PHX Reporter

On February 5, 2025, a new educational tool known as the "Velcro Cello" was unveiled. This innovative instrument is designed to help students understand the intricate components of string instruments by allowing them to examine each part individually.

String instruments like the cello rely on various elements for their unique sound. The front and back are crafted from specific woods such as spruce and maple, contributing to resonance and structural integrity. Spruce is often used for its lightness and strength, while maple's density aids in sound production.

Critical unseen components include the sound post, which transmits vibrations from the bridge to the back, influencing tone and volume. Strings made of steel or gut vibrate at specific frequencies to create musical notes. These vibrations travel through the bridge to the body of the cello, resonating outward.

The bow is another essential component. Traditionally made from Pernambuco wood, it offers flexibility and strength. Horsehair stretched across the bow interacts with strings to produce sound, with angle, pressure, and rosin affecting this interaction.

The Velcro Cello aims to demystify these abstract concepts by transforming them into tangible experiences for students. It allows them to appreciate both music and its underlying science more deeply. The Phoenix Symphony utilizes this tool in its Mind Over Music collaborations to inspire future generations of music enthusiasts and scientifically curious individuals.

"The Velcro Cello allows students to examine these components individually," a spokesperson said, emphasizing how it enhances understanding of acoustics and engineering.