Curated OER
Meet the Instrument Families
Fourth graders listen to a recording of a string quartet and ask questions about what kinds of instrument they think they are listening to and describe what they think the instruments look like. Then they discuss musical ideas such as...
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Cello
A fantastic resource covering many aspects of the cello. Most explanations are made with video and audio clips of members of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Be sure to check out the players tips and tricks section.
Other
International Cello Society
A website devoted to the cello. Site appears to be very "open" to the non-member. Teachers and students will want to visit the Forum and Tips pages. Also, check out the MP3's!
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids
This interactive site offers students resource for learning about composers, their works, the logistics of orchestra seating, the functions of different instruments, and the like.
Other
Browser Archives
A comprehensive archive of links to versions of many different browsers. Current to 2005. This site is maintained by an international volunteer group primarily for professional web developers.
Other
University of Vermont: The String Pedagogy Notebook
A great resource for teachers, students, and performers of string instruments. Very indepth "how-to" descriptions, care information, procedural movies, and more.
Text Project
Text Project: Fyi for Kids: Vol. 3, Issue 12: Stringing Along [Pdf]
Read this magazine article to learn about string instruments such as the violin including how it is made, how it is played, and how it works.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Other
The Joy of Cello Playing
A great site with teaching examples, excerpts from his book and cartoons. Site promotes and endorses book, "The Joy of Cello Playing".
Other
Internet Cello Society: Luigi Boccherini, Cellist
This site contains an excellent biography on cellist and classical composer, Luigi Boccherini. Hyperlinks to additional information.
Other
Internet Cello Society: Portrait of Pablo Casals
A biography of the famous Spanish cellist, Pablo Casals. Of particular interest is the outstanding courage he displayed during the Spanish Civil War.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Yo Yo Ma, Master Cellist
This site explores the cello and the artistry of Yo-Yo Ma. Be sure to visit the suggested web sites, especially Yo-Yo's site at Sony.
Other
Making Music: Yo Yo Ma
This biography of cellist Yo-Yo Ma includes information on his albums and links to related topics. At the bottom of the webpage, there is a list of facts about the famous musician.
Other
Pay the Piper: The Cello
This website provides information on the cello for those students considering taking up a musical instrument. Includes information on playing, maintaining, and repairing the cello, and much more.
Other
Pay the Piper
A resource for children who want to play a musical instrument, and their parents, this website includes answers to such questions as "Where do you get lessons?" and "How much will a new instrument cost?" Also included are informational...
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listening Library
At this resource listen to a selection of audio clips that feature the works of a full range of composers and a full orchestra of instruments. Scroll down an alphabetical list to find the composer or instrument you want, then choose the...
Other
Unc Greensboro: Cello Music Collections
A site for cello scholars looking for original scores for Cello Music. Online descriptions will familiarize an aspiring cellist with the great works and famous composers. Some pieces can be ordered online. Links to related sites.
Other
Yo Yo Ma
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma's official website includes a biography, news and tour information, photos and much more. Of special interest is the section on the Silk Road Project, through which Yo-Yo Ma is examining, and bringing to a wide audience,...
Music Education
Learn About Instruments: Strings
Learn general information about various string instruments, including the viola and cello, and hear audio clips to hear what these instruments sound like when played.
New York Times
New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: Musical Instruments
An interactive and printable crossword puzzle developed by the New York Times Learning Network. The theme of this puzzle is Musical Instruments.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Cello
Read about the cello, the tenor member of the string family. Use Windows Media Player or RealAudio to listen to three samples if the cello on its own and with the orchestra. Pictures of the instrument are also provided.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aram Khachaturian
Visit this resource to learn about the life and works of Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978 CE), a Russian composer.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College: Montgomery Fellows: Yo Yo Ma
Here is a very brief biographical article on Yo-Yo Ma, which lists names of artists with whom he has collaborated and names some of the awards that he has earned.
Curated OER
Cello
Learn general information about various string instruments, including the viola and cello, and hear audio clips to hear what these instruments sound like when played.