Introduction to The Cello Guru

The Cello Guru offers information about how to use this site. Need some inspiration? Need some instruction? If so, you are in the right spot!

Videos 1-18

Why Aren't You Practicing?
Sound and Bow: The Andy Exercises
The Galamian Scale Method
Controlling Your Vibrato
Gavottes from the Bach Cello Suite#6 (solo cello)
D Major Scale Warmup
Adding Arpeggios
My Response to the Virus (solo cello)
America the Beautiful (solo cello)
Combining Rhythms and Bowings on Scales
Using Rhythm to Control Your Practice
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (solo cello)
The Power of the Index Finger
What to do When You Sound Really Bad
The Different Kinds of Minor Scales
G Major Warmup Ditty
Fun Exercise in Five Keys
C Major Warmup Ditty

Video#1: Why Aren't You Practicing?

The Cello Guru discusses getting yourself to practice your cello regularly by managing your mind. Ready to get to work?

Video#2: Sound and Bow: The Andy Exercises

The Cello Guru discusses the pursuit of conscious sound and how to go about getting more core with your bow and your index finger. Introducing the Andy Exercises.

Video #3: The Galamian Scale Method

Learn this great scale method devised for violin by Ivan Galamian at Juilliard. Apply it to your scales and you will improve your rhythm and your speed.

Video#4: Controlling Your Vibrato

Is your vibrato controlling your sound? Not good! Work towards getting the sound that you want through this basic vibrato exercise that will teach you how to consciously control your vibrato. You will need a metronome. Ready? Let's go!

Video# 5: Gavottes from the Bach Cello Suite#6 (solo cello)

The Bach Gavottes are my favorite! They are treacherous because of the double stops but I adapt them and change them up a little and try to have fun with them. I love you JS Bach!

Video#6: D Major Scale Warmup

Learn to play mid range dynamics while developing rhythm and dexterity with the left hand. Develop your ringing tone as well.

Video#7: Adding Arpeggios

You will gain a lot of speed and agility when you add a variety of arpeggios to your daily practice. The cello guru shows you how.

Video#8: My Response to the Virus (solo cello)

The Cello Guru performs a patriotic piece with a love for her country as we go through trying times.

Video#9: America the Beautiful (solo cello)

The Cello Guru performs patriotic piece number two in honor of her country.

Video#10: Combining Rhythms and Bowings on Scales

Ready to stave off Alzheimers for awhile? The guru will challenge you with rhythm and bowing combinations on your scales. Let's get practicing!

Video #11: Using Rhythm to Control Your Practice

Three Ways to Use Rhythm in Your Practice. Let's get to it!

Video#12: Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most

Cello Guru Marcie Brown performs this lovely tune that uses lots of chords to reach extended harmonies. The lead sheet was written by Motown bassist James Jimmy Garrett.

Video#13: The Power of the Index Finger

The Cello Guru nails it again! Did you know that the type of sound you are getting may depend on how you are using your first finger of your right hand?

Video #14: What to do When You Sound Really Bad

The Cello Guru will help you through times when you are not sounding so great! Here are some ideas that will get you through it and keep you practicing and improving.

Video #15: The Different Kinds of Minor

Do you know what they are?

Video#16: G Major Warmup Ditty

Here's an awesome warmup for you to practice. If it's too easy work on your speed! But make sure your pitch is accurate and your tone remains full. Have fun!

Video #17: Fun Triplet Exercise in Five Keys

Warm up your bow arm, your fingers and your brain with the guru.

Video#18: C Major Warmup Ditty

Move through C major with this exercise. Try for perfection. Good luck with that! Then change it. Vary the slurs. Make it faster. Have fun! You are a musician, right? How can you challenge yourself?