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Master cello masterpieces in 10 years with no experience.

Jan 23, 2025

The cello is an instrument that attracts many people with its rich, deep sound.
It is easy for even adult beginners to start and bring out a beautiful sound at a relatively early stage.
If you have never played the cello before,
Take this opportunity to take a new step into the world of the cello and begin your journey to enjoy the masterpieces of classical music.

In this column, we will present a roadmap for you to go from no experience to learning 20 masterpieces in 10 years, honing your playing skills and musicality.
We invite you to pick up an instrument and weave your own musical story.



Roadmap to mastering cello masterpieces in 10 years with no experience


◆1. beginner's start: learn the basic fundamentals (1st year) ◆2.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Twinkle Star Variations
This is a standard piece for beginners, allowing students to practice basic fingering and bowing. This piece is familiar to the ear and is ideal for developing a sense of pitch.

G. Gosek, "Gavotte."
This piece is useful for practicing rhythm and simple positional shifts. The fun tune will motivate you.




2. take the next step: study Baroque music (second year) ◆3.

Bach: "Menuetto" from Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello
This simple but beautiful melody will help students improve their accuracy of pitch and bow control.

◆ Handel: "Largo".
An ideal piece for learning deep expressiveness. Played at a slow tempo, it is ideal for practicing and refining tone quality.




◆3. refine graceful musicality (3rd year) ◆4.

Bach: "Prelude" from Suite for Unaccompanied Cello No. 1
This is a standard piece for cellists and ideal for improving both technique and musicianship.

Saint-Saens: "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals
This piece features a beautiful melody with a smooth flow of sound and emotional expression that can be learned.




4. challenge to classical music (4th year)

Beethoven: First movement from Cello Sonata No.1
The first step to understand the formal beauty of classical music. Students will learn how to use chords and structure.

Haydn: Cello Concerto No.1, 1stmovt.
Many rhythmical passages to develop accuracy and energy in playing.




5. open the door to Romanticism (5th year)

Schumann: Fantasy Pieces (originally for clarinet)
This work requires rich emotional expression and technique characteristic of the Romantic school.

Mendelssohn: First movement from Cello Sonata No. 2
The first movement from Mendelssohn's Cello Sonata No. 2 is characterized by its speed and passionate melody. Fingering and rhythmic precision are important.




◆6. evolution of technique and expression (6th year)

Chopin: Introduction and Brilliant Polonaise
This is a masterpiece that combines technical passages and singing phrases.

Brahms: First movement from Cello Sonata No. 1
It requires the ability to bring out deep musicality and control long phrases.




◆7. take on challenging masterpieces (Year 7) ◆

Rachmaninoff: 3rd movement from Cello Sonata
The third movement from the Cello Sonata by Rachmaninoff is characterized by rich harmony and passionate melody, and will test the students' expressive abilities.

・Fauré: Butterfly
This piece requires a light melody and gorgeous technique, and is a joy to play.




◆8. explore modern sounds (Year 8)

∙ Casado: Dear words
This is a unique piece that requires Spanish-style rhythm and unique technique.

Kodaly: First movement from Sonata for Solo Cello
This is a contemporary piece that teaches advanced technique and unique harmony.




◆9. overall balance (9th year) ◆

Dvorak: First movement from Cello Concerto
This is a beautiful large work with a beautiful dialogue between the orchestra and the cello. It requires expressiveness and technique.

Faure: Elegy
This piece is ideal for practicing delicate tones and expressing emotions.




10. final year: total completion (10th year) ◆

Bach: "Sarabande" from Suite No. 6 for Unaccompanied Cello
This piece requires deep musical interpretation and is the culmination of cello performance.

Prokofiev: Second movement from Cello Sonata
With its contemporary sound and unique phrasing, this is a challenging work befitting its final year.



A New World Expanded with the Cello

Our 10-year roadmap will take you from beginner to expert. Through this process, you will experience not only the technique, but also the joy and depth of the music. The joy of self-expression that comes from playing the cello is beyond description. Now, take a new step forward with the cello. We hope your musical journey will be a rewarding one!

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