The 3 Day Movie Themes on the Cello Bootcamp

For intermediate level adult cellists who are tired of grinding through repertoire alone. Join cellists from around the world as we build serious technique by playing music that you'll actually love playing. With me, Cello Guru Marcie Brown.

I sat on an upside down milk crate, weaving magical phrases on my cello that swirled up into the warm evening air. I had been playing solo Bach for about three hours straight, and my fingers were beginning to tire. I hoped that I would be able to pay my rent with the quarters and the dollars that I had collected.

Across the street and beneath the cherry blossoms, a man stood, captivated by the magic of the music. 

I was working on a master's degree at Manhattan School of Music by day and working the streets at night to pay my rent. I dragged my cello out there to Christopher Street a lot, and though I certainly loved playing, I definitely felt a lot of shame about playing on the streets. I thought it somehow meant that I wasn't any good at what I did. I thought if I could just learn to play perfectly, then maybe I could break into the high brow performing world of classical music and get off the streets. To finally dress in black velvet and perform on well lit stages for sold out audiences. That was my dream.

After completing the Bach, I took a breath and a few swigs of coffee that was laced with blackberry brandy. And then I launched into the opening theme of the Stamitz Viola Concerto.

I played that Stamitz brilliantly, ornamenting the melody with rich chordal harmonies, and adding lightning fast scales and arpeggios to the ends of phrases that had never been there before.

I looked up mid-phrase to see that my sophisticated music loving guy was still there, smiling and swaying to the beat in the moonlight.

I realized then that I had told a fantastic story on my cello, and that my story had touched someone.

My arms were exhausted. And my brain was foggy from exertion.

But I felt really good. Satisfied. Content.

On that warm night, in the heart of the greatest city in the world, for the first time, I knew that I had done something spectacular. 

And it had nothing to do with where I was playing, or for whom. 

I smiled and collected my money…

I know that there are lots of you cellists out there that aren’t playing as you would like to be. Maybe you are wondering if you will ever be good enough to be recognized as a serious cellist, or if anyone will ever feel touched by your music. Maybe you just aren't playing the music that you dream of playing...

But here’s what I learned from playing on the streets of New York City: When you actually show up, play your heart out and share your music with the world, that’s the magic right there. Sharing who you are in that moment...with whoever is listening. It doesn’t matter where you play, or who you play for. 

If you just tell your story, as you are in that moment, the people will listen.

If you want to learn some interesting new cello music that will be fun to share with the world, and then share it with the world, come to the Movie Themes on the Cello Bootcamp,. 

Get in now.

Tell your story.

I am really looking forward to the movie themed boot camp with the Cello Guru next week!  I have found that hanging out with Marcie Brown and  her peeps from all over the world helps me a lot!!  It makes me more determined to stick with it and become the best I can be!  Plus it's fun!  It makes me feel better about myself and my cello playing. So it's a win win thing.  It is for people of different playing  levels so jump in!! Have some fun!  -Teresa M., Las Vegas, NV

✅ Working on Pop, Jazz and Celtic Music on the Cello  expands your horizons, stretches your brain and makes your heart sing. -Deb in Atlanta, GA

✅ Studying Lighter Music and Learning Music Theory on the Cello  helps you play with others on different instruments, spices up a piece of music and it pushes you to be creative. - Bill in Denton, TX

✅ Playing Fun Music Like Movie Themes and Learning the Theory makes u versatile, makes u stand out as a musician and it broadens your musical sense -Judy in LA, CA

✅ Studying  Chord Charts on the Cello allows you to join any combo or jazz ensemble to jam. -Charlotte in Rio, Brazil