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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Finger Exercises for the Cello, Book One

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Finger Exercises for the Cello, Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

This book of music exercises trains the first-year cello student's left hand in strength and agility using a closed first position. Intended to continue where Beginning Technique for the Cello (CHP110) finished, Finger Exercises also includes elementary double stop exercises to encourage correct left hand and finger alignment. This is not a book of calisthenic exercises away from the cello, but rather a set of music studies that can be played to prepare the cellist for the rigors of the cello repertoire. Intended for use with an instructor, this book could also be played by adult self-learners if they know the notes in closed first position on all four strings.

Technical overview

An essential beginning cello technique book that helps you play with faster fingers and better intonation in first position.

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

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