Terms and Conditions | Cello In The Park

Below is Melanie’s Agreement document regarding her online course for beginner cellists.

Agreement for Students and Customers of:

“Learn Cello from the Beginning!” an Online Course for ‘Cello Beginners

30 Cello Tutorial Videos (Sets 1 and 2)

Created by Melanie Jones, Cellist

Contents of Agreement:

Introduction
Terms and Conditions
Practising and Learning
Solfa Singing
Tuning the Cello and Applying Rosin to the Bow

Introduction:

Thank you for purchasing my online course for beginner cellists, called “Learn Cello from the Beginning!” Below is some information about me, and the online course I have created.

I am a professional musician, have been performing since a child, composing for the last several years, and currently have 18 years of regular teaching experience. I have taught the ‘Cello, Piano and beginning Violin to students of a wide age range from 3 years to adult age, both privately and for music schools/organisations and two universities in the UK and the USA. When I was 16 years old I was given the opportunity by Anna Shuttleworth, a former student of Pablo Casals, to teach young students on a residential ‘Cello course in York. It quickly became clear to me (at the age I was at then) how rewarding and fun teaching is. So as soon as I got the opportunity, I began teaching regularly alongside my performing commitments. My first teaching job was at the Presidio Middle School in San Francisco, where I taught roughly 30 students of the ‘Cello for three years, and was employed by the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for this job. Since then I have taught for a number of music organisations in addition to being a self-employed teacher and performer. My Places of Education are Chethams School of Music, Trinity College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In addition to being trained in performing, I have trained in education in several areas. These are String Pedagogy (RNCM), Kodaly Musicianship (TCM), Teaching Skills and Dalcroze Eurhythmics (SFCM), and Colourstrings (UK/Finland).

The Online Course I have created consists of a total of 30 Cello Tutorial Videos. The Course is split into 2 Sets. Set 1 contains 14 Tutorial Videos, and Set 2 contains 16 Tutorial Videos. In addition, there are 2 extra Videos included in both Sets, with one being a guide to tuning the ‘Cello, and the other demonstrating how to apply rosin to the bow.

“Learn Cello from the Beginning!” is an online course for individual students who love the ‘Cello and are determined to achieve on the instrument. Self-motivation is required, otherwise progress will inevitably be slower. My Cello Tutorial Videos within the course contain specialist instruction in the ‘Cello, which is the same instruction, knowledge and advice I would share in one-to-one lessons. The Cello Tutorial Videos are not for use in the context of classes, and are not for use by teachers – they are for personal individual use only.

The way in which I deliver instruction for learning the Cello is non-hurried and thorough. This means that I explain “how” verbally, demonstrate on my own instrument, use Solfege (known as Solfa Singing), and speak/tap Rhythm and/or Pulse, towards developing and supporting the Cello-playing and overall Musicianship of the Student.

Each Cello Tutorial Video can be played/watched as many times as the student needs, and paused/re-played at various points to suit the student. This will enable the student to deepen their understanding and firmly grasp what each Tutorial Video is about, and therefore progress with their instrumental playing skills and knowledge.

Each Cello Tutorial Video has an accompanying document, which contains Tasks for the student to complete (made verbally clear within the Video) and Hints (i.e. highlighting important things to remember). Most, but not all of these documents, also contain the notation of the pieces/songs I have created for these Tutorial Videos, plus the notation of scales and “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven (in the Second Set). The notation is provided so that students can see what they are playing on paper, if they require this. Students are welcome to print these documents off and pencil-on anything extra they wish (such as more Solfa names). These documents are not essential for the student to follow, however these will provide additional support for the student and enable them to learn reading notation and rhythm. Also included are photographs of myself sitting with my ‘Cello to assist the student, and photographs of a specific endpin anchor and the rosin I recommend. Please note all rights in the accompanying documents and photographs (including all rights under copyright), are reserved to myself, and you may not copy or redistribute these documents or photographs.

Regarding the age of students, this online course is suitable for students aged roughly 5 years old to adult. Students aged 5 to 11 years (approximately) will need an adult with them at the beginning to ensure the student’s learning space is correctly set-up, that it is safe and free of hazards, to help the student understand what I share in the Videos, and to help the student with pausing/repeating part of a Video (if needed). The adult helping the student can also be present when the student practises the ‘Cello, aside from learning from the Tutorial Videos. The adult helper should continue to be present until the student is comfortable learning from the videos and practising on their own. Students aged 5 to 7 years (approximately) will need an adult with them for longer, due to the younger age the student is at.

Regarding feedback on student progress, the student (or parent/guardian of the student) is welcome to contact me to arrange something suitable, should the student, in learning from this online course, wish to have feedback on their progress from me. This can be an individual live lesson, or a video clip (which can be sent to me via a link) showing the student doing various homework tasks given in any of the Cello Tutorial Videos. The student, or parent/guardian (if the student is a child), should contact me by email in advance to discuss obtaining feedback from me, prior to arranging one of the above options.

For Students who are children who therefore need help from an adult, specific information in this Agreement must be shared with the child-learner. This includes information on:

Setting-up a safe learning/practising space that is free of hazards
Solfa Singing and vocal exercises to warm-up
Practising and recommended amounts of practise
Tuning the ‘Cello
Applying rosin to the bow correctly

Terms and Conditions:

Please read these terms and conditions carefully, as by accessing “Learn Cello from the Beginning!”, including accompanying documents and photographs, as well as the Tutorial Videos, you agree to these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions apply to Sets 1 and 2 of this online course.

The Cello Tutorial Videos, accompanying documents, and photographs, which comprise the online course, “Learn Cello from the Beginning!” are created by Melanie Jones, cellist, pianist and composer. All rights in and to such videos, documents and photographs (including all copyright) are the property of Melanie Jones. The videos, documents and photographs must not be used other than as permitted by Melanie Jones in writing. By accessing the videos, documents and photographs, you agree to the following:

All Cello Tutorial Videos, accompanying documents and photographs are for individual students of the Cello only, for their personal use, and are not for teachers, professional musicians, schools, groups of students, or any other type of institution. By accessing the Cello Tutorial Videos and/or accompanying documents and photographs, you agree not to use such videos, documents and photographs except as expressly permitted by me in writing.
The Cello Tutorial Videos, accompanying documents and photographs are being made available through Udemy (udemy.com) to what are called Students. This can be: the individual Student (if they are an adult) purchasing and learning from this online course, or a Parent/Guardian/Relative (if the Student is a child) where they are purchasing this online course on behalf of that Student. Udemy apply their own terms and conditions to the use of their website, which apply in addition to these terms and conditions. By accessing “Learn Cello from the Beginning!” consisting of the Cello Tutorial Videos, accompanying documents and photographs, you also agree to Udemy’s terms and conditions.
All Cello Tutorial Videos, accompanying documents and photographs (containing Melanie Jones’s personal image) attract copyright. All rights in and to the Cello Tutorial Videos, accompanying documents and photographs (containing Melanie Jones’s personal image) are reserved to Melanie Jones.
The copying, duplicating, downloading, redistribution, translation, adaptation, creation of derivative works based upon, and any other uses of, the Cello Tutorial Videos and accompanying documents and photographs, except as expressly permitted by Melanie Jones in writing, is prohibited, and by accessing the tutorial videos, documents and photographs you agree not to make any such uses of the tutorial videos, documents and photographs.
It is expressed within some of the Cello Tutorial Videos that Students/Parents or Guardians of Students can contact Melanie Jones by email should they have a question regarding learning the ‘Cello. A specific email address for this is provided on Melanie Jones’s website, www.cellointhepark.com, and Melanie Jones can also be contacted through this site. Good conduct is required of all Students and those connected to Students, should they need to contact Melanie Jones. Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviour includes behaviour which is abusive, harassment, discrimination, the non-acceptance of difference, behaviour which harms or is intended to harm, behaviour which is uncooperative, and showing a lack of respect. In 2017 Melanie Jones was diagnosed with Autism, and reading words can be challenging. Therefore, please be respectful and patient when contacting her. All emails will receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, although responses may not be immediate.
Please note that Melanie Jones has the right to block Students and those connected to Students, who engage in suspicious activity, constantly change their pledge, spam/copy/duplicate her posts, or violate any part of these terms and conditions.
All Students/Parents or Guardians of Students who are children undertake to follow all the advice given, whether in the Cello Tutorial Videos, the accompanying documents, this Agreement, or otherwise. Please note that the achievement of any particular result is not guaranteed, as becoming proficient in a musical instrument can involve an element of natural ability, however following the advice given will enhance your chances of becoming proficient. Please ensure that you conduct your activities with the ‘Cello in a safe manner. Be aware of where you are using the instrument, and of potential sources of injury or damage. Learning from the Cello Tutorial Videos, and Practice during the Student’s personal time, should be undertaken in a space suitable to move and play the ‘Cello without the risk of hitting other objects or people. The ‘Cello is a large and heavy instrument. You should be seated firmly on a chair of good strength. If you find it difficult to move and/or support the ‘Cello, please seek assistance from another person. The device upon which you view the Cello Tutorial Videos and photographs should be placed on a firm and level surface suitable to support the device, at a distance where you can safely view the video, but not one where your use of the ‘Cello and bow is likely to touch or knock that device. Similarly, the accompanying documentation should be placed on and read from a place where it can be seen, but from which it is not likely to fall, such as a stand for sheet music. Practice should be undertaken only for limited periods (please see below). Excessive practice can cause risk of injury. If you feel tired or sore, you should stop practising. Melanie Jones is not responsible should a Student overwork or hurt themselves through practising/playing the ‘Cello, or cause damage to their instrument, surroundings or any other person or thing. Regarding Solfa Singing, this must be carried out in small amounts of up to approximately 30 seconds, mostly. You must not overwork your voice/vocal cords, and ensure that you give your voice plenty of breaks. Singing outside of your comfortable voice/note-range can strain or even damage your voice. Therefore, you must not sing pitches/notes that are beyond what is comfortable for you personally. Simple vocal warm-up exercises should ideally be done prior to Solfa Singing regarding specific Tasks given within the Cello Tutorial Videos. If you have existing problems with your voice/vocal cords, you should avoid singing and seek professional help for advice before attempting to sing. (See the section titled, Practising and Learning, for more information on Solfa Singing.)

Practising and Learning:

A “Session” is a single amount of time dedicated to practising on the ‘Cello. At the Beginner level, a Session should not be longer than 10 minutes for students aged roughly 5 to 7 years, not longer than 15 minutes for students aged roughly 8 to 11 years, and not longer than 20 minutes for students aged roughly 12 years to adult. Taking short breaks within a Session (for example, 30 seconds) is recommended, because mental recovery as well as physical recovery is important.

It is recommended to repeat a Task several times (i.e. 3, 4 or 5 times), because repetition of a Task allows what is being covered to become more refined, and results in greater progress than doing that Task only once.

Students under 11 years old must have an adult relative/helper with them when beginning this online course. This is for setting-up the student’s space in which to learn and ensuring it is safe, learning to sit with the ‘Cello correctly, following/pausing/replaying parts of the Tutorial Videos, practising, and for support in general. Once the student has grasped sitting with the ‘Cello securely/methodically and has completed the Tasks given in at least several Cello Tutorial Videos, they may wish to then be left alone to learn and practise, once their learning/practising space has been correctly set-up.

For children, at least 4 x Sessions of practise per week is ideal in order to progress. Less than this amount will result in slower progress, and advice/instructions given within each Tutorial Video being less “fresh” in the student’s mind. For adults, at least 3 x Sessions of practise per week is ideal. One Session of practice per day is very good, and 2 x Sessions per day, with a break of at least 30 minutes between them, will enable greater progress. It is important to take breaks and not strain your body. It is not recommended practising for longer than the number of minutes specified above in a single Session. In addition, it is not ideal that the student does more than 2 x Practise Sessions per day at this level.

Please note: At the beginning stage of playing the ‘Cello, the body naturally “grips”, due to not being used to playing the ‘Cello. Some physical aching is normal due to specific muscles performing something specific that is new to the body. With time, the body gradually relaxes as it slowly becomes more accustomed to playing the instrument.

Each Cello Tutorial Video serves as a ‘Cello lesson on its own, therefore spending at least a week focusing on one Video is ideal for good progress. Focusing on more than 2 x Cello Tutorial Videos per week is not recommended, as this may be too much information for the student’s mind to process, and could result in too much physical work.

The student, or adult relative/helper with the student (if the student is a child) should first tune the ‘Cello with the help of my Tuning Video. This should be done immediately before the student begins learning from any Cello Tutorial Video. The instrument should also be tuned immediately before the student begins each Session of practise. With time, patience and perseverance, tuning the ‘Cello will become easier.

The student should begin from Cello Tutorial Video 1 and work through the videos in numerical order. In order to gain maximum benefit and understanding, the student should complete all Tasks and not skip any Tutorial Videos. I recommend Solfa Singing, because this develops an inner-hearing towards playing in tune sooner, increases confidence, makes playing the instrument physically easier, and increases the student’s overall Musicianship. Progress on the ‘Cello can be made without Solfa Singing, therefore the student can avoid Solfa Singing if they wish. For students who do engage in Solfa Singing, this is part of the student’s learning and practise. Solfa Singing (i.e. as a Task or part of a Task) should only last up to roughly 30 seconds at a time. (Please note that Solfa Singing may last a little longer than 30 seconds at a time with Tutorial Videos 25 to 30.) Solfa Singing, as a Task or part of a Task, can be repeated 3 to 5 times with breaks so that the student can recover mentally and physically. While Solfa Singing, the student must not strain or overwork their voice, sing within a note-range that feels comfortable to them personally, breathe when they need to, and sing at a speed/pace that is ideal for them. The Student should allow their voice to “grow” through their Solfa Singing, and this takes time. Simple vocal warm-up exercises are recommended prior to Solfa Singing, and these can be found on the internet demonstrated by professional vocalists in their videos. Students who have a problem with their voice, such as a sore throat, vocal cord injury or vocal cord dysfunction, must rest their voice and avoid Solfa Singing until their voice has recovered. If the student is unsure about the condition of their voice/vocal cords, they must seek professional advice before Solfa Singing.

Regarding watching and following my Cello Tutorial Videos, I recommend watching these from a computer monitor/laptop/iPad in order to gain maximum benefit, rather than the screen of a smaller device (such as a phone). This device should be directly in front of the Student who is learning. The Accompanying Documents should be firmly placed in an upright position and either directly in front of the Student, or slightly to the Student’s right. It is recommended to make sure these documents are kept flat (i.e. avoid folding them), and for them to be placed on a music stand. These documents ideally should be in view when the Student practises, however having these documents present during learning from the Tutorial Videos is optional.

Regarding audio, it is recommended to use separate speakers and, if possible, a subwoofer so that the student will hear all notes/pitches I play/sing in both the treble and bass ranges, while learning fro the Tutorial Videos. (I currently use Logitech speakers and a small subwoofer when teaching live over Skype, and these allow for an overall sound that is as good as a face-to-face lesson.) If the student must use headphones, these must be thin/small so that the left headphone does not crash into the C-String peg and compromise the posture of the student, and any cables must be long enough and placed correctly so that they do not interfere with the instrument or bow, or playing of the ‘Cello.

Solfa Singing:

Regarding Solfa Singing as a Task or part of a Task, this can be done:

1) During following a Cello Tutorial Video and with or without the instrument, or

2) Outside of following a Cello Tutorial Video during the Student’s personal practise

Ensure that your instrument is in tune and you are singing the correct pitches if you sing without the Cello Tutorial Videos.

Tuning the Cello and Applying Rosin to the Bow:

Ensure that your ‘Cello is tuned to the correct 4 pitches/notes demonstrated in my Tuning Video. Solfa Singing or humming the 4 pitches, as I advise and demonstrate within this video, will make the overall tuning process easier. This video is included with Sets 1 and 2.

The student, or adult relative/helper with the student (if the student is a child), should first tune the ‘Cello with the help of my Tuning Video. This should be done immediately before the student begins learning from any Cello Tutorial Video, and immediately before the student begins every Session of Practise. With time, patience and perseverance, tuning the ‘Cello will become easier.

Please see the video I have made for applying rosin to the bow. This is included with Sets 1 and 2 of this online course. It contains a demonstration on how to apply rosin to the bow safely (to avoid the rosin breaking, and to take care of the horse hair), advice on how often to apply it, and which brand I recommend.