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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Getting in Shape for Cello

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Getting in Shape for Cello
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Getting in Shape for Cello, combines warm-up exercises with lively pieces at a second-year playing level. Each exercise and song is included as version A for lower level players and as version B for higher level players. Both version A and version B can be played together, allowing students of different levels to play and learn together in the same class. The book can be used as part of a string class, in conjunction with Getting in Shape for Violin, Getting in Shape for Viola, and Getting in Shape for Bass.

Technical overview

This intermediate cello exercise book helps you play better in heterogeneous string classes.

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.

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