Learn to play the cello
Congratulations! By searching for information about the cello, you have taken the first step in learning this beautiful instrument known as the “violincello” or “cello” as most call it. I’m Cellist Kyle Rakestraw. Whether you are inquiring for you or your children, I want to help guide you in the wonderful journey of learning to play this instrument. I’m excited to bring you my interactive cello fast track guide to help you start playing right away.
There are very few things in life that add real “enjoyment” as playing music. And their is no instrument with such a beautiful sound as the cello (ok, so I’m a bit bias ). So who does not need more Joy or Happiness in one’s life? Count me in!
I learned to play the cello as an adult in my forties while maintaining a full-time job, a healthy marriage (14yrs now!) and a family of three young children. I did not know how to read music and grew up in a family where no one played music or sang. What I have learned over the years is that anyone can learn to play the cello. This includes adults with crazy schedules, children with “non-musical families”. Seniors in their 70s and 80s! Single Mom’s and You! The professional cellists in the symphonies are not the only ones who get to enjoy the cello.
Some of the most common misunderstandings about the cello is that you must learn it from an early age to be able to play or that you must come from a musical background/family to be able to play it. You can start learning to play beautiful music on the cello immediately without spending thousands of dollars on overpriced instruments or expensive reoccurring lessons.
When I first decided to learn this instrument, I read every cello book that I could get my hands on. I purchased videos and teaching DVDs. I spoke to professional cellists and found cellists that lived in my area and interviewed them. I purchased self help cello music books. I paid for some cello lessons (some good and some bad). I rented a cello. I drove hours to a shipping town to purchase a cello and had cellos shipped to me and had to ship cellos back before I found the right one for me that was in my price range. I also got both of my daughters started on the violin. I read about cello making and called one of the most decorated cello makers (American Luthier David Burgess) from the “Stradivari” International cello making contest in Italy to understand what makes a good cello. I purchased almost every cello accessory that my little budget would allow. I tried multiple learning methods (Suzuki, Dotzauer, etc) for stringed instruments.
Before I knew it, I was asked to come play in the church that I attend and I am by no means a musical prodigy. I was then asked to play for a Christmas party in my neighborhood and then many other opportunities started to come up. Before I knew it, I was enjoying the benefits of being a cellists. I could just play at home to help sooth my mind. I could find other musicians to play with in small groups and I was playing regularly in an orchestra.
Over the years I discovered what methods helped me learn faster and play better. I also learned the common mistakes that were a waste of time and money for people learning to play.
After several years of playing I came across numerous people that also wanted to play the cello. I was surprised with the number of people that had the same desire about the cello that I did. Many others just wanted to help get their children started but did not think that they could or thought that it would be too expensive. So I decided to setup this website to help others to learn this amazingly instrument! Check out the interactive cello fast track guide to help you start playing right away.