Learning Activity #4

How to Hold the Cello

1. Adjust the endpin of the instrument so that the cello’s scroll is approximately eye level.
2. Hold the cello upright about an arm’s length away from your body while the endpin is
on the ground.
3. Move your feet to be slightly wider than your shoulder width.
4. Move the cello so that the endpin is in the middle of both of your feet, creating an
equilateral triangle.
5. Sit down at the edge of your chair.
6. Lower the cello while keeping the endpin in the same place.
7. Move the neck of the cello to the left side of your head, while keeping the endpin in the
same place.
8. Place the heel of the cello on your heart.
9. Make sure the C peg is behind your left ear, and that there is about a fist’s distance
between the two
10. Adjust the lower bouts of the cello so that they are at knee level.