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! 

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

 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.

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?

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.

Do you know what they are? 

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!

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

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?