Learn the Cello
Start Your Cello Lessons
Interested in learning the cello? On this page you will find cello teachers from across Ireland. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or looking for advanced cello classes, feel free to contact any of the teachers below and find the right music teacher for you.
Learn from anywhere: many of our teachers now give online lessons. Make sure to ask about online teaching options when contacting teachers.
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About the cello
The cello, or violoncello, is a bowed string instrument of the violin family. Like the violin and viola, the cello has a hollow wooden body with two sound holes, and four strings running along the body and neck.
However, it is much larger than the violin and viola and cellists play the instrument seated with the body of the cello placed between the legs and a spike which rests on the floor.
The cello is said to be the instrument which sounds the closest to the human voice and resonates with people in a special way. It has a huge range in pitch. Its lowest note is a C below the bass clef and it can go up to the D above the treble clef and beyond. This gives it a unique ability to play as the bass part, harmony or the melody in any given combination of instruments.
To get an understanding of how the cello sounds, watch this video clip of Irish cellist Ailbhe McDonagh playing Bach Cello Suite No.1.
In the Baroque era (1600–1750), the cello was used largely to accompany other instruments.
Later, in works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms, the cello became an expressive solo instrument in its own right.
Now the cello is used as a solo instrument performing concertos, solo recitals and chamber music, the cello section of an orchestra is one of the 5 groups of string instruments that make up the string section. It is used by thousands of bands/singer songwriters as an instrument to add colour and effects to pop/rock music. The electric cello is also highly popular and its use can be seen by the 2Cellos online.