How to Learn the Cello: A Complete Beginner's Guide

The cello is a wonderful instrument! I’ve worked with players as young as 5 to adult students in their 70s- it’s a great fit for all ages. The technique is very comfortable for most, and the range allows the player to play as low as a bass, as high as a violin, and everything in between! The versatility of the cello gives us the ability to create interesting and fun music. As a cello teacher, I find that starting with the right instrument, teacher, and mindset is important for every beginner :)

. Your First Cello: Entry-Level vs. Step-Up

An entry-level cello typically costs between $1,300 - $2000 and is made from Maple, Spruce and Ebony. This level works great for your first year or more of study! Because a cello purchase is a significant investment, many string shops offer rent-to-own programs. This is a great way to get started! Step-Up cellos can cost between $2500 - $4000, and are made with higher-quality materials. The varnish on these instruments are typically more aesthetic, and the sound quality is better than the entry-level cellos. That being said, an entry-level cello is more than sufficient for your first year of studying, as you likely will not notice the difference in sound quality at first. As you develop, so will your tastes! That being said, both entry and step-up cellos work well for beginners, it just depends on your budget. 

When searching online, you may come across cellos priced under $1000. Be EXTREMELY wary of these instruments, as the repair costs to make them playable will often exceed the value of the instrument itself. When I worked at a violin shop as a cello specialist, I came across many of these. Usually, they are not made with the standard materials (Spruce, Maple, Ebony), and the purfling (the outlined border of the instrument that holds the sides together), is painted on. This meant that these instruments, even if properly repaired, would have major structural issues throughout their lifetime. It is possible to begin your journey on one of these instruments, but you will have to change it at some point, and violin shops will not accept these instruments for trade-in value.

2. Where to Buy

I generally recommend buying/renting from a specialized string shop or a trusted luthier, not a general music store that sells guitars and pianos. A proper shop will professionally “set up” the instrument—carving the bridge, soundpost, and pegs custom to each cello—which is critical for playability and sound. General music stores do not typically have luthiers available to make adjustments or repairs to your instrument. Facebook Marketplace can sometimes be a resource, but choosing the wrong cello can require significant investment in repairs, sometimes more than the value of the instrument itself. More on this in a future blog!

· For my US readers: I have personally had great experiences with Violin Shop Tampa (Florida) and Carriage House Violins/Johnson Strings (Boston). If they aren’t local to you, you can often order from them and bring the cello to a local luthier to complete the set up. Violin Shop Tampa offers up to 100% trade-in credit on instruments purchased from their shop so that you can upgrade in the future!

3. Finding the Right Teacher: In-Person vs. Online

Working with a teacher is important, as the cello is very physically involved. Self-teaching can often lead to injury for many players, as bad technique puts strain on the shoulders and wrists. I’ll write more about this in a future post! The choice between online and in-person depends on your lifestyle and learning preferences, but both are viable options. Finding a teacher who fits your learning style and personality is very important! Every student has an ideal teacher, and every teacher has an ideal student. Setting up a consultation or trial lesson with a potential teacher is a great way to evaluate if their studio is a good fit for you. I offer consultations for exactly this reason!

· In-Person Lessons offer the benefit of a teacher’s immediate physical feedback. I recommend looking for a teacher with a private home studio, not a large “music school.” In my opinion, most music schools underpay teachers, which results in hiring less experienced instructors. Quality foundational instruction is crucial—it’s far harder to correct bad habits than to build good ones from the start. Your local string shop may have a directory of instructors; it’s worth reaching out!

· Online Lessons provide flexibility and consistency, especially for busy adults and parents. A skilled online teacher can provide clear, effective instruction through video, and you never have to worry about commute time. You also have access to meeting great teachers throughout the world! You can learn more about my own online studio HERE.

4. Your First Step: Taking Action

The most important step is to begin. Find your cello and a great teacher!

If the online route resonates with you, I work with beginner cellists to start their cello journey from my dedicated online studio. You can sign up for a consultation where we will discuss your background, goals, and studio policies. It’s a great opportunity to see if my studio is the right fit for you :)

Your musical journey is about to begin- good luck!

—Susan