YTSO Audition.m4v

Mike Lunapiena - Audition for YTSO 2011

I know that this all really isn't up to standard ... but I said I was going to make an audition vid. no matter what ... so here it is...

I've been playing cello for about 6.5 years

Also, sorry about the poor video editing & misreading the key signature in the Brahms ... that's what I get for doing this so last minute...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mike Lunapiena
• Cello
• YTSO 2011 Audition

[mythicalviola]

Mike I recognized the wonderful tones of the Luis and Clark cello. I own both a violin and viola of theirs. How do you like it?

[mlunapiena01]

@mythicalviola Hi! I don't still have the L&C. I have mixed, but generally positive feelings about the L&C. They lack the depth/overtones of really amazing wood cellos, but are great mid-range instruments & great for things like playing in the subway, playing in rock bands, playing outside, looking cool! Very easy to play & very light-weight with a strong sound ... as with any other cello, a lot depends on the setup. In some ways they cut better, in some ways they cut worse.

[zonza73]

Let me ask you: How is it that you manage to stay in tune? I mean that as a serious question, not a negative remark. I find that the most difficult part of playing a string instrument is playing consistently in tune. Is it ceaseless practice until you can just put your hand on the fingerboard and know? I'm curious what you think.

[mlunapiena01]

@zonza73 Developing a sense of pitch came from taking ear training, learning scales/keys, singing, etc. Learning to audiate came from having it suggested in lessons (hear the pitch before you play it). Hitting the same spot comes from ceaseless practice & constant focus. One of the most helpful things was having a bass guitar player talk about hearing the "beating" when tuning & playing against open strings.

[mlunapiena01]

@zonza73 Also, learning to play the cello in a relaxed manner really helped. When you're tense, you get tired & it becomes much harder to play in tune ... sort of ends up being a never ending loop of fighting yourself...

Chamber music & having people point out bad intonation helped a lot to, as did shifting exercises (1 finger shifting exercises are great for this!) ... look up Margaret Rowell & Irene Sharp

I hope that helps!

Also, it's still a struggle to play in tune all the time!

[mlunapiena01]

@zonza73 My intonation has improved greatly since making this video ... regular performing in the subways & playing against an open string constantly have definitely helped!

[LEmusic145]

Excellent!

[ninjacello25]

The best video I've ever heard! thanks!

[mlunapiena01]

@zonza73 What a great question!

Barely & with a lot of luck!

The first part of playing in tune is developing a mental sense of pitch. The second part is then being able to call that pitch into your head as you're playing. The third part is being able to physically hit the same spot on the cello.