One of the most noticeable things about the cello is its size, and transporting this somewhat large and unwieldy instrument can be a challenge. However, many musicians who play the cello will tell you that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and the cello continues to have an appeal for many who desire to learn to play an instrument.

Learning any musical instrument has benefits; it teaches you patience and perseverance, and coordination as well as improves focus and concentration. Mastering an instrument gives most people an undeniable sense of achievement, and it also exposes you to the wonderful history and culture of music. If you play an instrument, you typically get more enjoyment out of listening to music, and playing also means you can read music and perhaps even write your own tunes. Once you learn an instrument, it can be a lifelong hobby, even a passion and many musicians will tell you it is one of the best ways to relax. In fact, research has shown that playing a musical instrument is one of the best ways there is to deal with stress.

Not surprisingly, the piano and the guitar are the two most popular instruments to learn, although many people choose to learn the cello, partly because it isn’t the obvious and conventional choice and they simply want something different. However, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful and distinctive sounding stringed instruments, and the cello arguably has a more pleasant and harmonious sound than many other popular instruments, including the guitar and drums. Many people are attracted to learning how to play the cello simply because it presents something of a challenge, and mastering the instrument becomes a personal goal. Some classical pieces are considered to be notoriously difficult to play on the cello, such as the Concerto in B Flat, by Dvorak. The cello is surprisingly versatile too; although most of us think of classical music, it can be used in jazz, folk and rock compositions.

Although the cello is a wonderful sounding instrument, there is no getting away from the fact that it can be difficult to master. Many first-time cello players find the method of playing the instrument to be difficult and uncomfortable, and having to play the right notes in tune in that position can be a challenge. Playing the cello also means that the fingers have to move through a much larger physical area than, say the violin. Because the cello strings are larger and stronger than those of other instruments, a combination of strength and finesse is required to produce just the right sound. Being able to use both hands simultaneously to play the instrument can also be difficult for many cello learners. Playing the cello well takes more practice than most other musical instruments, and it is often hard to play the instrument in tune.

If the cello is your chosen instrument, it is important to find a good teacher, one that is experienced with that instrument. However, you can also find plenty of online cello lessons, allowing you to more effectively learn at your own pace and whenever it is convenient. As you might expect, it isn’t quite as easy to find a qualified cello teacher as it is to find someone to teach you the piano or guitar, and your local school or college is a good place to look. Music venues can often recommend a music teacher for a specific instrument, and of course, the Internet is a good place to find a local music teacher, along with posted reviews from current students, both positive and negative.

If you aren’t taking online cello lessons and prefer an actual cello teacher, keep in mind the following when trying to find the ideal instructor. A teacher with experience of that instrument is a must, and you should also choose a teacher who specializes in the same genre as you, whether it is jazz, classical or rock. Not everybody learns to play an instrument at the same pace, making it important to find an instructor with a teaching style that matches your learning style. The hourly cost of a cello lesson can vary widely and depend on where you live and the teacher’s qualifications, you can expect to pay anything from about $20 to $100, although $50 is the average. You should probably expect it to take several months for you to feel comfortable on the cello; being able to play it fluently can take at least a year.