When I first began to learn the cello, I was surprised how little practice I was expected to do . OK, it's awkward to hump around, but it is incredibly comfortable to sit at. I try to play as much as possible with my students, as I find this helps with rhythm and intonation, and removes some of the isolation one feels when you're sitting in a room on your own practising.

I try to get my students to set aside a certain amount of time a day to practise the basics, maybe 15 minutes or so, as regularly as possible. This is akin to warming up when you're preparing for a marathon, or even just a jog! Once you have the beginnings of your technique ready, and  it doesn't take long, you're ready for your journey into a whole world of new sounds.

One of the great joys about the cello is that it won't be long before you are able to play with amateur orchestras or chamber groups.