✨ Join Today & Get 14 Days Free! Start Free Trial →
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: 
    1
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

<p>Finding the Bounce</p>

<p>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>

<p>Fundamentals of Spiccato</p>

<p>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>Practice Methods</p>

<p>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>Spiccato Variations</p>

<p>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>

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
Access this course and hundreds more.

Click below to access hundreds of exclusive cello courses, available only on tonebase.

Unlock Course →
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

tonebase Artists

Courses from a collection of the world-renowned cellists on tonebase.

read full bio →
tonebase Artists
explore our courses

Join today to unlock 100s of courses!

Preview our curated selection of courses below. With lessons covering fundamentals, technical training, style and interpretation, you won't find a more thorough and enriching learning experience anywhere else.

preview
Playing The Cello

with Richard Aaron

preview
Suite No. 5 in C Minor, BWV 1011 (Bach)

with Mischa Maisky

preview
The Ten Cello Commandments

with Amit Peled

preview
Playing Without Tension

with Jan Vogler

preview
Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 (Schumann)

with Pablo Ferrández

preview
How to Shift Cleanly

with Julian Schwarz

preview
Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008 (Bach)

with Matt Haimovitz

preview
The Art of the Bow

with Astrid Schween

preview
The Ultimate Cello Warm-Up Routine

with Daniel Lelchuk

preview
Variations On A Rococo Theme

with Johannes Moser

preview
Essentials of Cello Playing

with Sara Sant’Ambrogio

preview
Concerto No. 1 in C Major (Haydn)

with Santiago Cañón-Valencia

Real reviews from real customers.

Our members rate us at 4.8/5 stars. Here’s how a few of them transformed their cello skills since joining tonebase.

“Instead of scouring the internet for hours for performance tips and tricks, I now have access to a wealth of high-quality content from renowned artists at my fingertips!“

Omid S.

joined Sep. 2022

“Sincerely speaking, a few months with tonebase help me solve many issues I have had with my fingers for years if not decades.“

Giao P.

joined Mar. 2021

“We [in the community] all give each other wonderful, positive feedback. The teachers also give incredibly detailed ways that we can improve our playing."

Eric P.

joined Apr. 2020

Try free for 14 days.

Choose your plan below to start your free trial.
Subscribe & Save
Yearly
Monthly

Yearly

$
29.95
/mo
Billed at $359 yearly
Join 25K+ Active Members

Monthly

Monthly

$
59.95
/mo
Billed monthly
Join 25K+ Active Members
Pay Once, Access Forever
Get unlimited access for life!

Lifetime

$
895
/once
Billed just once
Join 25K+ Active Members
All plans include:
  • Unlimited access for 14-day free trial
  • Full 90-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Access to 500+ video lessons & courses
  • Structured & guided course content
  • Free PDF workbooks & annotated scores
  • Feedback from our active Community
  • Bonus: The Ultimate Practice Toolkit

"I don't regret for a minute having spent the money on the membership. There's something for every musician on tonebase – I recommend you give it a try."

Photo of Dave
Dave McLellan

Concert & Chamber Musician

Join 10,000+ active members on the the world’s largest classical music platform.