FAQs:

Q: Hey, can I play too?

A: Do you play the cello? YES then definitely, WE WANT YOU.

There is no audition, these projects are open to all cellists at all levels.

As long as there is time left on the countdown,

you can submit a video and be a part of the next Project.

Q. How does THIS work?

A: Its very simple!

1. REGISTER

2. CHOOSE YOUR PART (parts sent via email)

3. PRACTICE with the BACKING TRACKS and LIVE SESSIONS

4 FILM your PERFORMANCE (with headphones & backing tracks)

5. UPLOAD your VIDEO (using the link on the project page)

There are lots of other things you can do, such as watch and take part in the live practice and tutorial sessions, join in with the social, friendly and supportive truly global cello community, watch the project coming together behind the scenes (I host live mixing session, while i’m mixing the music together), learn about using green screens, new cello techniques and the history of the piece we are playing, and connect with other cellists all over the world!!

Q. Where do I start?

A. Check that there’s time remaining on website home page - www.globalcelloproject.com - you will find a countdown timer for the current project.

Q. I would like to participate, but I would struggle to pay the registration fee at the moment. What should I do?

We are so fortunate to have the support of a wonderfully generous community and are therefore able to offer sponsored places for cellists to participate regardless of means.

Please send an email to admin@globalcelloproject.com to request a sponsored place.

Q. Which part should I play?

A. That is up to YOU. YOU CHOOSE your part. I do not assign parts. There will always be a part suitable for all levels of experience - please choose one you are comfortable playing - we need strong players on ALL of the parts!

Once you have registered, you will get a chance to view and preview all parts before selecting one (and you can always change later).

Q. Do I have to play ALL the double stops?

A. Not at all!

In fact, don't play any of them if they seem difficult… only play them if they sound good!

Q. What if I can't play all the notes?

A. Then don't! Please don't play something that is too difficult for you.

One of the best rules of chamber music is - just keep up and contribute positively what you can!

You can sit out or fake it quietly in sections that are too difficult for you.In fact, please do! It would help me with mixing it all together. :)

Q. I am finding a certain passage really tricky - what can I do?

A. Come along to a LIVE PRACTICE SESSION and ask me about it! I will happily go through any tricky bits and share my approach to any technical challenges you may be having.

I will try and play through all of the parts live in these sessions and you will be able to watch again to pick up anything that you missed!

You can also share your challenges and triumphs on our wonderful Facebook group - there are many experienced players and students alike who are so generous with their help, support and advice on all things cello!

Q. I can’t find the link for the music - what should I do?

Send us an email at admin@globalcelloproject.com and we will send it to you again!

Q. There are some differences between the audio and the part. What should I play?

A. In general, please play the sheet music. The recording is not always as up to date as the parts.

Sheet music errata are published HERE. Please make sure you have the most up to date part.

If you have any questions about any errors you see or hear, please ask at a live session or email admin@globalcelloproject.com

Q. What is a backing track and where do I find one?

I always record a number of backing tracks. These are really important - without them, I could never synchronize our videos, and we wouldn’t be able to play together. You need to play along with a backing track when you make your recording - but please make sure you hear this through headphones - I only want to hear YOUR cello on your recording!

The tracks consist of me (and sometimes a colleague) playing all the parts of the arrangement, with a click track to help keep us in time, and a voice over to help us with cues and directions, and the all important 3 claps that I use to align all of our recordings.

I record a “full mix” track - which has all the parts equally, and separate part-specific tracks, where a part is louder in the mix and more prominent, to help you to hear your part.

The backing tracks (as soon as they are ready for each project) can be found on the project web page.

Q. What do I need to participate?

All you need are: Your cello! And 2 devices - one (with headphones) to listen to the backing track that you are playing along to, and one to make your recording.

Your devices can be two phones, a phone and a laptop, a tablet and a phone etc etc.

Q: Can I / Should I use an external microphone?

A: If you have a good microphone that you know how to record with, by all means use it, and upload your video and audio files as two separate files.

Please don’t worry about syncing them, and especially please don’t disable the audio on the camera...that helps me sync the video files up.

What are the best settings for my recording?

What is a green screen?

What if I don’t have a green screen?

Choose your part and start practicing!

Listen to, and practice with the backing tracks.

Tune in to the live practice and hang-out sessions on Zoom.

Join the friendly and supportive Facebook Community.

You need two devices to record your video - one to listen to the backing track (through headphones) you’ll play along with, and one to record your video.

Set up your green screen - if you have one - not mandatory.

Check the recording settings on your device.

RECORD YOUR VIDEO!

Upload your video using the uploader.

THAT’S IT - YOU’RE DONE!!

Now you can tune in and watch Tony putting it all together - usually on facebook livestreams - and join the community for Zoom hang-outs, catch-ups, and other tutorial sessions.

Join in and watch live the PREMIERE of the Project video on YouTube and join the after-party on Zoom.

GET READY FOR THE NEXT GLOBAL CELLO PROJECT!!!

Q. Where can I go for extra support/Community?

Join our wonderful community in our Facebook group Here

Q. How can I donate?

A. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO DONATE.