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tonebase Cello Course

The Ten Cello Commandments

Taught by renowned cellist

Amit Peled

An effective cello practice requires one to embrace these ten key principles, articulated brilliantly by Amit Peled. The first four are general body commandments (breathing, bouncing, elbows, and movement), and can be adapted for any difficult craft. The following six are local commandments, which apply to specific technical motions. Full of rich analogies and careful demonstrations, this course is indispensable for cello students and professionals alike.

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    Category: 
    Skills
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    Difficulty: 
    All-Levels
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    Duration: 
    2
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

Physical Commandments

#BBEM! The first four commandments are Breathing, Bouncing, Elbows, and Movement. What do each of these mean, and how do we practice them? Peled shows us not only how to follow these four rules correctly but demonstrates what it looks like to combine them in a way that’s natural and integrates the entire body.

Left-Hand Commandments

The left-hand commandments work together to provide a blueprint for everything we play on the cello: lift, pizz, shift, and cross. In this part of the course, Peled applies thoughtful analogies to each movement that keep us making very organic, human-like shapes.

Right-Hand Commandments

The last two commandments are for the right hand: Talk and Sing. Using the analogy of a “cello tongue” and the “cello lungs,” Peled shows us how to use the six joints of our bow arm to articulate effectively. He provides many valuable practice exercises, excerpts from the repertoire to practice, and finishes with a discussion of bow-hold and vibrato.

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
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meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Amit Peled

Amit Peled is admired as both performer and teacher. He serves on the faculty of the Peabody Institute.

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