How can I become a better cellist?

Question:I am a beginner at playing the cello; I've played it for about six months now. I know practicing is a big part of becoming better, but what about doing that special hand movement that makes the notes...trill? Also, is there a really good way to tune the A string or do I just have to memorize what an in tune 'A' sounds like? Thanks! Any other tips/hints would be awesome.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am a beginner at playing the cello; I've played it for about six months now. I know practicing is a big part of becoming better, but what about doing that special hand movement that makes the notes...trill? Also, is there a really good way to tune the A string or do I just have to memorize what an in tune 'A' sounds like? Thanks! Any other tips/hints would be awesome.

The best way to become better at anything is to practice correctly. If you don't have a private teacher, they are extremely helpful. They will be able to show you how to play the best and make sure you are not practicing incorrectly. That 'special hand movement,' is probably vibrato. Vibrato is something that even professional musicians have to work on very hard. You should talk to either a private teacher (I can't stress how much they help!!) or an accomplished cellist for some exercise that will get you started. They are terribley hard to simply describe. As for tuning the A string, you will usually tune to another A, maybe on a piano, maybe from the concert master, maybe from a metronome that has it. Tuning is another thing that is hard to describe, as it is more important to describe with the actual sound.

Practice Practice Practice