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Third Position for the Cello, Book One

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Third Position for the Cello, Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

This is a method book that teaches third position on the cello. The book pairs short exercises with pieces, teaching specific concepts on every page. Beginning with closed third position and continuing to extended third position, the exercises and pieces reflect a strong emphasis on shifting. Teachers can assign Third Position for the Cello to their students, along with Fourth Position for the Cello and Second Position for the Cello, as part of a guided regimen of position training.

Technical overview

This intermediate cello method helps you learn to read cello third position notes and learn how far to shift.

Level rubric

Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Fluent in positions 1–4 with confident shifts & reliable intonation.
  • Introduce 5th position via scales/études.
  • Learn tenor clef for higher passages.
  • Early exposure to thumb position basics.
  • Refine combined shifting & extensions.
  • Advance double stops (two‑note chords).
  • Refine vibrato for expressive shaping.

Right Hand

  • High control over multiple bow strokes.
  • Advanced spiccato for fast passages; reliable sautillé.
  • Apply martelé at frog and mid‑bow.
  • Execute rapid string crossings with minimal arm movement.
  • Adjust contact point to modulate tone.
  • Introduce complex bow patterns & chord rolling.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Faster tempos & varied meter challenges.
  • Tackle compound meters, intricate ornaments & syncopation.
  • Deepen expressive phrasing; analyze piece structure.
  • Clear dynamic contrasts; introduce slight rubato.
  • Enhance ensemble sensitivity.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.