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Can you turn a cello to a violin? And other fun musical questions with Amanda Keesmaat, professional cellist!
02/16/2026
Can you turn a cello to a violin? And other fun musical questions with Amanda Keesmaat, professional cellist!
In this incredible episode, Finnegan welcomes his cello-playing friend Brianna as a co-host. Together, they interview the super-talented, super-fun, professional cellist - Amanda Keesmaat! Listen in as they explore: 🎻 What a professional musician actually does Amanda explains what it means to be a professional musician - she plays cello in orchestras, makes videos, records music, travels for concerts, does admin work, and practices… a LOT! 🎒 How Amanda became a professional cellist She began cello at age 4 - after stealing her brother’s violin! From there years of practices, studying, and building relationships led her to stages across the world! 🎤 Performing on stage Even the very best musicians - like Amanda - get nervous and make mistakes. The trick: keep going! Playing for others can feel amazing. 🎼 How orchestras work Did you know musicians get their music WAYYYY in advance of their shows? Its up to them to perfect their pieces before they come together to practice, practice, practice. No showing up last minute and not prepared. 💿 How a music CD gets made It takes months to make a CD. Musicians pick music, rehearse, record for days, edit tracks, add artwork to produce amazing sountracks. 🎧 Video game music Amanda (and her husband Sean!) have performed for the Assassin’s Creed video games. Yes - real instruments and voices are behind those cool game soundtracks! 💡 Amanda’s Advice for Kids Practice every day - you always get out what you put in! Music is everywhere: TV, movies, commercials, games. So keep learning- there are so many fun music jobs out there! 🎉 Favourite Moments Brianna calling the cello a “zello” when she first started Listening to Amanda play an amazing piece of music! Amanda describing trying to play her cello with a violin bow (spoiler: it did NOT work) Realizing Amanda is neighbours with a famous children’s author! Stay tuned for the next Finnegan's Finn-tastics adventure! 🎧✨
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