Cathy's Music Students

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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This number from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is my favourite on the soundtrack by John Williams. Above is a backing track for the piano accompaniment. The opening section is repeated. Don't forget, you can slow down the speed in settings.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Wednesday Paints It Black

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It is the starting week of a new term. In her first lesson, I asked a new student what had inspired her to take up cello. "Wednesday in the Addam's Family" was her reply. I love it when students introduce me to new music. So here, for you all to enjoy are the cello scenes in the Netflix 2022 series. They are terrific.

Apparently the actress learned to play the cello for the role but although, Netflix make much of that in their publicity, it is probably fair to say that it is not Jenna Ortega heard on the soundtrack but she does a great job of looking as if she is really playing.

Covers of well known rock and pop songs can make great party pieces. If you know a verse or two of the lyrics, it makes them easier to learn. The second piece heard in the clip is by Vivaldi.

So click on the lick for a version of Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones.

Paint it Black https://youtu.be/O4irXQhgMqg?si=ET7zQBKESMfwomo1

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Irish Cello Air The Snowy Breasted Pearl

As St Patrick's Day approaches, the focus this week in the studio has been on Irish repertoire. Have a listen to this lovely version of The Snowy Breasted Pearl from Cork based cellist, Ilze de Ziah. In preparation practice an A major scale and the forward extension. The cello with its rich timbre makes a great solo instrument. Check out also Sheku Kanneh Mason's solo rendition of a Welsh air here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gKXfDnsiJg

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Hi Says the Blackbird Grade 2 Cello RIAM

Hi Says the Blackbird

When you are tackling repertoire that is a song and has lyrics, it is worth knowing even one verse of the song to help with phrasing and to catch the mood and tone of the piece. The Bird Courting Song is an American folk song. I include just three of the ten or so verses here.

Watch the video for a charming sung version of Hi Says the blackbird. The video below is a cello instrumental version that is on the grade 2 RIAM syllabus. Remember you can adjust the settings on youtube to slow the video speed down.

Hi! says the blackbird, sitting on a chair,
Once I courted a lady fair;
She proved fickle and turned her back,
And ever since then I'm dressed in black.

Hi! says the blue-jay as she flew,
If I was a young man I'd have two;
If one proved fickle and chanced for to go,
I'd have a new string to my bow.

Hi! says the little leather winged bat,
I will tell you the reason that,
The reason that I fly in the night
Is because I lost my heart's delight.