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Playing the Cello, Book Two: Expanded Edition

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Playing the Cello, Book Two: Expanded Edition
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Playing the Cello, Book Two combines catchy, enjoyable songs with easy exercises to help the early-intermediate cello student play as much as possible. With exercises for agility and finger patterns, this book helps train students in essential technique, while at the same time introducing students to cello fiddle tunes, classical pieces, and folk melodies. The aim of Playing the Cello, Book Two is to help the student with reading and playing skills, developing fluency that can help them in playing orchestra or solo music. With its emphasis on playable, fun tunes, this is a great supplement to other methods or studies! With studies in first and fourth positions, as well as extended first position, this is a useful introduction to intermediate skills on the cello. This book can be studied in private lessons, in cello classes, or in mixed string classes, along with Playing the Violin, Book Two and Playing the Viola, Book Two. This book could be played after Playing the Cello, Book One and followed by Getting in Shape for Cello.

Technical overview

This fun intermediate string class solo book helps you learn cello in private lessons or 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.