The Folk Music Academy

About this course

The course is an introduction to Celtic cello, featuring 8 melodies from Ireland, Scotland, and England which are well-suited to the cello.

We will explore how to adapt fiddle melodies to cello, from bowing and ornamentation to how to make those tricky tunes that spend a lot of time on the E-string work in a more comfortable way!

We will also look into some basics of how to accompany, from different rhythmic techniques and chord voicings to some basic patterns for the most prevalent tune types.

Filmed by: Diego Bea Besada
edited by: Jens Linell

Teacher: Natalie Haas

Instrument: Cello

Countries: Ireland, Scotland, England

Musical forms: Celtic, Jig, Reel, Strathspey

Browse the 15 lessons

Introduction to Celtic Cello
Megan & Jarrod’s Waltz/Emerson’s
Folk Cello Crash Course For Classical Cellists
Chop Fundamentals For Cello
Reel backing
Jig Backing
Chord Voicings For Cello
March of the Mín a’ Toitean Bull
Dark Lowers the Night
Domhnall Dubh
Archibald MacDonald of Keppoch
The Rolling Waves
Elizabeth Kelly’s Delight
Pigeon on the Gate
Cobbler’s Hornpipe

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About Natalie Haas

Natalie is one of the most sought-after cellists playing traditional music today. Her skills as an educator make her one of the most in-demand teachers at fiddle camps across the globe. She also teaches privately, in workshops, and at Berklee College of Music in Boston,

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About the Cello

The cello, also known as violoncello, is a string instrument from the violin family. It is played by bowing, plucking, or occasionally hitting the strings. The instrument has a rich history in folk traditions and is often featured in various styles of music worldwide. In many cultures, the cello is used to play traditional songs and melodies, adding a unique and soulful sound to the music. The cello has four strings that are usually tuned in perfect fifths: C2, G2, D3, and A3. Music for the cello is typically written in the bass clef, although tenor and treble clefs may be used for higher-range passages.

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