Cossman Agility - regular and extended

This iteration adds variations in the extended hand position and is written out in the CelloMind book.
Flexibility and relaxation are critical to avoid tension and fatigue. Try without your thumb then try with your thumb placed gently back without squeezing.
Focus on using the natural weight of the arm and rotation of the forearm instead.

First try just the left hand alone slowly, observing all of the fingers using the 'block finger' approach. 'Block fingering', in contrast to 'independent fingering', is when all the non-playing fingers behind the playing finger move in sync with the playing finger. Thus they are lifted together and strike the same string together at the same exact time.
When going from a higher finger to a lower finger, all fingers should be lifted together in a circular plucking motion to reveal the new note.
Block fingering is predominantly used in cello playing.

Kairos Practice Pals is provided by Kairos and the Central Washington University music department.

Kairos
Carrie Rehkopf, violin professor
John Michel, cello professor

Kairos regularly collaborates with several pianists and musicians as part of its residency at Central Washington University and Icicle Creek.