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Learning the Cello, Book Two

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Learning the Cello, Book Two
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Learning the Cello, Book Two continues the popular string method presented in Learning the Cello, Book One. Besides extensive work in note-reading on all four strings, techniques such as string crossing, slurs, extensions, rhythms, and both right and left-hand agility are taught. This book can be studied in private lessons, in single-string classes, or in mixed-string classes, along with Learning the Violin, Book Two, and Learning the Viola, Book Two. This book could be studied along with Cello Book One.

Technical overview

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

Level rubric

Late Beginner

Left Hand

  • Mostly 1st position with small extensions.
  • Early shifting to 2nd/3rd positions.
  • Controlled vibrato on sustained notes.

Right Hand

  • Expanded bow technique for faster passages & wider dynamics.
  • Longer slurs (3–4 notes).
  • Hooked bowing for dotted rhythms.
  • Practice basic martelé accents.
  • Increase speed in string crossings with minimal arm movement.

Bow Strokes

  • Standard détaché; add staccato, martelé, short slurs, hooked strokes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Incorporate dotted figures, compound meters (6/8), triplets & syncopation.
  • Develop subdivision sense; introduce rubato in small measures.
  • Slightly longer phrases.
  • Introduce basic dynamic shading.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.