Browse online cello courses, available exclusively on tonebase Cello.

Taught by 

Alisa Weilerstein

In this course, celebrated soloist Alisa Weilerstein takes us through the seminal, monumental first cello concerto of Dmitri Shostakovich. Written for the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, the piece has become one of the most important pieces in the cello repertoire. Drawing on conversations Weilerstein had with Rostropovich himself about the piece and her decades of performance experience, this course is a tour de force of musical insight and education.

Taught by 

Andrés Díaz

In this course, Professor Andrés Díaz, one of the most respected cellist-pedagogues of our time, takes us into the world of the cello fingerboard. He goes into great detail as he shows us ways of mastering the geography - i.e., where notes are - and shows us how to retain our accuracy even in the face of nerves and high tension.

Taught by 

Laura Metcalf

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

Taught by 

Sharon Sparrow

Sharon Sparrow guides us through her entire process for audition and performance preparation.

Taught by 

Astrid Schween

In this course, Professor Astrid Schween takes us through a guided tour of the right hand and arm.

Taught by 

Susan Moses

In this course, Professor Susan Moses, one of the most respected pedagogues of our time, takes us on a tour of two of the most important aspects of cello playing: posture and how to sit, and the set up of the left hand.

Taught by 

Zlatomir Fung

Join international star Zlatomir Fung for a course on one of the most popular concertos for young cellists: Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1. Its direct and ardent character, along with approachable technical demands, make it a great first concerto and a staple of the repertoire. The first three videos address each movement in detail, featuring insightful remarks and vivid demonstration of every technical and interpretive aspect necessary for a convincing performance. The last two videos discuss supplementary etudes to sharpen your chops as well as important recordings of the concerto.

Taught by 

Tina Guo

In this lesson on the Popper Tarantella, we learn one of the most important lessons in music: how to imbue fast music with a sense of character and charm. We learn about keeping the fingers nimble, how to practice playing quickly, and how to coordinate the two hands. Guo also makes the important point that no matter there virtuosity of the piece, serving the musical line must always be paramount.

Taught by 

Tina Guo

Tina Guo takes us on a guided tour of how she makes music expressive. From up and down slides, to fingering choices such as staying on one string for a phrase, to bowing patterns, this lesson is a close-up look at how to make the most of your expressivity on the cello. Guo encourages us to use slides to find our own voice on the cello. The lesson is followed by a performance.

Taught by 

Tina Guo

Tina Guo gives us a tutorial on how to approach the electric cello. Guo demystifies what electric celli are, and she shows us that there are so many ways to develop our own sound and unique style. We learn about everything from posture to pedals, and get a behind the scenes look at how the world's most popular electric cellist goes about setting up the instrument and finding her sound.

Taught by 

Tina Guo

In this lesson, we learn about making a singing tone on the cello. Guo teaches us about creating big ranges of expression, and makes the important point that sometimes, even if we as players think we have conveyed a musical idea, it doesn't always come across to the audience, and therefore we need to make use of a larger dynamic range than we imagined. Guo also teaches us about creating a broad expressive palate with use of differing vibrati and bow shadings.

Taught by 

Sara Sant'Ambrogio

In this course, renowned cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio takes us behind the scenes as we explore some of the most important, fundamental issues of cello playing. We get a detailed look of this artist's approach to crucial aspects of cello playing and music making, such as holding the bow, practicing with focus, playing without pain, and more.

Taught by 

Richard Aaron

In this series of lessons, master cello professor Richard Aaron breaks down the fundamentals of cello playing and illustrates how the body must work in tandem with the cello to produce the best results. From a deep analysis of his legendary scale book to cutting-edge experimentation with a laser beam and the shapes the bow makes, from left-hand shifting to right-hand techniques, this is a wide-ranging course on the “how-to” of all things cello. In addition to guiding us through the many custom exercises and methods he has developed over the years, he also uses examples from Duport and Popper to illustrate the most important principles of cello playing and explains how to apply these principles to all the repertoire we encounter.

Taught by 

Santiago Cañón-Valencia

In this course, virtuoso cellist Santiago Cañon-Valencia takes us on a guided tour of one of the classic and most-played concerti: Haydn's Concerto in C major. A piece that was lost for most of its musical history, since its rediscovery in the middle of the 20th century, it has become a staple of the repertoire, played by everyone from students to top soloists. Cañon-Valencia brings a fresh approach to this piece as he guides us through the varying characters and delightful musical shapes that make this piece one of the most popular worldwide.

Taught by 

Pablo Ferrández

Virtuoso cello soloist Pablo Ferrández takes us into the complex, stormy world of Schumann's unique concerto for cello and orchestra.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

Join esteemed American cellist Julian Schwarz for an in-depth look at one of the most autumnal works in the repertoire: the Elgar Concerto. From the iconic opening chords to the haunting coda and everything in between, this concerto challenges you to flex your interpretive muscle as much as it does your technical facility. Schwarz shares a panoramic view of this essential work, projecting every nuance using a highly creative approach to bowing, slides, left-hand technique, and overall relationship with the instrument.

Taught by 

Mischa Maisky

Master cellist Mischa Maisky goes into detail as he gives a course on interpreting the masterpiece of Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals: The Swan. Using demonstrations musical and technical, and with the help of his daughter, the pianist Lily Maisky, we gain new insight into this most familiar and critical part of the repertoire. Above all, he says, the piece should have an elegant atmosphere and we must embody a “reflective, swan-like character.”

Taught by 

Mischa Maisky

The father-daughter duo of Mischa and Lily Maisky discuss their approach to performance, interpretation, technique, and much more through the vehicle of Rachmaninoff’s beautiful Vocalise No. 14. Learn why Mischa feels like a frustrated singer, why Lily sometimes enjoys rehearsing less, and much more.

Taught by 

Mischa Maisky

Mischa and Lila Maisky perform Rachmaninoff's Vocalise No. 14 in its entirety.

Taught by 

Mischa Maisky

Legendary cellist Mischa Maisky shares his journey with Bach’s compositions in this lesson. Starting from the influence of Maisky’s family and continuing to discuss Bach’s innovative works and universality, the profound and ongoing impact of Casals has on his life as a musician.

Taught by 

Mischa Maisky

Mischa Maisky takes us on a deeply personal journey through J.S. Bach's intense and beguiling Fifth Suite. From the famous prélude with its “French Overture” and fugue, to the austere, modernistic Sarabande and the stately Gigue, the Fifth Suite is a tour de force of Bach’s compositional power— and Maisky is the perfect guide.

Taught by 

Mischa Maisky

Mischa Maisky shares his inspiring life story, from falling in love with the cello to his time in jail and the start of his new life. He reflects on his time studying with Piatigorsky, idolizing Rostropovich, and discusses his cello and his love for music.

Taught by 

Matt Haimovitz

In this course, master cellist and famed Bach interpreter Matt Haimovitz takes us in depth through the stormy and dramatic D-minor suite of J.S. Bach. From the pensive prélude to the emotionally-charged sarabande to the fiery gigue, Haimovitz brings us into his inner world as we learn the nuances of Bach interpretation.

Taught by 

Laura Metcalf

In this lesson, we explore the marvelously colorful world of Cassado's showstopper, the Requiebros. Full of flair and different characters, we must learn to shift moods and musical personalities on a dime, and Laura Metcalf shows us ways to to accomplish this. We also learn about the distinct Spanish style, and how we, as interpreters, must convey the stylistic points to make our performance as convincing as possible.

Taught by 

Laurence Lesser

In this course, legendary cellist and professor Laurence Lesser takes us on a guided tour through the seminal E minor sonata of Brahms. From the singing, sorrowful opening through the waltz-inspired menuetto and the Bach-inspired finale, this course is an inside look at one of the great sonatas for cello with one of the cello world’s living legends.

Taught by 

Laura Metcalf

Interpreting the Allegro appassionato requires that the coordination of the two hands be very precise, and so this is a focus of this lesson. We learn methods for practicing the two hands in such a way that they work perfectly together in tandem. Metcalf also shows us tricks to practice up-bow staccato, a virtuoso technique that elevates the performance of this work greatly.

Taught by 

Laura Metcalf

In this lesson, we go into depth as we study the musical and cellistic challenges of Fauré's most famous work for cello. We learn how to shade the sound with different types of vibrato and how to create different colors with the bow. Metcalf also teaches us important methods for practicing the fast passages, such as highlighting the difficult passages with different rhythmic combinations.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

The cello, along with other stringed instruments, is unique among the orchestra in its capacity to imitate the human voice by sliding (also called portamento or glissando). How many different ways are there to slide? How can we intelligently use the bow, our fingers, and the strings to deliver the exact slide a musical phrase calls for? In this lesson, Schwarz answers these questions and more – an encyclopedic discussion of portamento technique that offers endless options for experimentation.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

In this lesson, Schwarz demonstrates a few simple principles that can help us project our sound without modifying the instrument itself. The beginner will be able to apply these instantly to any music they’re working on, while the more advanced learner will find this to be a succinct and helpful reminder.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

Julian Schwarz examines Piatti's Caprice No. 11, Op. 25 "Adagio – Allegro". He discusses the two-cello phenomenon, playing chords, balancing the bow, and finding a consistent left-hand position.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

In Piatti's Caprice No. 5, Op. 25 "Allegro comodo", cellist Julian Schwarz explores bow techniques such as up-bow staccato, string crossing, and 2 slurs – 2 up-bows.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

Julian Schwarz guides us through Piatti's Caprice No. 2, Op. 25 "Andante religioso". He discusses tuning double stops, balancing the sound on two strings, and flexible thumb position.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

Shifting is one of the biggest challenges cellists face. Because of the very long distances of the cello fingerboard, learning how to move up and down the cello is of paramount importance. In this course, cellist Julian Schwarz takes a deep dive into the control of the left hand and explores the techniques required to make clean, accurate shifts to bring your playing to the next level.

Taught by 

Julian Schwarz

Together with projection and pain-free playing, posture forms a trinity of elements that enable us make beautiful music on the cello. In this lesson, Schwarz scrutinizes every part of the body involved – where we sit, where our weight goes, what our contact points are, and more. He includes a description of what cellists really mean by terms like “arm weight” and “flat hair.”

Taught by 

Jan Vogler

In this course, master soloist and teacher Jan Vogler addresses one of the fundamental elements in cello playing: how to muster enough power to play an instrument as physically demanding as the cello yet remain as tension-free and relaxed as possible.

Taught by 

Jan Vogler

The Dvořák cello concerto is perhaps the most iconic work ever composed for the instrument. Cello soloist Jan Vogler is our guide through this awe-inspiring masterpiece, which he calls a "cello symphony."

Taught by 

Gary Hoffman

Enjoy this performance by gary Hoffman of Bloch's "From Jewish Life"

Taught by 

Gary Hoffman

How do you find your own authetic interpretation? Gary Hoffman guides you through the technical and the personal, laying a blueprint for the deep work required to approach to the eternal "From Jewish Life."

Taught by 

Jan Vogler

In this course, celebrated soloist Jan Vogler takes us into the world of Bach’s first suite for solo cello, perhaps the most well-known of all the six suites. Blending his knowledge of centuries of musical tradition with his signature modern approach, Vogler is the ideal guide for the sunny world of Bach's classic work.

Taught by 

Gary Hoffman

Gary Hoffman performs Beethoven's Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102.

Taught by 

Gary Hoffman

Beethoven's five cello sonatas are excellent examples of the master composer at five different periods in his career. In this course, Gary Hoffman explores Beethoven's last and most ambitious, culminating in a Fugue. Hoffman discusses why he thinks fingerings should be informed by phrasing, how to find the right vibrato, and much more.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

In this lesson, we learn about creating a smooth line, from the lowest register of the cello all the way to a high register. Professor Kim places a special emphasis on intonation in this lesson, as many cellists have a tendency to drift sharp in their intonation. We also learn some of the secrets of the distribution of the bow, as Professor Kim relates this directly to the rest of the orchestra. We learn about the importance of not just knowing the cello part, but of being intimately familiar with the entire full orchestra score.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

"It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a Mozart!" In this lesson, Professor Kim shows us how to avoid rushing the eighth notes in this famous melody. He also discusses the choreography of string crossings when they cover many strings.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

In this lesson, we learn that smooth, seamless shifts and bowings are two of the essential qualities to making this sing properly. Eric Kim explains why the excerpt needs to be played on one string, and we also learn about the importance of continuous vibrato. We also learn about shifting on the old finger versus the new finger, and what risks, as well as musical advantages, are involved with each.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

This movement has a bizarre 5/4 feel, but there's actually a way to feel it like a waltz. Professor Kim adds some helpful bowings to the score and explains how we can gracefully share the main melodic role with the winds.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

The hardest excerpt from this Scherzo is typically Letter N to O. Eric Kim demonstrates how we can use a slightly off-the-string stroke for most notes, and tells us why we shouldn't accent the hemiolas. He also provides a short masterclass in bouncing the bow and crossing strings.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

In this lesson, we learn about how to play cleanly and in a virtuosic manner on the cello. As Professor Kim puts it, the excerpts from Don Juan lay out on the table everything we have to offer as cellists. How can we really show that we have control of the instrument? How can we really show that we understand all the complex markings on the page? All of this is covered in this detailed, masterful look at some of the most notorious excerpts in the literature.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

We cellists are given an awesome task in performing the opening of the great tone poem of Richard Strauss, “A Hero’s Life.” This excerpt is filled with challenges: from the opening slurred arpeggios, to the quickly articulated sixteenth notes, to the sudden changes in volume. We learn in this lesson about the bold character needed, as well as how to integrate all the technical challenges into a long, seamless line.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

This movement is perhaps the most classic slow excerpt from the entire orchestral literature. In this lesson, we learn how to create a long legato line, which is a hallmark of a successful Brahms interpretation. We also learn about producing a continuous, warm, generous vibrato to create the special sound world of this music.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

In the famous cello excerpt from the first movement of Debussy’s La Mer, we learn about the swells and undulations— literally imitating the sea— that Debussy creates. This is difficult to do as cellists due to the various articulations printed, not to mention the key signature! Kim gives us the tools he uses to hone in on the proper intonation, articulation, and color that make this excerpt shine.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

Professor Kim discusses the Recitativo that precedes "Ode to Joy" in one of the most famous symphonies of all time. He explains how the cello's six entrances range from interruptive to mellow, how knowing the lyrics can be helpful, and shares a few bowing tips.

Taught by 

Clive Greensmith

In this course, Clive Greensmith presents a detailed look at the stunningly original, late work of Brahms for cello and piano-- the sonata in F major, Op. 99. In this course that explores detailed elements of chamber music as well as cellistic challenges, Greensmith reveals the ins and outs of this complex piece, bringing his decades of experience to tonebase cello.

Taught by 

Daniel Lelchuk

In this course, virtuoso cellist Daniel Lelchuk takes us on a guided tour of the Ultimate Cello Warm-Up Routine. Using exercises from celebrated cellists of the past, Lelchuk has compiled a book of exercises covering all the fundamentals of cello playing: trills, vibrato, shifting, thumb position work, legato, spiccato, and more. The course goes through each part of the book in depth, so cellists following along will know exactly how to practice to maximize their warm-ups, so repertoire, scales, and études are learned more quickly and at a higher level.

Taught by 

Eric Kim

In this lesson, we learn about the intricacies of the famous dotted rhythms and how to shift gently and cleanly. We also learn about the importance of delicate string crossings and how to observe Beethoven’s dynamic markings with utmost precision. Professor Kim also discusses the use of the thumb in building fingerings that sound the most smooth.

Taught by 

Clive Greensmith

In this course, Clive Greensmith, Professor of Cello at the Colburn School, takes us into the colorful and dramatic realm of the Debussy Cello Sonata. The work, written in 1915, is one of the shortest major sonatas for cello, yet presents myriad challenges to the musician. In addition to brilliant solutions to the work's many difficulties, Greensmith also presents fascinating historical context for this most enigmatic sonata.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

Perhaps the most famous of all chamber music cello solos, Shaw provides a nuanced interpretation of the various posibilities of slides and bowing styles to refine one's musical approach.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

In this solo, the interaction with the piano is crucial to finding the ranges of character and setting up the impending drama of this movement.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

In the Schubert trio solo, Shaw teaches us about the importance of finding certain colors for the melancholy character.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

Shaw demonstrates the importance of legato and continuos vibrato playing to make a long Brahms line. Shaw also explains how to interpret the slur with dots marking that is so crucial to this excerpt.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

In the solo of the final movement of Brahms' epic Piano Quintet, Shaw shows us how bending the rhythms, within reason, can create a fascinating interplay with the piano and add a rustic quality to this famous passage.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

This lesson covers one of the great cello solos in the chamber literature. Shaw teaches us about various shadings and colorations with the bow and left hand so we have a great variety of sounds at our expressive disposal.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

In ths lesson, we learn about the folksy, singing qualities of the Czech countryside. A special highlight is the way Shaw teaches us to make downshifts with vibrato, for an extra pleading, crying tone.

Taught by 

Camden Shaw

Join esteemed cellist Camden Shaw for a course on Barber's Cello Sonata. Shaw examines the dramatic character changes, unique harmony, and stirring melodies. In addition, he shares his advice on overcoming the technical challenges in the sonata and finding one's personal voice.

Taught by 

Daniel Lelchuk

In this in-depth course, Head of Piano Ben Laude and Head of Cello Daniel Lelchuk join forces to take you inside the sonorous world of tonality. Equipped with a 2-octave MIDI station and a 9-foot concert grand, Laude uses the keyboard as a “picture of tonal pitch space” to demonstrate essential musical relationships. Starting with a single tone, Laude shows you how to step your way across an octave, building major and minor scales, modes, and other colorful patterns. This opens up an endless tapestry of musical possibilities enshrined in the circle of 5ths, and culminating in the study of diatonic harmony. Lelchuk then relates this knowledge back to the cello.

Taught by 

Amit Peled

Max Bruch was not Jewish, but after visiting a synagogue in Liverpool in the early 1880s, he was so moved that he wrote this piece about the Kol Nidrei, a Hebrew declaration that’s part of the Yom Kippur service and translates to “All Vows.” You need not be religious to play this piece, but you may want to understand the rich narratives Bruch evokes. Peled discusses the role-playing between the piano and the cello, how Heaven and Hell are depicted, and which motifs to watch closely.

Taught by 

Amit Peled

The Eccles sonata is a common beginner piece, but it’s also one that Amit Peled has revisited in recent years during his tours with Pablo Casals’s cello. Despite its apparent simplicity, we must treat every phrase as if it were in the Dvořák concerto. In this lesson, Peled applies the principles from his Ten Commandments course and leads a scholarly discussion on phrasing, poetry, and technique.

Taught by 

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.

Taught by 

Brannon Cho

An internationally renowned soloist and the first prize winner of the 6th International Paulo Cello Competition, Brannon Cho shares his in-depth guide to one of the most challenging pieces in the cello repertoire, Prokofiev's Sinfonia Concertante. Cho's advice on cello playing includes a well-thought-through guide to this masterpiece's technical and emotional aspects.