Cello Blog

My reflections as a cello teacher

Ilona Grushynska Ilona Grushynska

3 Signs To Know That You Have a Cello Posture Problem

(5 minutes read)
Good posture isn’t just about looking right—it’s the key to great sound and staying healthy on the cello. As a teacher, I’ve worked with over 100 students, and I’ve identified three major signs of posture problems: visual (when something looks off), audio (when cello sounds bad), and physical (when a person feels pain or tension). Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term injuries, but with the right adjustments, you can play with ease and confidence.

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Ilona Grushynska Ilona Grushynska

Unlocking the Power of Memory in Cello Practice

(3 minutes read)

In her book Uncommon Sense Teaching, Barbara Oakley and her colleagues explore how memory plays a crucial role in learning. They describe two types of memory: working memory and long-term memory. While Oakley’s framework is highly valuable, I’ve found it helpful to think of these two types as short-term memory and long-term memory, especially in the context of learning to play the cello. Let’s dive into what these terms really mean and how they apply to our practice.

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Ilona Grushynska Ilona Grushynska

Cello Playing and Yoga

(1 minute read)

In the realm of music and mindful movement, few pairings resonate as harmoniously as playing the cello and practicing yoga. Despite seeming disparate, they share a deep connection rooted in mindfulness and body awareness.

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