Review! Our Music Journey: Cello Trial @ Aureus Academy!

I have always liked the warm and mellow tones of the Cello and was encouraging the kiddo to learn this string instrument but it was not meant to be as the kiddo prefers the sound of the violin since young. So, you can understand my pleasure when we were invited to a Cello trial by Aureus Academy. Cello classes are a new offering by this fast growing music school. Impressively, Aureus Academy’s team of music teachers has a combined 40 odd Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with even one Doctorate in Musical Arts.  

:: Cello Trial

This Cello trial is Dumpling’s 4^th trial with Aureus having tried the Piano, Guitar and Violin lessons at the various centres. Surprisingly, the kiddo was pretty excited as I think she was pretty curious about this strings instrument. I was actually quite surprised to find out that Cello was only added on recently to its myriad of music classes.

“We have been getting a lot of enquiries about the Cello over the past year. As our focus then was on setting up a new centre in the East (hence the commencement of the 112 Katong branch), we put this on hold until this year,” explained Julius Sarabi (co-founder of Aureus Academy).

“Aureus Academy is known in this industry for maintaining high standards in our music faculty where our teachers are not just highly qualified but also proven performers who were orchestra members. Hence we were very stringent in our interview process and the selection of our teachers. It took us a while before we found a suitable Cello teacher to add to our team,” added Julius.

:: The lesson

The session started with Teacher Linh chatting with Dumpling to understand her musical background and then introducing her to the Cello. The kiddo was actually quite intrigued with the instrument (partly because of the Piano Guys YouTube clips she has watched!) which I have observed as she strummed / plucked on the strings, noting the differences between the cello and the violin. 

(Teacher Linh measuring for size as well as teaching Dumpling the terms of the various parts of the cello)

As both the violin and cello use bows, Teacher Linh was careful to point out the differences in the bow hold so that the kiddo will not be confused. 

The kiddo was then taught the various strings – C, G, D and A versus that on a violin, G, D, A and E. Thereafter, it was open strings bowing exercises for Dumpling. Perhaps because of her background in violin, she caught on pretty quickly – bowing patterns and bow hold and even wanted to move into fingering towards the end of the class! Ha ha ha

The kiddo then experimented with pizzicato! :p

:: What we like about the lesson

Born to a musician father who is a pianist, Teacher Linh was very attentive and came across as someone who is very patient and nurturing. She took the time to understand what exposure and musical background Dumpling has and was able to use this information in the trial – drawing out the similarities between the two instruments yet was also able to highlight the differences between the two.

(Teacher Linh carefully setting up the bow hold for Dumpling)

Technicality wise, the bow hold is one of the most vital part of playing string instruments and on that end, Teacher Linh was very precise in guiding the kiddo. Her instructions were clear and systematic: “form a letter C with your hands, do not tense up and now, I will slot the bow in… Close your thumb on this part and there you go!”

She also gently reminded and corrected the kiddo’s posture consistently (in violin classes, the kiddo stands up to play it as opposed to the Cello where she is seated) and always with a smile.

Importantly, from a parental standpoint, the trial was not overwhelming and the lesson was not “hard”. The kiddo felt that she was able to follow the instructions and even commented that she had fun and enjoyed herself. J  

:: Teacher’s profile  

(Image Source)

I am pleased to share Aureus Academy is offering a FREE PRIVATE CELLO TRIAL. A 50% savings off the first month's school fees is applicable for those who enrol for term classes!

Trial is FOC and is for children from 5 years old. 

Trials are also on a non-obligatory basis.

Keen on trying out the cello? 

Just leave your name and email address in the comment section below so that we can be in touch! :) Do share the post and love with your friends so that they can enjoy the offer too!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored series of conversations and music trials between Aureus Academy, Dumpling and I. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

About Aureus Academy:
Aureus Academy is Singapore’s fastest growing music school with nearly 1,000 students enrolled amongst its 3 centres. Aureus Academy specializes in providing individually tailored piano, violin, guitar, and vocal lessons to students of all ages and abilities. It also believes that one-on-one is the best environment to learn a musical instrument. Recently awarded “Best in one-to-one Music Lessons” by Parent’s World Magazine, Aureus Academy offers free trial lessons so you can experience it yourself!

Aureus Academy is located at the campuses below:

:: Forum The Shopping Mall

583 Orchard Road

#B1-18, Singapore 238884

Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 7:00pm

:: Rochester Mall

35 Rochester Drive

#03-08/15, Singapore 138639

Monday – Friday: 1:00pm – 8:00pm

Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 7:00pm

:: 112 Katong

Newly Opened!

112 East Coast Road
#03-10
Singapore, 428802

Phone: +65 6235 6488
Email: contact@aureusacademy.com

You can also connect with Aureus Academy through its Facebook page!

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