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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Book One

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Cello Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Improve on cello basics. Cello Book One helps beginning cellists play more fluently. Easy exercises are combined with famous themes from classical pieces (Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, Mozart's Alleluia, and more) to build valuable left and right hand skills and improve your overall playing ability. ​Teachers can use this book as a method or as a supplemental study book, especially with beginning students who know a few notes but need more work on note-reading. Cello Book One is an excellent companion to Knowing the Notes for Cello and Playing the Cello, Book One. This book is compatible with Viola Book One and Bass Book One for use in a low-strings class.

Technical overview

This fun beginning cello method helps you learn in private lessons or heterogeneous string classes.

Level rubric

Beginner

Left Hand

  • 1st position on all strings with fingers 1–4.
  • Understand whole/half steps
  • No shifting; notes stay in 1st position.
  • Focus on accurate finger placement.

Right Hand

  • Consistent détaché for simple melodies.
  • Extend bow (mid‑bow) on a straight path.
  • Introduce short (2–3 note) slurs.
  • Begin basic string crossings; occasional open‑string double stops.

Bow Strokes

  • Détaché and on‑string staccato.
  • Introduce simple legato (short slurs) and bow retakes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Simple rhythms with basic subdivisions.
  • Short phrases; limited dynamic contrasts; echo dynamics.
  • Develop a singing, accurate tone.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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