Setting up the Perfect Practice Space (Cello)
It may seem trivial, but finding the right physical practice space and ensuring it meets all of your needs can vastly accelerate the rate at which you progress on your instrument.
The ideal practice space will:
Be large enough
A dedicated room is ideal, but minimally you should be able to sit and extend your arms straight out to either side of your body without bumping into anything. This guarantees we have enough space to move our bow and body freely.
A dedicated room makes it possible to leave everything set up and easily accessible so the only thing you need to worry about is sitting down to practice.
If a dedicated room is not possible, avoid distracting, high-traffic areas in your home.
Be private, quiet, and free from distraction - a “practice sanctuary”
Try to find a time of day to practice when you aren’t worried about someone else listening in. You should be able to practice freely without fear of judgment.
Turn off the TV and switch your cell phone to airplane mode if possible. Try setting a timer and leaving it on the other side of the room to avoid checking the clock or worrying about how much time is remaining.
If you live in an apartment or need to practice during odd hours, consider picking up a practice mute. This dampens your sound without you having to alter your bow technique.
If there are certain circumstances that keep you from being able to practice your instrument in its full capacity, consider working on something else that day such as music theory, interval training, or dedicated listening.
Have excellent lighting
It can be challenging enough to learn an instrument and how to read musical notation without squinting to figure out what you’re looking at! Choosing lighting that allows you to see your music clearly, whether it’s natural lighting, overhead lighting. or a few floor lamps. A clip-on stand light goes a long way in a pinch, too!
Have all of the tools you need in order to be successful
A chair or stool that promotes proper posture and positioning. I prefer a backless piano bench/stool when I practice to encourage sitting on the edge of my seat. You should be able to rest your feet flat on the floor with relaxed knees and ankles.
A music stand- I highly recommend a non-wire music stand when possible because they are incredibly durable and can withstand the weight of a practice binder or larger music book. Check out the supply page for further suggestions!
A cello stand is a worthwhile investment as it keeps your instrument unpacked but out of the way from children or pets. It also makes your instrument easily accessible for practice sessions. You may find it more motivating to practice when you aren’t required to go through the unpacking and re-packing process each time.
If you are not practicing in a room with carpet, a rock-stop or something else to hold your cello in place to keep it from sliding across a hard, smooth surface. A bath mat with a grippy bottom works in a pinch as well.
A binder for keeping loose leaf paper and organizing your sheet music and/or a notebook to utilize as a practice journal if you are working predominantly from lesson books.
A pencil for marking your music or writing in your practice journal. Keep a large eraser and sharpener handy as well.
A metronome and tuner
A mirror or device such as an iPad or phone that allows you to self-evaluate and make corrections during practice sessions.
A cleaning cloth and rosin (tip: rosin your bow before you practice and immediately put it away so you don’t accidentally knock it down or drop it).
When possible, a desk with a computer, laptop, or tablet is an excellent resource for looking up YouTube videos, checking your practice notes from your lessons, looking up sheet music, and utilizing a drum machine, to name a few.
A glass of water or your favorite tea - anything you may feel inclined to get up to leave your space for… bring it to you instead so you can remain productive and focused.
Allow you to hear yourself clearly - soundproofing
An empty room can be difficult to practice in with sounds reflecting off everything. A large area rug, thick curtains, and furniture in the corners of rooms can go a long way.
Be temperature and humidity controlled
Not only is it uncomfortable for you if a room is a less than desirable temperature or humidity level, it can also damage your instrument.
Inspire you
If you’re able to have a dedicated room in your house for practicing, make it the best room in the house- somewhere you love to go. Paint a wall you’re favorite color. Hang posters of musicians who inspire you or display your favorite vinyls. Make an inspiration board. Fill it with plants. Whatever makes you feel happy, motivated, and authentically you.
Does your current practice set-up check all the boxes or did you discover some changes you could make?
Share pictures of your practice space to lisaxyoung115@gmail.com
