News, Thoughts and Ideas

September 14th 2023
​If beginners practise pizzicato (plucking) on open strings using the left hand as well as the right, the finger action used is a wonderful preparation for left hand technique in general.

May 8th 2017
It is amazing what a huge role the LH plays in forming expression. I don't mean vibrato, although this is one form of expression when used thoughtfully. I mean everything else, from the nature of each finger to the touch on the string.

January 1st 2016
The left knee has a role in standing firm against the pressure of the left hand. When children tuck their feet under the chair, the cello is pushed down on the LH side and cramps the left arm, giving the look and sound of a typical child! Keep that left knee in position to look and sound professional!


April 12th 2013
Common faults in cellists:

Placing the spike too centrally, so that the player has to 'dodge' the instrument. This disturbs the whole sitting position and therefore the whole of one's playing.

Holding the left arm too high and in a line with the shoulders. This forces the rhomboid and other muscles to contract, resulting in shoulder pain. The elbow should move forwards as the hand slides back to first position. Elbow height should relate to the string on which one is playing; higher for the C string and lower for the A string.

Thinking too much of the left hand at the expense of the bow. The bow makes your expression!

Angela has just completed her book of pieces designed for learning to play in baroque style on the cello.
So watch this space for news of their publication!