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tonebase Cello Course

Exploring the Left Hand

Taught by renowned cellist

Johannes Moser

In this course, celebrated cellist Johannes Moser takes us into the world of the cellist's left hand. Using methods he has devised over decades as a performer, he brings us behind the scene as we study some of the most important topics that cellists face, such as practicing double stops, left hand legato, and more.

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    Category: 
    skills
  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    intermediate
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    Duration: 
    1
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

Left Hand Strength via Rigorous Double Stops

In this lesson, we learn Johannes Moser's secret techniques for building a strong left hand through rigorous double stop work.

Left Hand Legato

In this lesson, we learn about a topic that is often overlooked: that of legato in the left hand. We learn how a smooth transfer of weight from finger to finger can greatly improve the overall sense of legato. We also study how preparing for the vibrato on the next finger can make the musical line more continuous.

Shifting

In this lesson, we learn concepts about shifting. Moser places an emphasis on the physical mechanisms that must function properly in the left arm and hand. Much of this has to do with the left elbow, which must serve as a lever of sorts to get the arm around the bout of the cello into the higher positions. We also study the role double stops have in deterring correct positions.

Left Hand Articulation

In this lesson, we learn Johannes Moser's methods for achieving clarity. While our left hand may technically be doing the "right" things, if we do not have great clarity of articulation, we will not be heard properly. We study methods to increase left hand articulation in this important lesson.

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

Johannes Moser

Johannes Moser is grand prize winner of the 2002 Tchaikovsky Competition and is celebrated around the world for his probing interpretive power and deep cellistic virtuosity.

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