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tonebase Cello Course

Spiccato: From Beginner to Advanced

Taught by renowned cellist 

tonebase Artists

In this course, we learn about the mechanics of the arm, wrist, and fingers that must work perfectly in tandem to create a real spiccato. From fundamentals of spiccato to spiccato variations and practice methods and repertoire applications, this course takes us from square one all the way to having a good, functioning spiccato on demand.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    All Levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    .5
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

<p id="">Fundamentals of Spiccato</p>

<p id="">The spiccato lesson is one of the central points of this entire course. Here, we go into depth on this classic exercise (whose authorship remains unknown) as we explore ways to loosen the right hand and produce a spiccato stroke that is controlled, even, and resilient.</p>

<p id="">Spiccato Variations</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, Natalie Clein shows us how to practice spiccato, using examples from the repertoire. She shows us that to practice the motion one must play very slowly in the same exact position and with the same exact amount of bow one will use in the fast tempo. She also reminds us that we always need to have out musical wish carrying out the line. We also learn the importance of time management and making sure we plan our spiccato practice sessions carefully and always think of "the stage."</p>

<p id="">Practice Methods</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, we learn about how to bounce the bow and the different kinds of spiccato we can use. We learn where in the stick the bow bounces, what flat hair does to a spiccato stroke, and how to activate the bouncing of the stick.</p>

<p id="">Finding the Bounce</p>

<p id="">In this lesson, we learn how the fingers, arm, and hand all work together to form levers and springs by which the strings can be crossed. Professor Greensmith illustrates the differences between string crossings at the tip and the frog. We also learn, via études from Piatti and Dotzauer, as well as repertoire pieces, how to find gradations in string crossings.</p>

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
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tonebase Artists

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tonebase Artists

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Dave McLellan

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