Cello for Beginners

The lesson plan begins with Dr. Asch’s guidance through instrumental anatomy, cleaning the cello and bow, cello string care, adjusting the bridge, cello tuning, breakdown and setup. Students will learn proper posture and how to correctly position their bodies, bow, and cello so their alignment will allow for a seamless sound from the instrument. Once students are confident with the basic elements of the instrument, instructor Dr. Asch will guide each learner through an individualized lesson plan including music theory lessons in rhythm, meter, key signatures, tempo, and expression.

There are no required prerequisites before enrolling in Dr. Asch’s Cello for Beginners course. Students will need an instrument of their own as well as paper and pen for notes. Those enrolling need to ensure they have the time to commit to the weekly online lessons, and independent practice as well. Upon successful completion of this course, students can expect to be able to confidently play a small beginners repertoire of songs and will be prepared to enter an intermediate level cello course.

About the Instructor: Dr. Charles Asch received his masters degree in Classical Cello from Julliard in 2001, and continued his education to achieve his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Minnesota in spring of 2017. He has served as music faculty at the University of Minnesota-Morris, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, as well as at the MacPhail Center for Music. Dr. Asch has performed with groups including the Lyra Baroque Orchestra and the Minnesota Opera. Dr. Charles Asche has studied under internationally known exponents including Hans Jorgen Jensen, Richard Aaron, and Tanya Remenikova. His music has appeared in popular soundtracks including “Glass” (directed by M. Night Shyamalan, 2019) and “Coyote” (2018). Dr. Asch performs with a German baroque cello from c. 1700, as well as a more contemporary cello created in 1996.