In this video we’ll cover some custom Warm Up Exercises for “Farmer in the Dell” in D Major. We’ll also cover how to play D Major on the C & G strings for the first time! We’re doing this because we’ll need the same Forwards Extension fingerings when we play in A Major for “Row Your Boat”. Both pieces use a “Hooked Bow” technique in 6/8, so we’ll be exploring that bowing pattern with the notes of the key. Make sure to pair this video with the Row Your Boat Warm Ups video and the Part 2 video where I discuss how to structure your practice sessions throughout the week, to best utilize these warm ups!

In this video we’ll cover some custom Warm Up Exercises for you to work on when practicing “Row Your Boat” in A Major. This is a tricky key on cello, especially since it’s likely your first time playing with 3 Sharps. I’ll guide you through the fingerings for A Major on the G & D strings. We’ll cover how to safely do forwards extensions (1X2 4) and how to apply the Hooked Bow rhythms in this piece to your scale. Make sure to watch and play along to the “Farmer in the Dell” Warm Ups video, where I spend more time explaining “Hooked Bows” and 6/8 meter. Where as the Hooked Bow patterns in “Farmer” are Legato (smooth), the articulation for “Row Boat” are Staccato (short).

In Part 2 of Row Your Boat in A Major and Farmer In The Dell in D Major, we’ll discuss how to structure your Warm-Ups Progression in each practice session throughout the week, using all of the warm up exercises from the previous two videos. I’ll give you step by step advice on a practice “Cycle” that will help you improve your technique and keep things fresh in the practice room. Be sure to check out the “Warm Up” videos for “Farmer in the Dell” and “Row Your Boat” first!