I am a self proclaimed novice (as stated above), and I am seeking a instructor (wow, the redundancy is astounding!) in the Jacksonville, Florida area. If that cannot be done, I will ask any advice the lovely community of the 8notes cello forum can provide for me to begin some self study. I really only have a little experience learning an instrument (saxophone) and that was just me blowing hot air (literally).

There should be plenty of teachers of stringed instruments there in Jacksonville. That is my home town and there used to be an excellent program there in the schools. I say used to be because it has been quite a few years for me but then there was a junior symphony for middle school students to high school age. There also is the Jacksonville symphony where there are probably quite a few of the players that give lessons. I write my old cello teacher there regularly and he might know someone there since he was the principal cellist in the Jax symphony for many years. I can ask him if you would like.

Also most music stores would have a list of musicians that give lessons.
Bob

I am nowhere near Florida, but I have played cello for three years and could instruct you on the basic/intermediate cellist skills. I could send you pictures on the proper way to hold your bow and fingers and I could send you pieces of music. Good luck, though!

Me Too! I just got mine (as in just walked in the door with it an hour ago). I know music (guitar, piano, and sax) well enough to pick it up and make out a melody on it, but anyone who wants to help me along the way, by all means! Be my friend! HAHAHA... I'm thinking I should spend at least a week becoming comfortable with it, then really read up on technique and seek advice to get better tone and whatnot. For the time being, I'll just be feeling around to try and find the notes... I might opt for one or two lessons down the rode, but I want to get to the point first where I know what to ask and can get the most out of them.

I don't play the cello, but I've been learning the violin on my own for about 3 months now. I am using the Ebaru books (ebaru.com) -yes they are written for children and look childish but the explainations are very detailed and they come with cd so you can hear what you should sound like. I hd tried other methods before (including lessons but I live in the boonies and the lessons weren't very good) and since I've been using Ebaru my sound is much better (so have commented my musical children)- Anyhow all this to say that they have cello series too. I highly recommend the violin books for a beginner, but haven't used the cello books- I would assume though that they would be just as good.

Good luck in your endeavour!