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The Blackberry Blossom Book for Cello

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of The Blackberry Blossom Book for Cello
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Are you ready for a new collection of energetic, catchy fiddle tunes? The Blackberry Blossom Fiddle Book for Cello is here! This book has tunes and harmonies you will hum through the rest of the day and can give you a new reason to get excited about playing the cello! Perfect for in-person and remote private (or group) lessons, string ensembles of any combination, or impromptu chamber music parties, this book (along with the violin, viola, bass, and optional piano books) gives you eleven “mix-and-match” fiddle arrangements to play, along with short preparatory warm-up exercises. Each tune has four options so musicians at different levels can play together: an Advanced Melody, a Stress-Free Melody, a Basic Harmony, and a Teacher Harmony. You can warm up with the exercises, try the Stress-Free Melody, and then work towards the Advanced Melody. The Blackberry Blossom Fiddle Book for Cello can be played in a group or group class with the violin, viola, bass, and piano books; all of the tunes can be learned and played together as duets, trios, or in groups of any size. This cello fiddle book is entirely in first position, in the keys of D and G and will get your toes tapping and your fingers fiddling! Co-written by Cassia Harvey and Myanna Harvey.

Technical overview

Multi-level string classes can now learn fiddle tunes together, at the same time!

Level rubric

Early Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Regular shifting among 1st–4th positions.
  • Frequent shifts with target notes & prepared approaches.
  • Introduce ornamentation (grace notes, slow trills, turns).
  • Begin basic double stops (often with one open note).
  • Combine extensions with shifting.
  • Consistent vibrato on sustained notes with speed variations.

Right Hand

  • Bow arm gains finesse and speed.
  • Introduce controlled spiccato.
  • Sautillé appears in rapid passages.
  • Expand legato into longer, sustained lines.
  • Practice advanced articulations (martelé, refined string crossings).
  • Add complex strokes for double stops/chords.

Bow Strokes

  • Use context‑appropriate strokes: legato, spiccato, martelé.
  • Subtle bow changes during string crossings.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased challenges: sixteenths, dotted rhythms, syncopation, contrasting subdivisions.
  • Emphasize expression with crescendos/decrescendos & vibrato.
  • Balance technical precision with emotional delivery.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.