A Comparison of Three Pedagogical Methods for Setting Cello Endpin Length

Abstract

In this two-part study I compared the endpin lengths and resulting cello setups produced by the Scroll to Nose Method, the Hand Span Method, and the Drop Method, and asked if height or gender affect endpin length. The endpin lengths produced by the three pedagogical methods were compared in part one. Participants (N=62) consisted of a convenience sample of adult volunteer students and faculty from a large comprehensive university school of music in the Midwest. Endpin lengths produced by the Scroll to Nose Method and the Drop Method were significantly longer than those produced by the Hand Span Method. There was also a significant interaction between pedagogical method and height. In part two I compared the cello setups resulting from the use of the three pedagogical methods. Participants (N=93) were string teachers responding to an online survey. Participants were asked to select pairs of pictures that, in their opinion, showed the best cello setup. Responses indicated an even split in the overall choice of the Scroll to Nose Method and the Drop Method.