Cello Book Views
Despite the early frustrations that came with taking up the cello at age 51, I continue studying, practicing, and playing. Ii'm now a member of a cello choir in Vermont (4th chair and happy to be there), and I was recently invited to play in a string quartet in New York. I owe this all to the book, Cellist, that Piatigorsky wrote over 40 years ago. His words not only inspired me, they were the guide I followed in bringing his story to life.
The Sassmannshaus Tradition, Early Start on the Cello, Vol. 1 is beautifully illustrated by Charlotte Panowsky, giving it the feel of a children's book. As stated on the cover page, it is A cello method for children age four and up . However, due to the illustrations and the oversized staff and notes, I wouldn't recommend the first volume for older students or adult beginners. In fact, the upper age limit would probably be seven or eight years of age. From the first volume, it is clear that the emphasis of this series is on note reading from the very beginning of study. This volume starts with simple rhythmic patterns on open strings and progresses through string crossings, third finger, the triad, first finger, string crossings, fourth finger, accidentals, scales on two strings, stroke patterns, slurs, and portato. In short, it is a wonderful volume for very young cello students. Beginning Level
The Sassmannshaus Tradition, Early Start on the Cello, Vol. 3 is meant to be a supplement to volume two. The third volume is comprised primarily of duets and reinforces concepts and finger patterns learned in volume two. I like that it emphasizes half steps between the third and fourth fingers, first and second fingers, and second and third fingers. This will help the student with finger spacing issues on the cello (i.e. the different half steps feel differently in the hand). Other new concepts are introduced such as ornaments, triplets, minor keys, and half position. This volume could also be used as a stand alone book to enable a young cello student to become fluid in the first position. The duets between teacher and student also help with ensemble playing. Late Beginning Level
Position Pieces for Cello by Rick Mooney A helpful book to take students from second through fourth positions. There is also a section covering half position. Each section begins with a target practice to find the position on the fingerboard, using open stings as a reference. Each piece is composed as a duet with an accompaniment part for the teacher, which is great for ensemble playing and intonation. Beginning-Early Intermediate Level
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