​After several years, I have finally finished the sequel to Always Room 4 Cello!  

I wanted to make use of a different genre for the next big video project, so when I found myself singing about vibrato to the tune of "Desperado," it just seemed right.  Besides, I have found that vibrato tends to be one of the most mysterious and frustrating topics for beginning cellists.  It needs attention.

Oh, vibrato, why can’t we get you to happen?
Been doin’ so much tappin’
for so long now.
You’re a hard one
but you’re supposed to be easy,
there’s tension that’s squeezin’ you
but I don’t know how.

I’ll have to try some mini-shifting
or just sliding on a table
or it might be good to move with the opposite hand

You can karate chop your cello
just be sure it’s really stable
or enlist the help of a pretty pushy friend

Oh, vibrato, make sure you start from the elbow
soon you’ll shout out HELL….O
to a nice warm sound
You just shake it, oh shake it
like a polaroid picture
There ain’t no set scripture
except to set your bow down

If you try all this and still use the bow
it’ll change the motion and you won’t know
plus it can cause your whole right arm to want to shake,
But if you tap your cello with your left
and practice the feel of a bow that is kept straight

Oh,vibrato, it could be so super simple
gotta get experimental to find your command
May seem crazy, but it will sneak up and get you
and you’ll never forget--
It’ll feel like shaking your hand.

​​
​Well, it turns out that kids who learn to play a musical instrument undergo physiological changes in their brain which can aid in their academic endeavors (http://time.com/3634995/study-kids-engaged-music-class-for-benefits-northwestern/).  

​In addition to that, learning a musical instrument can also help with developing mental toughness
(http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2016/03/07/why-teaching-grit-through-music-instruction-is-needed-in-every-school/)

​​...and curbing behavioral problems
​(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/01/07/music-lessons-spur-emotional-and-behavioral-growth-in-children-new-study-says/).

​

Okay. So playing an instrument can help your brain in a bunch of ways.  

What about playing a string instrument? 

Some scientific studies have shown that string players' brains are larger than the brains of other musicians
(http://stringvisions.ovationpress.com/2011/05/string-players-brains-are-special/).

But maybe that's just because we have big heads...?
​

This cute video sums it all up!

It's no secret that I love Halloween.  Fall is such a beautiful time of year anyway, but in addition to the crisp air and brilliant foliage, I always look forward to making costumes, carving pumpkins, and dressing up.  

And screeching and howling on my cello!

For years now, I have been using Halloween as a reason to introduce extended techniques to my young beginners.  I like pushing the boundaries of sound production on the cello, and I revel in the fact that the beautiful cello can also sound gross and scary!  

For me, cello is a way to express every human emotion, not just the pretty ones.  

The kids really seem to dig Spooky Sounds, so I thought I would share them with you too!