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Cello Repertoire Initiative

The Shifting Book for Cello, Book One

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of The Shifting Book for Cello, Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

This book explores a variety of shifting styles with short, intense studies. Once the positions have been learned, cellists can use this book as daily shifting practice that can improve muscle memory. The Shifting Book for Cello, Book One, includes studies in first through fifth positions.

Technical overview

This intermediate cello technique book gives you a variety of shifting exercises to improve accuracy and muscle memory.

Technical focus

  • Shifting

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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