  I should play it in. Through this, I also learn new technical skills each lesson, develop a better understanding and appreciation for music theory that helps produce the best sound for me.
Jana

Adult cello student

My son (age 14) enrolled in the School of Young Talent Gifted Cellist program at the NAFA at the age of 7 and graduated when he was 12years old with a diploma in cello performance. I engaged teacher Linh in May 2018 to mentor and coach my s... on especially for competition and audition.   UnderTeacher Linh’s tutelage,my son was awarded the Platinum Award for cello performance at the 7th Singapore Performer’s Festival and Chamber Music Competition in June 2018. Teacher Linh is a talented, patient,articulate and professional cello teacher who can work with students at all levels. She goes the extra mile to send videos and material to improve her student’s performance. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her again and I strongly recommend her to any parents or students who like to learn the cello.
James Tang

Parent of 14 year old cellist

My cello teacher is very committed and has developed a very effective teaching method. I am progressing very well. Thank you, Stradivari Strings.
Sarah Lim

Adult cello student

My cello teacher understands that learning a music instrument like the cello is not easy, and she makes it easy for a beginner like me to understand. Thanks, Stradivari Strings
Hee Jeong

Adult cello student

My 6 year old son’s cello teacher is very patient, engaging and professional. Thanks to her, our son is very passionate about cello and looks forward to his cello lesson every week.
Sebastian Chew

Father of Alpheus Chew

Teacher Hughes is an excellent cello teacher. He is fantastic and relates extremely well with my 10 year old daughter. He is ever so patient with her and offers words of encouragement during all cello lessons. I highly recommend him to any ... parent whose child wants to start cello classes. Thanks teacher Hughes for everything!
Jacqueline Liew

Mother of 10 year old cello student

As an adult beginner, I had a lot of hesitation about learning a new and difficult instrument. But my passion for the cello and the way Ryan coaches make learning how to play this beautiful instrument, and music in general, fun and rewardin... g. Ryan is precise, professional and patient. He can clearly point out what I am doing wrong and encourages me when my techniques are right. He does not focus only on technical aspects of cello plying but also helps me discover my musicality. It is almost a year now since I started and I am grateful to have an amazing teacher who continues to nurture and inspire.
Efren

Student

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Can I learn cello online?

    With a positive and motivated attitude, a good set of cello and bow which produces great tone, a laptop and a quiet room — you can certainly learn the cello online. The important thing to note is to identify a cello teacher with great coaching credentials who is also savvy in the details required to conduct online lesson lessons effectively. Contact Stradivari Strings at +65-98137769 or email us to arrange.

  • Can I teach myself cello online?

    I have been in the music education line for more than a decade. During this time frame I have encountered a few students who attempt to teach themselves to play on the cello online, without going through proper online cello lessons. Sadly, I have not met anyone who can play on the cello flawlessly without a cello teacher. Do check out Stradivari Strings online cello course whereby you can get access to our beginner and intermediate level courses here:
    https://stradivaristrings.heightsplatform.com/bundles/cello-two-course-bundle/preview

  • Is it hard to learn the cello online?

    It is possible to learn the cello online. As for whether one finds online cello lessons hard or easy, this depends on the ability of the student in terms of grasping concepts like space, rhythm, intonation, theory and so on. A good cello teacher makes it easier for most to learn the cello speedily. Contact Stradivari Strings at +65-98137769 or email info@stradivaristrings.com to arrange.

  • Is it possible to learn the cello from youtube without cello lessons online?

    Self-learning the cello online without engaging an accredited cello coach is not advisable. Watching video clips of how other cellists play on the cello, without proper coaching from a guru, is self-sabotaging your route to picking up cello playing techniques flawlessly. You may pick up bad habits and find that it is difficult for you to unlearn these bad habits after months and years.

  • How long does it take to learn the cello online?

    As compared to face-to-face lessons, students may take a longer time to progress to intermediate or advance level via online cello lessons. This is because certain details of the hand posture on the fingerboard or the bowing direction may not be clear online versus seeing it live. There may be some guesswork involved on the student’s part to experiment hence the progress may be slower.