Cello

Not a lot of children would prefer the cello at first glance. However, you can produce some very good music over time if you keep practicing. If you feel that your child would best match the instrument or he or she shows certain interest, you may want to consider getting one. You have to know more about its features and characteristics first. The cello will require some techniques before your child starts feeling comfortable about playing it.

About the Cello

The cello is a bowed string instrument. The word comes from the Italian violoncello. Individuals who play this instrument are referred to as cellists. The cello can be used as a solo instrument, as a member of the orchestra string section and in chamber music. It is the second biggest bowed string instrument in modern symphony orchestra. The double bass is the largest.

The instrument is generally made of wood. Other materials may also be used like aluminum and carbon fibre. The traditional model has a spruce top and maple at the sides, neck and back. Other kinds of wood may also be used for the sides and back, such as the willow or poplar. Less expensive cellos usually have backs and tops created from laminated wood.

More About the Instrument

The top and back of the cello is usually carved by hand, although less-expensive models are made by machines. The sides or ribs are created by heating the wood, then bending it around the forms. The body of the instrument has a wide top bout, a wide bottom bout and a narrow middle created by two C-bouts. The bridge and F holes are found just below the middle.

The top and back of the instrument presents decorative border inlay called the purfling. The purfling appears attractive, although this is not used solely for aesthetic purposes. If a cello is bumped or dropped, the purfling can prevent cracks and keep it free from damage. A crack can easily form at the rim, although your child does not need to worry about it spreading. Cracks can spread up, at the bottom and at the back especially if kids handle the cellos, since they tend to be rougher. Less expensive models have the purfling painted on it.

Describing the Bow

Bows are traditionally created from brazilwood or pernambuco. Both of these stem from the same tree species. Pernambuco are generally used for high quality bows. It appears darker in color and is the heartwood of the tree. Pernambuco has great elasticity, making it very ideal for instrument bows. Other materials may also be used for bows like carbon fiber. This is stronger than wood and fiber glass.

The average size of the cello bow is 73 cm long and 3 cm high. The frog of the instrument bow presents a rounded corner similar to that of a viola bow, but wider. Horsehair is the traditional material used for bow hair. Synthetic hair can also be used, appearing in different colors. Before playing, the musician will tighten the bow by turning the screw, thereby pulling the frog. Rosin will be applied to make the hairs sticky. Re-hairing will be needed for the bows every now and then. Baroque style bows are also available. These are thicker and styled with a big outward arch.

Your Child Playing

Your child will need to sit down while playing the cello. The weight will mainly be supported by the endpin or spike, lying on the floor. An endpin support may be necessary to keep the endpin from slipping on smooth surfaces. The neck of the cello is placed over the child's shoulder. The C-String tuning peg is positioned behind the left ear. The handedness of the player will not change the way the cello should be held.

Choosing the Size

The standard or full-size cellos are the most common. There are also cellos that appear in fractional sizes such as 3/4, 7/8 and 1/16 sized cellos. The smaller-sized ones are similar to the standard size in terms of use, construction and range. These are scaled down specifically for children. A half-size cello is slightly smaller, but not the half of the current size of a full cello.

Guidelines

Allow your child to play a borrowed cello the first few times before purchasing. You have to ensure that your child can stick to playing the instrument for long. If you decide to purchase, go through the different brands and have an expert assess the tune and other features that determine price. You can trade in the small-sized cello once your child outgrows it at your local instrument shop.