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Early Exercises for the Cello

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Early Exercises for the Cello
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Early Exercises for the Cello helps beginning cello students build a stronger technique. The book helps you develop finger control and dexterity, while also teaching basic rhythm and bowing skills. ​Early Exercises covers only open string and first finger notes in the first pages before adding third and fourth fingers, and finally second finger, to the exercises. Teachers can use this book at the beginning of each lesson as a warm-up, as a supplement to cello methods.

Technical overview

Easy technique for beginning cello! Work on finger placement, string crossing, and more.

Level rubric

Early Beginner

Left Hand

  • Basic setup: open strings & 1st-finger in 1st position.
  • No shifting or extensions.
  • No vibrato; harmonics only as open-string effects.

Right Hand

  • Proper bow hold with straight strokes.
  • Basic détaché on open strings.
  • Mid‑bow focus; clean start/stop exercises.
  • Simple adjacent string crossings.

Bow Strokes

  • Détaché.
  • Stopped notes
  • Continuous string contact.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Simple rhythms (quarters, 8ths, repeated patterns).
  • Short pieces in 2/4 or 4/4.
  • Minimal phrasing (1–2 bars).
  • Steady dynamics for clear tone.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.