Learning to play the cello as an adult

Interview with cellist and teacher Vlad Câmpean

2026-10-15T08:40:41+01:00

In this interview, Vlad Câmpean, a cellist trained at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, looks back on his journey, from his first lessons at the age of six in Cluj-Napoca to his experiences on stage. He also shares his approach to teaching and his advice for adults who would like to start learning the cello. Stefan Joubert: Could you tell us a little about yourself and how your journey with the cello began? Vlad Câmpean: My journey with the cello began when I was six years old. My father was already an established and highly [...]

Interview with cellist and teacher Vlad Câmpean2026-10-15T08:40:41+01:00

How Hard is it to Learn Cello as an Adult?

2024-03-07T10:55:37+00:00

The Violoncello is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful instruments you can play. From Bach and Brahms to Bartok and Bridge, composers have utilised its rich tone and versatility to create some of the most touching and memorable music ever created. The immense sonic beauty of the cello draws new people around the world to learn it every year, from a wide variety of musical (and non-musical) backgrounds. Nearly every new player, however, runs into the same reality: that the Cello is one of the hardest instruments to learn, and requires commitment and dedication to master. There are numerous [...]

How Hard is it to Learn Cello as an Adult?2024-03-07T10:55:37+00:00

Can I Teach Myself The Cello?

2022-08-16T11:21:25+01:00

Anyone has the ability to learn the cello but the journey will be far smoother and more fun with the right tuition. The cello is not an easy instrument to learn and technique is very important in order to be able to play with ease and create the sound you desire. Having a weekly lesson with the same teacher will ensure you are on the right track and they will be able to evaluate your progress week in week out which is fundamental to getting to a good standard. Online Videos Many students arrive at their first lesson at the LCI [...]

Can I Teach Myself The Cello?2022-08-16T11:21:25+01:00

Refining Your Practice Technique

2022-03-18T10:03:37+00:00

When you first start learning the cello, the idea of practice can seem rather bewildering; where do I start? Do I keep playing everything over and over again? How long do I need to practice for? These are often questions I get asked by students in their first few lessons which is understandable given this is a completely new skill. However, even more advanced students sometimes need help in making their practice the best it can be. This article is aimed at all of you that need either basic practice, more detailed advice to take your playing to the next level [...]

Refining Your Practice Technique2022-03-18T10:03:37+00:00

An insight into studying at the London Cello Institute

2021-10-22T23:56:50+01:00

This month we’re going to look at how current, enrolled students find studying at the London Cello Institute. We’re going to delve into exactly why the London Cello Institute is so successful with its students and what it’s like to study there. The aim of this article is to resolve any queries you may have and to get a clear insight into studying at the London Cello Institute. Clearing Up Those Apprehensions… As adults we often have apprehensions about starting anything new and investing time and money into it. Often we don’t allow ourselves the luxury of starting a new hobby [...]

An insight into studying at the London Cello Institute2021-10-22T23:56:50+01:00

What do I do in between cello lessons?

2021-05-12T09:46:57+01:00

So you have made the exciting decision to start cello lessons! that’s a great step but you may wonder what you should do in between your lessons. Most people choose to have lessons once a week so that leaves you with a whole week to practice everything your teacher has set you; this can seem rather daunting at first but don’t worry, we will break it down. When you first begin your cello journey, you want to aim for at least five or six, twenty minute practice sessions a week because it’s all about little and often practice at first to [...]

What do I do in between cello lessons?2021-05-12T09:46:57+01:00

Do you have to love classical music to play the cello?

2021-06-03T14:05:52+01:00

People believe you have to love classical music to play the cello but is this really true? For some people, classical music is not ‘their thing’ and this can deter them from learning instruments like the cello which can appear stuck in their classical roots. The cello was developed during the sixteenth century in Italy and it’s first major composition was the Bach Cello Suites, a collection of masterpieces that the instrument is renowned for, so it comes as no surprise that one immediately thinks of classical music as the genre most frequently associated the cello. The classical cello repertoire is [...]

Do you have to love classical music to play the cello?2021-06-03T14:05:52+01:00

Do you need any musical experience to start learning the cello?

2021-03-22T07:05:28+00:00

Many adults often express their anxieties about starting to learn the cello because they don’t have any musical experience, however learning to play the cello is a journey that you take with your teacher and they will guide you through all the processes so there is nothing to worry about. The fear of the unknown of the world of music can often seem daunting if you have no musical experience but do not be put off making that first step of starting lessons because you will never regret doing it because the ability to play a musical instrument is incredibly rewarding [...]

Do you need any musical experience to start learning the cello?2021-03-22T07:05:28+00:00

Can I start learning the cello at any age?

2020-10-26T20:56:20+00:00

Throughout my life as a cellist, I have had countless people approach me in train stations, walking down the road or even at the end of concerts, saying that they love the cello and wish they could play it. I always ask them why they don’t and they reply ‘it’s too late’, but this isn’t true. You can start learning the cello at any age. Learning the cello is an investment in your mental wellbeing and happiness and you will then possess a gift that you can share with others. People often have many worries about learning something new in adulthood, [...]

Can I start learning the cello at any age?2020-10-26T20:56:20+00:00
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