Freelance Cellist and Teacher
Jennie Khan is an Auckland based cellist and cello teacher. She has a variety of experience performing both here and in Europe and has been teaching students of all ages for many years.
This year has seen lockdown and social distancing measures put in place that have put many on a learning curve to deliver services in new ways. Face to face music lessons are usually a very personal experience. Here I share some tips from what I’ve learned in a month of doing online cello lessons, trying to keep motivation levels up and making the most of what we have.
Read MoreOver the summer break I worked out a good routine and schedule for my practice, so now it's easier to drop back into it as time allows.
There are lots of tips and tricks online about effective practicing, but here I describe what a my practice sessions actually look like - the nuts and bolts if you will - sometimes I find it helps to see what those ideas look like in a practical sense, to then adapt it to your own practice.
Read MoreIs 'good' technique imperative to being a successful instrumentalist, or merely a means for artistic musical expression? Considering both my own and my students techniques I find myself somewhat conflicted. Does the effort of prioritising technical mastery find itself at odds with taking the journey through enjoyable and inspirational repertoire?
Read MoreFor some, the metronome is the bane of their existence, something to be groaned at. But not me, for me it's one of the most useful tools I have for a good practice session. These are my top 5 creative uses to get the best out of that little ticking box.
Read MoreNot so long ago I invested in a whole set of new strings. Cello strings tend to last a fairly long time but price can be prohibitive. I started doing some research and there are so many to choose from and a wealth of information available, it can be confusing. I had to figure out what sort of sound I wanted and how that related to the technical aspects.
Read MoreNew years resolutions that get made in the relaxed and festive 'bubble' of the holiday season, inevitably get forgotten, once the all the parties are over and the reality of life returns.
The antidote might be to make an actual plan - something to work towards and a way to get there. And what better than a plan for practice?
Most classical musicians will learn to read music before or in parallel with learning their instrument. But it can be quite challenging, there are so many new and unfamiliar things to be thinking about. So, sometimes it gets lost, the theory bit that is. Many, especially the younger ones, just want to get on with the 'fun' bit - Playing. But as with many things, without some theoretical foundation, most people will be limiting themselves in the long run.
Read MoreAs we get back into work and school for the year it is the perfect time to start developing good habits... or renew the good habits that have been let slide over the holidays.
The key to successful and productive practice is routine and quality. I'm not talking about the quality of the playing but rather the quality of the practice...
Read MoreLearning an instrument can involve many physical challenges and it is often necessary to find a certain level of familiarity in navigating it before things like tone and accuracy can really be fine tuned. However, there are simple exercises that can be practised to simultaneously develop the ear that need only a little technical skill. These are just as important as learning where the notes are on the stave or where to put your fingers.
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