lwstringlearningmethod My oldest student

It's a great pleasure to teach and early this year a lovely 84 year old approached me regarding learning the cello. In his youth he had learnt the violin, but thought that learning the cello might suit him better in regard to comfort and ease of playing. I presumed that he had musical knowledge and wanted to progress quickly. I recommended LW Cello Workshop Book 2. The tapes were placed on his cello and the stickers for his left thumb and for Low and High Markers on his bow. Starting on the 2nd book enabled Robert to have the knowledge and skills faster than in Book 1. He already had skills from many years ago and just needed to change the shapes of both hands to suit the cello. Robert went straight to the more advanced bow hold and enjoyed the scales played with different rhythms, the pieces teaching 'crossing over' and 'keeping fingers down' as well as playing the ensemble pieces with me. He moved through the book very quickly establishing good shapes in both hands while learning pieces in 3 major keys and their relative minors. His determination to play well is paying off. After Book 2, Robert embraced Piatti 'A method for Cello' (a favourite of mine) as well as selected pieces to keep both hands well shaped. He has recently commenced playing some grade 2 pieces moving to 2nd, and fourth positions. Robert's aim is to play in an ensemble.