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Method
I have worked with cellists of all ages and abilities and have been developing my teaching method based on my experiences. I am glad to now be able to share it with other cellists and teachers, so they can have great learning experiences with quality materials. There are two series of books, one of children’s songs and the other of Western classical music. You can purchase the materials in my shop.
These method books are designed to be accessible to neurodiverse and neurotypical learners alike. A lot of care has been taken to ensure that the music is formatted so that it is clean and clear for all to read. The books are in PDF form and formatted for easy reading on a tablet and for printing on US-Letter or A4 paper. Mp3 audio examples are included with each book.
Children’s Songs
The method for learning children’s songs is designed for young children who are new to cello as well as those who would like a slow introduction to learning music by ear. The method has 3 books at the beginner level and students do not need to be able to read or write to use the method.
Books 2 and 3 are organized by pitch set. Each section has warm-ups, dictation exercises, songs, and a composition opportunity. The beginning of each book also has rhythm warm-ups and dictations.
Warm-Ups
Warm-ups are simple pitch and rhythm patterns intended to be played daily at the start of a practice session. They may be memorized as they become more familiar.
Dictation Exercises
The dictations included in this book combine elements of the warm-ups to create examples to practice note learning. The intention is to complete one dictation each day to hone listening and playing skills.
Songs
Once the warm-ups and dictations are mastered, the skills can be put to use in learning children’s songs. The songs included fit the pitch and rhythm parameters of the warm-ups and dictations so that note learning should not take long and time can instead be spent on enjoying the music.
Composition
The composition pages are for the student to make up their own song. After improvising on pitches and rhythms, their favorite combinations can be written down to create a melody, lyrics can be written, and a bassline to go along with it.
Children’s Songs for Beginner Cellists Books 1, 2, 3, and the teacher’s edition (including audio tracks) are all available for purchase in the shop.
The books contain:
– 16 warm-ups
– 58 dictation exercises
– 27 children’s songs
– 5 composition opportunities
Book 1
Book 1 focuses on the fundamentals of cello playing. Most of the activities are songs, but there also are some coloring pages and worksheets. Students learn how to hold the cello and bow, how to play open strings, the rhythms of 1 beat “Ta” and half a beat “Ti,” and how to set up the left hand on the cello.
Book 2
Book 2 focuses on playing the easiest of pentatonic songs. The book has three sections, each with a distinct pitch set: Do, Do Re Mi, and Do Re Mi So. The rhythms used throughout the book are Ta Ta and Ti Ti Ti Ti. All of the materials are in G major, but can be transposed to other keys as needed.
Book 3
Book 3 focuses on playing songs within one octave. The book has three sections, each with a distinct pitch set: Do, Do Re Mi Fa So, and Do to Do’ (1 octave scale). The rhythms used throughout the book are Ta Ta, Ti Ti Ti Ti, Ti Ti Ta, and Ta Ti Ti. All of the materials are in G major, but can be transposed to other keys as needed.
Western Classical Music
The method for learning Western classical music on cello is designed for adults as well as older children who are new to cello. Currently, there are 3 books at the beginner level, with intermediate and advanced books on the way. Sign up for my newsletter to stay informed on those releases.
Each book is organized by key. Each key has warm-ups, sight-reading exercises, pieces, and a composition opportunity. The beginning of each book also has rhythm warm-ups and sight-reading exercises.
Warm-Ups
Warm-ups are simple pitch or rhythm patterns intended to be played daily at the start of a practice session. They may be memorized as they become more familiar.
Sight-Reading Exercises
The sight-reading exercises combine elements of the warm-ups to create examples to practice note learning. The intention is to play only a couple different exercises once each day to hone reading and playing skills, not to practice the same exercises each day.
Pieces
Once the warm-ups and exercises of a certain meter and key are learned, the skills can be put to use in learning pieces of Western Classical Music. The pieces included fit the pitch and rhythm parameters of the warm-ups and exercises so that note learning should not take long and time can instead be spent on style and expression.
There are four pieces in each key (one in each meter), two for cello solo and two for cello duet. For the duets, the cello 2 parts is included in books 1 and 2 and the cello 1 parts are included in book 3. These pieces are not designed to be required materials, but to provide teachers and students with options for music to learn.
Compositions
Each key has a page for students to compose their own piece, if they’d like.
Western Classical Music for Beginner Cellists Books 1, 2, 3, and the scores (including audio tracks) are all available for purchase in the shop.
The beginner books contain:
– 70 warm-ups
– 560 sight-reading exercises
– 20 newly-composed cello solos
– 20 newly-composed cello duets
– 26 composition opportunities
Beginner Level
The beginner books have pitches within 1 octave in keys up to 2 sharps and 2 flats without accidentals, chromaticism, or key changes.
Rhythms in 2/4, 2/2, 3/4, and 6/8 meters are 1 beat, the first subdivision, as well as 2 and 3 beats without pickups, ties across a barline, tuplets, or meter changes.
Intermediate Level
Pitches from open C up to 2 full octaves in keys up to 3 sharps and 3 flats without key changes.
Rhythms in 2/4, 2/2, 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8 meters are 1 beat, the first subdivision, the second subdivision, as well as rhythms longer than a beat without tuplets or meter changes.
Advanced Level
Pitches from open C up to 3 full octaves in keys up to 4 sharps and 4 flats.
Rhythms in 2/4, 2/2, 4/4, 3/4, 6/4, 3/8, 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8 meters are 1 beat, the first, second, and third subdivisions, as well as rhythms longer than a beat.
Also available: sheet music, music by underrepresented composers, and cello lessons for learners and teachers.