Book 1
Book 1 is ideal for getting young beginners off to a flying start. The early part of the book can be used flexibly, accommodating the approach preferred by the teacher and suited to the progress of the student. Learning areas may be introduced separately and combined when ready.
- Reading rhythms
- Bowing
- Using left hand fingers
- Pitch notation
Rhythm exercises are used before any pitch notation. Rhythms may be clapped or played, bowed or plucked, on open strings or using fingering. Left hand fingers may be introduced in the order preferred, using the rhythms to develop finger skill and strength.
Major scales and arpeggios are played starting on an open string. Many short, easy tunes gradually introduce reading and playing with all fingers on each string (fingers 1,3 & 4 for cello)
Book 2
Book 2 starts with D string tunes to consolidate reading skills and provide the most comfortable pitch for singing. Students progress from one-string tunes to two-string tunes. The book introduces slurs, simple dotted rhythms and dynamics. There is a page of bowing variations with rhythms and bowings to apply to a scale, arpeggio or melody. Ensemble playing is brought in with canons and rounds.
Book 3
Book 3 introduces more complex tunes within an octave. It further explores intervals across adjacent strings and introduces semiquavers, staccato bowing, low second finger notes and major scales and arpeggios starting on the third finger (cello fourth finger).
More duets, canons and rounds extend experience in ensemble playing.
Simple harmonics and tunes in 6/8 are included. A bowing variations page has new rhythms and bowings.