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tonebase Cello Course

How to Practice

Taught by renowned cellist

Laura Metcalf

In this course, Laura Metcalf demystifies two of the most important tools musicians have at their disposal: the tuner and the metronome.

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    Category: 
    Technique
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    Difficulty: 
    All levels
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    Duration: 
    1
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

Using a Tuner

In this lesson, we go in depth on the uses of a tuner. Metcalf believes strongly that when we practice slowly with the drone of a single pitch, we can effectively train both our ear and our left hand. Tuners, as she explains, are especially crucial when dealing with music that does not incorporate many open strings in the key-signature (such as E-flat major) as we do not have the reference points that we do with an "open" key such as G major.

Using a Metronome

In this lesson, we go in depth on the uses of a metronome. Step one to using a metronome is often difficult for people, and that is: how to actually stay with the metronome! Metcalf explains practice techniques and ways in which we can train our body and brain to understand the beat and how it relates to the physical motions we must make. As Metcalf notes, "The metronome is never wrong!"

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

Laura Metcalf

Cellist Laura Metcalf is known for the virtuosity of her playing and the deep emotional conviction of her interpretations, whether it's music from yesterday or 400 years ago.

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