Welcome to The Practice Room
You’re officially part of The Cello Lab community!
I’m so glad you’re here.
Whether you’ve been playing for decades or just returned to the cello recently, this space is designed to support your growth with clarity, curiosity, and connection.
Every month, I will share a new Practice Companion installment — a structured guide focused on a key aspect of cello playing, paired with warm-ups, technical explorations, repertoire applications, and listening inspiration. You'll also be invited to live Q&A sessions where we can connect, troubleshoot, and celebrate progress together.
But no need to wait for the next installment to get started...
To help you dive in right away, here are a few foundational “welcome” resources that are available to you today:
How to Use Your Practice Companion
Get oriented with a short walkthrough that shows you how to move through your companion with purpose and ease.
[LINK]
Breathe, Stretch, and Play
Before you dive in… this pre-warmup prep guide offers simple breathwork, stretches, and awareness cues to help you release tension, center your focus, and ease into your practice with intention.
Think of it as tuning you before you tune your cello
Community Projects...
From time to time, the Practice Room will offer special optional additional projects.
CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT
Currently, Cellist-Composer Steve Strand is coordinating a chamber music project for us. Check out the link below to check out the music options, and for instructions on signing up and creating your part. Many thanks, Steve, for offering this to our community!
Community Shared Resources
This is a living list of tools, tips, and treasures shared by members of The Cello Lab community.
From helpful apps to inspiring articles, videos, or gear recommendations — everything here is something someone found genuinely useful and wanted to pass along.
Feel free to explore, contribute, and return to anytime.
[LINK]
Your Welcome Bonuses
Body Awareness for Natural Bow Weight and Control – Parts 1 & 2
Explore what it really means to feel the bow. These two trainings are designed to bring more comfort, connection, and sound quality to your bow work. Each includes a printable handout.
PART ONE
TRAINING [LINK]
HANDOUT [LINK]
CHAT [LINK]
PART TWO
TRAINING [LINK]
HANDOUT [LINK]
Centering the Pulse: A Full Companion on Rhythm & Internal Time
Especially if you're joining between monthly releases, this complete companion is a beautiful place to begin. You can explore pulse, subdivision, and internal rhythm through accessible, engaging practice.
[LINK]
What Happens Next?
On the 1st of each month, there will be a new Practice Companion focused on a different core concept.
Each installment includes play-a-videos, guided practice, and space to reflect — plus live touchpoints where we connect as a community.
NEXT MONTH’S FOCUS...
OCTOBER: BOW CONTROL – MASTERY OVER THE THREE PRIMARY VARIABLES (SPEED, WEIGHT, AND CONTACT POINT) FOR A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PHYSICS OF THE CELLO AND BOW TO CREATE EXPRESSIVE TONE COLOURS
Until then, enjoy your welcome bonuses and explore at your own pace.
I’m thrilled to have you here — and can't wait to hear what you discover.