Correct Posture for Holding a Cello

Video Transcript

Hi. I'm Melanie Yarger at Milano Music Center in Mesa, Arizona for Expert Village. In this segment, we are going to talk about correct posture and playing technique. We've covered parts of the cello and parts of the bow, but it's very important to sit correctly in order to play the instrument. So, first of all, you need to make sure that the end pin is the correct height for your size. And you know that because this is the heel of the neck. And that heel needs to go just left of your sternum. Once it's there, you need to hold it with your knees so the cello does not move. You're actually supporting and the cello can move with you. And your feet are square on the floor; flat on the floor. If you're sitting correctly, your back is straight and your shoulders broad, so no tension. Tension is going to cause problems. In cello playing, you have to be very relaxed. It's not work, it's play. That's why we call it cello playing. With cello playing, we actually most often sit on the front edge of the seat. And that will enable you to sit up straight and correctly. If you're sitting back in your seat, we tend to want to slouch. So, if you sit very far on the edge of your seat, it's much easier to sit up straight, broaden your shoulders and play correctly. Now you know how to sit and hold the cello. In the next segment, I'm going to talk about how to hold the bow.

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