Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

12 Easy Exercises, Op. 18

by William Henry Squire

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
Stainer & Bell (H308); first published by Augener (Edition No. 7780)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Twelve short studies for unaccompanied cello by the English cellist W. H. Squire, set out in progressive keys. Each one works on a single bowing or rhythm pattern, which makes them easy to assign alongside pieces. Retailers list the Stainer & Bell edition for ABRSM Grades 3 and 4 and Trinity Grade 5.

Technical overview

They move through C, F, G, B-flat, D, E-flat and A major and their relative minors, in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8. The early ones stay in first position with extensions; later ones shift up to fourth position on the A string. Patterns include slurred sixteenths, dotted rhythms, staccato and détaché.

Technical focus

  • Accidentals
  • Detaché
  • Dotted Rhythms
  • Extensions
  • Hooked Bowings
  • Legato
  • Shifting
  • Staccato
  • String Crossings

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.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us