If you’re a music student, you’ve probably heard your teacher tell you, “Don’t forget to practice your scales!” once or twice or maybe a thousand times. If you’re anything like me, you would probably groan and quickly play through your scales so you could move onto practicing your pieces. However, scales aren’t just about putting in the time. They give you the opportunity to strip away the dozens of other variables you would otherwise encounter in a piece to expose what is essentially the building blocks of music. Here is a list of reasons why scales are probably the most important thing to practice on a daily basis.

Before you are invited to audition or interview for your dream job, you will likely have to submit a resume. Resumes are also used to apply for degree programs, scholarships, summer festivals, competitions, grants, and more. An effective resume quickly and efficiently shows the reader your most pertinenet qualifications, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the particular opportunity for which you are applying. There is no one set format for an effective resume, but it is important to showcase relevant content in a compelling way. Here is a list of important content to include in your resume, as well as some free resume templets with formatting examples.

As cellists, we need so much more than just our instruments. There are a variety of essential accessories that every cellist uses on a daily basis. I like to keep all of my items in a music bag so they are easily accessible and portable. Here is a list of what I put in my music bag, and helpful tips for assembling all the items you need as cellist. 

There are many factors that can effect the sound of your instrument, such as changes in temperature or your strings wearing out. If notice your cello sounds muffled, it might be time for a tune-up. Similar to a tune-up on a car, your instrument needs to be adjusted periodically in order to keep it running smoothly. Here is a list of adjustments you can make to improve the sound of your instrument. 

Beta blockers are used to help the physical response to anxiety. However, they do not help the psychological or emotional response, i.e. your concentration, confidence, doubts, fears, racing thoughts, etc. and may even cause negative side effects. Here is a list of natural supplements to try as an alternative to beta blockers. 

The age at which you should begin learning an instrument varies from student to student. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if it's the right time to begin taking lessons. 

There are many factors to consider when selecting a cello for a beginning student. It can be a challenging process, especially if it's your first time purchasing a musical instrument. Here is a list of basic guidelines to help you choose which instrument to purchase.

We've all had those days where we spend hours in the practice room but don't get anything done. Here are some simple tips and tricks to make a tough practice session more productive. 

At some point in your career as a cellist, you will probably find yourself needing to travel across the country or internationally with your instrument. Cellos are a unique problem because they are too big to be taken as a carry on, and too fragile to be checked with the rest of the luggage. Here are some instructions for how to successfully travel with your cello. 

The school you attend has a huge impact on your life and career, so deciding where to apply can be a stressful and daunting task. Furthermore, musicians must go through the unique experience of auditioning for schools by either a recording or live audition in front of a panel. This can be an expensive and grueling process, so it is important to consider these critical details before deciding where to apply. 

Keeping a practice journal can be a helpful tool to structure and analyze your practice sessions. There is no such thing as the "right" way to keep a practice journal. The trick is to find a method that works for you that you can stick to consistently. Here are some ideas for what to include in your practice journal to help get you started!

The best food to eat on the day of a performance varies from person to person. For one musician, eating a banana might be the best option; for another, performing on an empty stomach might work better. The key is to keep track of what you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat, in order to know how it affects your body and energy level during a performance. Through trial and error, you will learn what works best for you. This is a list of foods I recommend to try eating before a performance to help you get started!

As musicians, we have to carry around our instruments, music scores, and loads of other gadgets. It can be much more convenient to have some of these items readily available on your iPhone or iPad. This is a list of helpful iOS apps for professional musicians, music students, and teachers.

Taking music lessons can be one of life's most rewarding activities. If you're a beginner, having the right books are essential for learning proper cello technique and how to read music. This is a list of must-have cello books for beginners to enhance their music education. 

Whether you're scouting a birthday or Christmas gift for the string player in your life or just looking to treat yourself, this list is full of gift inspirations that any string player will love!