Reuben

About Reuben

Reuben is a multi-instrumentalist, who began his musical journey with a strong foundation in classical cello and piano. Ten years ago, he relocated to London to immerse himself in the world of music and performance. Reuben has a love for teaching, writing and helping adults find their own musical voice.

Playing Cello in an Orchestra: Tips for Newcomers

2025-09-17T15:31:07+01:00

Of the many ensembles in which a cello can be found, the orchestra is the most popular. A typical orchestra will have between 6 and 12 cellos in it, sat on the front of the stage to the right of the conductor. This exposed role can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding for those who come to appreciate it. Here I will give you some tips on how to get into orchestral playing, and some of the advice that helped me settle into it. Types of Orchestra The cello has been used in orchestras since the Baroque period, providing much of [...]

Playing Cello in an Orchestra: Tips for Newcomers2025-09-17T15:31:07+01:00

How to Improve Your Cello Vibrato: Practical Tips for a More Expressive Sound

2025-06-03T12:42:08+01:00

Vibrato is one of the most expressive tools in a cellist’s arsenal. Done well, it can bring warmth, depth, and emotional colour to your playing. However, mastering a beautiful, controlled vibrato on the cello takes patience, technique, and mindful practise. Whether you are just starting or looking to refine your vibrato, below are my tips to effectively improve your vibrato. Understanding the Foundations of Vibrato Before you dive into exercises, it’s important to know what vibrato is: a controlled oscillation of pitch created by rolling the finger back and forth on the string. Cello vibrato typically involves movement from a combination [...]

How to Improve Your Cello Vibrato: Practical Tips for a More Expressive Sound2025-06-03T12:42:08+01:00

Tips for How to Improve Your Tone on the Cello

2025-03-12T15:31:30+00:00

The tone of your instrument is a reflection of your musical expression, and for cellists, developing a rich, warm, and clear tone can take years of practise and dedication. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, improving your tone on the cello requires focus, patience, and a solid understanding of technique. Below are some practical tips to help you refine and improve your tone on the cello. Bow Hold and Bow Control Your bow hold is the foundation of your tone. A relaxed, balanced, and flexible grip on the bow will allow for better control and more fluid movement across [...]

Tips for How to Improve Your Tone on the Cello2025-03-12T15:31:30+00:00

The Best Cello Solos in Orchestral Music

2025-02-12T14:07:00+00:00

The cello is one of the most beloved instruments in the orchestral world, celebrated for its rich, sonorous tones and huge emotional range. When featured as a soloist within the context of an orchestra, the cello has the power to captivate listeners, evoking profound feelings of melancholy, triumph, and beauty. Throughout history, composers have crafted unforgettable cello solos that highlight the instrument’s versatility, both technically and expressively. With this in mind, let’s explore some of the most iconic cello solos in orchestral music, showcasing the unparalleled role of the cello in shaping the orchestral soundscape. https://youtu.be/wBFeeOt_SGY?si=oVPSoVTY1RbPv-6R Antonín Dvořák – Cello Concerto [...]

The Best Cello Solos in Orchestral Music2025-02-12T14:07:00+00:00

Preparing for Performance as a Cellist

2025-01-17T11:10:52+00:00

The cello, as you likely already know, is an instrument that takes a long time to master. Even compared to other musical instruments it is complicated and requires a high level of musicality to perform well. Because of this, it can be a long time before a beginner cellist takes on any kind of performance, and so here are my tips for performance preparation. I have broken them into three main performance types: concert, exam, audition. These are performances with very different objectives, and require specific preparation in order to execute them well. Concerts Before you embark on exams and auditions, [...]

Preparing for Performance as a Cellist2025-01-17T11:10:52+00:00

Ensemble Playing for Cellists

2024-11-12T09:59:05+00:00

Playing the cello in an ensemble, whether it be a duet, string quartet, or full symphony orchestra, is a unique musical experience that requires a blend of technical skill, musical sensitivity, and collaboration. While solo performance demands personal expression and interpretation, ensemble playing emphasises harmony, synchronicity, and responsiveness to others. A cellist in an ensemble must balance their role within the group, listen intently, and adapt to the dynamics and stylistic nuances set by the conductor or the ensemble leader. Here’s a short guide to the main aspects of successfully playing the cello in an ensemble setting. Understanding Your Role in [...]

Ensemble Playing for Cellists2024-11-12T09:59:05+00:00

Cello Practise Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Practise Time

2024-10-15T13:22:41+01:00

Mastering the cello, like any musical instrument, requires consistent and focused practise. However, simply spending hours playing scales and pieces does not guarantee progress. To truly improve, it is essential to approach practise time with strategy, mindfulness, and clear goals. Efficient cello practise means making the most out of every minute, using targeted exercises, developing technique, and nurturing musicality. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, the following strategies will help you make the most of your practise time and accelerate your growth as a cellist. Set Clear, Achievable Goals Before beginning any practise session, it is crucial to define [...]

Cello Practise Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Practise Time2024-10-15T13:22:41+01:00

Can the Cello Be Self-Taught?

2024-09-04T17:04:32+01:00

The cello, with its deep, resonant tones and wide expressive range, is one of the most captivating instruments in the orchestral family. Traditionally, learning the cello has been associated with formal instruction, often starting in childhood under the guidance of a trained teacher. However, in the age of the internet and abundant online resources, more and more aspiring musicians are considering the possibility of teaching themselves to play the cello. But is it actually possible to learn such a complex instrument on your own? The answer is not straightforward, and it depends on experience with other instruments, resources, and commitment. The [...]

Can the Cello Be Self-Taught?2024-09-04T17:04:32+01:00

How to Improve Your Tuning on the Cello

2024-07-23T17:30:26+01:00

One of the toughest aspects of learning the cello is mastering intonation. Tuning, the ability to play notes at their correct pitch, is a skill that requires patience, practise, and a keen ear.Whether you are a beginner or an advanced cellist, there are several strategies you can use to improve your tuning on the cello.This article will discuss understanding and using the instrument, ear training, practising with a tuner, playing scales and arpeggios, using drones, and incorporating feedback from teachers or recordings.Understanding and Using the InstrumentThe first step in improving your tuning is understanding your cello and how to tune it [...]

How to Improve Your Tuning on the Cello2024-07-23T17:30:26+01:00

Five Composers that Every Cellist Should Listen To

2024-05-30T16:35:16+01:00

The cello, with its rich and expressive range, has inspired many composers to write some of the most beautiful and challenging works in the classical repertoire. Here are five composers who have made significant contributions to the cello repertoire: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Notable Works: Six Cello Suites (BWV 1007-1012) Bach's Six Cello Suites are some of the most important works in the cello repertoire. Each suite consists of a prelude followed by a series of dance movements. These pieces are a staple for cellists, showcasing the instrument's versatility and depth. Bach's mastery of monophony and harmonic richness is evident in [...]

Five Composers that Every Cellist Should Listen To2024-05-30T16:35:16+01:00
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