Teaching Cello at the College Level: Using Baroque Music to Teach Fundamentals of the Cello Bow Arm

Abstract

Many structural features of the cello, such as neck angle, fingerboard length and width, string spacing, and bass-bar placement have remained the same since the 1800s. The endpin was a significant modification to the cello in the mid-1800s, but it was not widely adopted until after 1900.  By the end of the 19th century, most cello teachers still required their students to play without an endpin during the first year of instruction (Kummer & Schulz, 1928). Several other improvements in the mechanical structure of stringed instruments emerged during the 20th century, including the use of carbon fiber materials for bows and tailpieces.  The lighter, more durable materials, along with new styles of bridges, have helped improve sound projection and general ease of playing.  However, in spite of these advances in cello mechanics, proper development of bow arm technique continues to be a challenge for many young cellists. The author will explore the benefits of encouraging cello students to study music of the Baroque during their freshman year at music school in order to build a foundation for technical skill that will help them achieve musical expression through the bow arm and learn explore the many resources on classical music available to them.