Information Sheet for an 11-year-old: 2Cellos (Luka Šulić & Stjepan Hauser) — Who They Are, Songs, How They Play + Fun Activities

Easy-to-read information sheet about 2Cellos for an 11-year-old: members, music style, famous covers, how they play the cello, fun facts, and step-by-step activities to listen, create, and learn.

2Cellos — Quick Info Sheet (for age 11)

Who are 2Cellos?

2Cellos is a musical duo made of two cellists from Croatia: Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser. Instead of only playing classical music, they make the cello sound like rock, pop, and movie music. They became famous after videos of them playing covers on YouTube went viral.

What do they play?

  • Famous covers: Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," U2's "With or Without You," and the "Game of Thrones" theme.
  • They mix classical pieces, pop, and rock songs. Often they make dramatic, exciting versions with two cellos.

How do they make the cello sound so different?

  1. Bowing: They use the bow to make long, singing sounds and short, punchy sounds.
  2. Pizzicato: Plucking the strings with fingers to make a guitar-like sound.
  3. Percussion on the cello: Tapping or hitting the body of the cello to make drum sounds.
  4. Effects and amplification: They use electric cellos or pickups and sometimes small effect pedals so the sound can be louder or distorted like an electric guitar.
  5. Arrangement: They divide the song into melody (main tune), harmony (supporting notes), and rhythm (beats). One cello may play the melody; the other plays rhythm or bass parts.

Achievements & Fun Facts

  • They became famous from YouTube videos that got millions of views.
  • They toured the world and played with big stars like Elton John.
  • They sometimes use electric cellos so they can get loud and use effects.
  • Luka and Stjepan started as classical players but loved rock and pop, so they combined styles.

How to Listen Like a Musician (simple steps)

  1. Find a 2Cellos video (for example, "Smooth Criminal" or "Thunderstruck").
  2. Listen once without looking — notice how it feels (exciting, calm, fast?).
  3. Listen again and try to pick out three things: the main tune, any tapping or drum-like sounds, and where the music gets louder or softer.
  4. Try to clap along with the beat.

Activities (fun and easy)

1) Listening Scavenger Hunt

Pick a 2Cellos video and try to find these things. Check them off:

  • ___ A part where they tap the cello like a drum
  • ___ A melody that you can hum
  • ___ A place where they get quieter (soft)
  • ___ A place where they get louder (loud)

Afterwards, write one sentence about your favourite moment.

2) Clap-the-Rhythm

Listen to 8 seconds of a 2Cellos song. Try to clap the rhythm you hear. Do it slowly:

  1. Tap your desk or clap along with the beat.
  2. Repeat 3 times, then try to speed up a little.
  3. If it’s hard, count: 1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and.

3) Make a Mini Cover (no cello needed)

Choose a short tune you know (a pop chorus, TV theme, or school song). Follow these steps:

  1. Pick the main tune (hum it or sing it).
  2. Decide the rhythm: will it be slow, fast, or bouncy?
  3. Find two roles (like 2Cellos): one person sings the tune, the other claps or taps a steady beat. If you have a toy or box, tap it as a drum.
  4. Try adding a simple harmony: the second person hums a lower note under the melody.
  5. Record on a phone (with permission) and listen back. What do you like? What could be changed?

4) Design a Stage

Draw a stage for 2Cellos. Think about lights, where the cellos sit, and what colours fit the music. Label your drawing: "lights," "amps," "drum tap spot," and "audience area."

5) Match the Song Game (quick)

Match these songs to the original artist or show (you can check online later):

  • "Smooth Criminal" — ___
  • "Thunderstruck" — ___
  • "Game of Thrones Theme" — ___
  • "With or Without You" — ___

Answers: Michael Jackson; AC/DC; TV show theme by Ramin Djawadi; U2.

Safety & Tips

  • If you try a real cello, always handle it gently and ask an adult or teacher for help.
  • Using devices to record or watch videos should be done with permission and for limited time.
  • Have fun experimenting — music is about trying new sounds!

Extra Challenge (for curious kids)

Try to write a 4-line verse of lyrics for one of the songs you like, or make a 10-second rhythm using only your body (claps, snaps, stomps). Share it with a friend or family member.

Want more? Ask me for a printable word search, a short quiz about 2Cellos, or step-by-step help making your own arrangement.

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