Session 2

Detaché

Detaché – is a smooth, fluid and connected bow stroke performed with separate bows. It is a broad sound with seamless alternating up and down bows (no slurs)

 Note – Detaché does not mean to play in a disconnected style with gaps of silence between the notes. It is a French term that indicates individual/alternate bows.

Typically, there are no accent markings to indicate Detaché technique – no slurs, no accents, no dots or lines.

G major Scale

Notation Symbols

– = Shift

X = Extension

Strategies

Review you’re the octave(s) that you know or be ambitious and try a new one. Remember to practice scales with slow and coordinated shifts.

Etudes – Half Bows

Beginner – Schroeder X

Improver – Schroeder X

Advanced – Schroeder X

Please prepare Schroeder X for the live class

Practice Assignment

Step 1: imagine what it would be like to spread paint with a really thick paintbrush. Practice this gesture without your bow.

Step 2: play Detaché stroke on a single open string and use half bows. See how smooth you can drag and push your bow with an even weight and sound. There should be no gaps between the pitches.

Step 3: lengthen your bow stroke maintaining a smooth and even sound but alternating down and up bows. For full bow stroke use your hinge and upper right arm technique to keep an even weight into the bow and with no variation between up and down bow. All notes have an equal value.

Step 4: apply your beautiful Detaché bow stroke to G major scale (1, 2, 3, or 4 octaves). Aim for consistency and a gorgeous, focused and resonating sound.

Step 5: work on your etude(s) making tone a priority. It should feel really good to play cello with a beautiful sound.

Advanced players: practice all of the above with full bows practicing smooth changes at the frog and at the tip of your bow. Next, do the same with shifting to create smooth changes and allowing space in your bow to shift with ease and maintain a beautiful sound Find examples from your repertoire and practice those with separated bows while keeping a consistent bow speed.