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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Right from the Start

by Sheila Nelson

Instrumentation
Cello, Cello
Composed
2016
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes
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About this piece

Easy cello duets for beginning cellists

Technical overview

The book starts out with plucking and rests. Gradually adds in bow, fingered notes, and 8th notes.

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.

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