Conclusions
Coming back to my research question: “What are the effects that the practicing of exercises involving singing and playing has on cello playing?”, I can conclude that systematically practicing singing and playing over time helps developing musicianship skills creating a solid musical foundation that will favour the musical and instrumental growth of the individual.
If the singing is combined with playing and systematically practiced together, it will favour the development of deep coordination which is a necessary ability to deal with high levels of instrument playing.
When approaching a piece from the cello chamber and orchestral repertoire, singing and playing can be used as a tool to improve the playing in terms of physical relaxation on the instrument, intonation, colours and phrasing as well as a very efficient tool to get to know the musical context and role of the instrument in the ensemble.
I would like to conclude highlighting that the importance of singing should always be stressed in teaching. It is the teacher's responsibility not to neglet the development of musical skills, on top of instrumental skills, in order to foster the best possible environment for the student's musical growth.
“Real art is one of the most powerful forces in the rise of mankind, and he who renders it accessible to as many people as possible is a benefactor of humanity.”
-Zoltan Kodály
