Skip to content

My Cello Tunes

by Andrew Toovey

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
1990
Duration
5'

Purchase or download

About this piece

Short, fun tunes for beginning cellists.

Technical overview

Pieces have some variance in level. All pieces can be played in 1st positions. Some pieces are pizz-only, while others utilize the bow. Most pieces are in duple meter, but a couple of the works include 8th-note triplet figures.

Level rubric

Beginner

Left Hand

  • 1st position on all strings with fingers 1–4.
  • Understand whole/half steps
  • No shifting; notes stay in 1st position.
  • Focus on accurate finger placement.

Right Hand

  • Consistent détaché for simple melodies.
  • Extend bow (mid‑bow) on a straight path.
  • Introduce short (2–3 note) slurs.
  • Begin basic string crossings; occasional open‑string double stops.

Bow Strokes

  • Détaché and on‑string staccato.
  • Introduce simple legato (short slurs) and bow retakes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Simple rhythms with basic subdivisions.
  • Short phrases; limited dynamic contrasts; echo dynamics.
  • Develop a singing, accurate tone.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.