Basic Cello Courses

The cello course begins with an introduction to the cello, exploring its shape, parts, materials, and sound production methods, alongside the function of the bow. Exercises with the bow are in fact fundamental to learn how to hold the bow properly as it is important to learn how to position the instrument, in order to prevent muscular strain and incorrect posture in the back and shoulders.

The heart of cello teaching at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole involves an early exposure to the instrument, suitable even for preschool-age children, using a variety of innovative techniques and innovative teaching approaches that gradually introduce essential elements of playing technique. This includes developing intonation, left-hand technique and basic bow strokes, with a focus on sound quality and correct posture.

Many beginners start by renting an instrument. The school offers a rental service, providing appropriately sized cellos for children and adolescents at symbolic prices.

The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole offers two options for beginning the study of the cello: children without any musical background can join Suoninsieme, a two-year program of group cello lessons with peers. Alternatively, both beginners and those with prior knowledge can enroll in individual weekly lessons.

In both cases, students participate in group activities like the Laboratorio corale per bambini (Children’s choir workshop), where they learn music as a form of play. This introductory theory course helps them understand concepts such as sound, silence, duration and pitch through games that develop sound production, motor coordination and peer interaction. These principles are reinforced in early orchestral experiences, allowing children to learn playing together.

In their cello studies, students first learn brief melodies through imitation and simple exercises. They develop finger coordination on the strings with the left hand and bow control with the right, focusing on direction, pressure, and speed. Expression is emphasized from the beginning of the cello course through phrasing, dynamics and tonal color.

Gradually, students learn the fundamentals of musical theory, such as notation and rhythm, and begin to read music, supported by teachers who provide guidance in obtaining learning materials. As the cello course progresses, students work on advanced techniques, including vibrato and various bowing styles, explore different positions on the fingerboard and address increasingly complex technical challenges.

Alongside lessons, at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole individual practice is crucial to consolidate skills.

Students’ progress in cello studies enables them to join the school’s various youth groups, such as the Piccolissimi Musici Orchestra, Crescendo, Crescendo Molto, and chamber ensembles.

As students advance in their cello studies, they acquire the skills needed to perform increasingly complex and interesting music. This progress is supported by dedicated teachers and rewarding ensemble experiences.

Proficiency in cello studies is assessed through certification exams for basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Each level includes complementary courses within the curriculum (such as chamber music and group classes in music history and theory). After completing the course, students will be well-prepared to tackle more challenging repertoire and, if they reach a suitable level, may apply for academic programs.

From age 11 and up, students can also enroll in a non-curricular course, which does not require exams.

Musical training is incomplete without the essential experience of performing in public, which is a highly formative experience for children and adolescents alike. Therefore, the school organizes concerts, recitals and various performance opportunities for cello students, both individually and in small ensembles and orchestras.

For beginners, introductory programs are recommended before starting cello lessons: the Music Course for ages 0-6 – Musicami (based on E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory) and rhythmic-choral activities (ages 3-9), which provide a natural introduction to the instrument.