Cello playing for 3-6's

''I have found that this very comprehensive method works for all abilities, including pupils with special needs. It makes learning notation and rhythm crystal clear and takes away all the expected complications of teaching. 'Cellobabies' makes teaching beginners an easier path. My pupils feel they achieve something every week and they are raring to go. The 'Cellobabies' method promotes the children's work and makes them more creative. It is a refreshing new method which I think is fantastic''.

Yvette Madden [Strings Co-ordinator for South-East Music centre, Surrey Arts]

All children love making music, and given the right opportunity, many can play a real instrument from a very early age.

Cellobabies provides just that opportunity for younger ones to:

Cellobabies children learn to play the cello in a happy, relaxed atmosphere. They compose their own melodies, and advance toward reading conventional music notation in a natural progression, but at a much earlier age than is normal - some even before they can read!

Cellobabies has been developed by Kay Tucker, one of the UK's leading cello teachers, as a result of years of experience with younger cellists. The parent's comments speak for themselves!

This site is designed to tell you about Cellobabies and also to act as a general resource for young cellists, with useful hints and links.

Cellobabies background

Everyone knows that conventional music notation is very difficult for a pre-school child to grasp, especially when trying to learn the 'mechanics' of playing a cello at the same time. To overcome this, Kay devised her own simple notation so that the child can concentrate on becoming comfortable with his or her instrument.

The youngster is led on to perform well while confidently sight-reading conventional notation. This takes place at his or her own pace through five easy stages.

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Cellobabies strengths

As the young player progresses through the Cellobabies programme, they naturally develop strength in:

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Cellobabies values

Cellobabies is designed to be fun and rewarding! No slave driving, no regimentation. Structured home practise is gradually introduced as the program proceeds.

A typical session will include playing, singing & musical games, all with a strong emphasis on enjoyment.

Groups are kept very small; this enables Kay to concentrate on each child and develop the best playing habits right from the beginning.

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Cellobabies & exams

Kay will enter children for external exams, but only when that child is emotionally ready. Some children may be technically able long before that time arrives and that is fine. Exams are not the be-all and end-all!

Having said that, Kay's children have been achieving excellent results in the Trinity Guildhall Initial Exams - gaining distinctions and merits.

Of note is the fact they have been getting between 70% and 90% on the sight-reading - a nice objective confirmation of the strengths of the Cellobabies program. Also of note is the fact that these children happily took the exams when aged 6 or 7 years old.

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Cellobabies session details

Cellobabies is based in the Horsham area of West Sussex [UK]. It is currently run privately and also at Arundale School. Ages range from three to six, although Kay has had under threes. There is a trial period of 4 weeks, to see if your child is happy and really wants to continue. No forced recruits!

Sessions last for no more than 30 minutes [less for the youngest], in cheerful & comfortable surroundings. Parents can stay or not as they please.

Children are either taught individually or in very small classes of no more than three. Your child won't get lost in the crush.

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Cellos for Cellobabies

A small child needs a small cello - typically 1/10th or 1/8th full size. These can represent a heavy financial outlay, especially if you are not sure if your child will want to continue. Even then, small cellos may not be easy to find.

However Kay has been able to persuade a good supplier that there is a need for these instruments, and so it is now easy to hire suitable cellos at very reasonable rates.

Recommended specialist suppliers: Ackerman Music

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