As a musician and educator, I believe having the right resources is key to growth and excellence. Below is a collection of foundational materials I recommend for lessons and practice, linked to Amazon for easy access. Purchases through these links earn me a small commission as an Amazon Associate, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my teaching studio!
Cello
Essential Elements For Strings Method Books
Essential Elements for Strings - Book 1 (cello) is a beginner level method book designed to teach fundamental cello techniques.
Essential Elements for Strings - Book 2 (cello) builds on Book 1 with more advanced techniques, extended range, new rhythms and ensemble playing skills.
Essential Technique for Strings - Book 3 (cello) introduces higher positions, shifting techniques, advanced bowing styles, and vibrato. It also introduces tenor clef.
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Strictly Strings Method Books
Strictly Strings - Book 1 (cello) is a beginner method book focusing on note reading, basic technique, and ensemble playing.
Strictly Strings - Book 2 (cello) continues the beginner method introduced in Book 1 and introduces new notes, rhythms, and keys.
Strictly Strings - Book 3 (cello) advances students into more complex technique, including shifting, new positions, and expressive playing.
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All For Strings Method Books
All for Strings - Book 1 (cello) teaches the basic of playing, including posture, note reading, rhythm, and simple ensemble pieces-ideal for beginners.
All for Strings - Theory Workbook 1 (cello) introduces basic music theory concepts like note names, rhythms, key signatures, and musical symbols.
All for Strings - Book 2 (cello) builds on the basics with new keys, rhythms, and bowing techniques to develop stronger musical and technical skills.
All for Strings - Book 3 (cello) introduces shifting, advanced bowing styles, and expressive playing to prepare students for intermediate-level performance.
All for Strings - Theory Workbook 2 (cello) builds on the first workbook with more advanced theory including new keys, intervals, and more complex rhythms.
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Suzuki Cello School
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 1: Cello Part introduces basic cello skills through easy pieces, emphasizing learning by ear and building technique.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 2: Cello Part builds on the skills from Book 1, introducing more advanced technique and a wider variety of pieces.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 3: Cello Part emphasizes the development of shifting techniques, especially to the third and fourth positions, while introducing several major and minor scales along with trill exercises.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 4: Cello Part introduces advanced techniques, including shifts to higher positions using the tenor clef and two-octave major and melodic minor scales.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 5: Cello Part delves deeper with advanced compositions in a minor key, employs the tenor clef, and brings together various skills introduced in the first four volumes.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 6: Cello Part employs the use of thumb position. A few staples from the cello repertoire are found within such as The Swan by Saint-Saëns and the Vivaldi Double Concerto.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 7: Cello Part focuses on further refinement of technique, with an emphasis on expression, vibrato, and dynamic control. Includes Gavotte by Popper.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 8: Cello Part includes advanced pieces such as Allegro Appasionato by Saint-Saëns, Élégie by Fauré, and Scherzo by Daniël van Goens. Suzuki recommends the entire Suite No. 1 by J. S. Bach be complete by the end of this volume.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 9: Cello Part and Piano Accompaniment features the complete Haydn's Cello Concerto in C Major. This edition offers both the cello and piano parts.
Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 10: Cello Part and Piano Accompaniment is the last volume in the series and presents the complete Boccherini Cello Concerto in B-flat Major with cadenzas by Grützmacher. This edition offers both the cello and piano parts.
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Schroeder 170 Foundation Studies
170 Foundation Studies, Vol. 1 is a classic collection of études that build strength, technique, and precision for advancing cellists.
170 Foundations Studies, Vol. 2 is a continuation of essential études that deepen technique, accuracy, and expressive control.
170 Foundation Studies, Vol. 3
is the final volume in the series that includes focused, demanding studies to polish technique and musical expression.
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Other Cello Method Books And Solo Collections For Individual Or Ensemble
Sound Innovations - Book 1 (cello) teaches beginning cello fundamentals such as how to hold the instrument, read music, and play simple pieces with an easy-to-follow approach.
Sound Innovations - Book 2 (cello) builds on the basics from Book 1 with new notes, keys and rhythms, while developing tone, technique, and ensemble skills for more confident playing.
Habits of a Successful String Musician (cello) teaches cello basics through over 200 short exercises, building solid technique and musicianship for beginners.
Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician (cello) builds intermediate skills with exercises on shifting, finger patterns, tone, and rhythm to deepen technique and musicality.
CelloMind is a method book by Hans Jørgen Jensen and Minna Rose Chung that focuses on improving intonation and left-hand technique.
Cello Solos: Everybody's Favorite Series, Volume 40 is a collection of easy to intermediate classical pieces for piano and cello.
Solos for the Cello Player by Otto Deri is a compilation of intermediate level cello and piano pieces ideal for recitals and study.
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Position Pieces and Thumb Position For Cello By Rick Mooney
Position Pieces for Cello - Book 1 by Rick Mooney teaches shifting through short, melodic pieces and introduces 2nd to 4th positions, helping students build confidence beyond first position.
Position Pieces for Cello - Book 2 continues with shifting into 5th to 7th positions, using melodic studies to strngthen accuracy and fluency in higher positions.
Thumb Position for Cello - Book 1 by Rick Mooney introduces thumb position with clear, musical exercises and short pieces that make learning this advanced technique approachable and fun.
Thumb Position for Cello - Book 2 builds strength and skill in thumb position with more challenging pieces and exercises, helping advanced students gain confidence and control.
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Books For Cello By Cassia Harvey
Early Exercises for the Cello by Cassia Harvey is a great set of short exercises for the beginning cellist. From open string crossings to finger control.
Knowing the Notes for Cello is another great beginner book that introduces the notes in first position and eventually adds extended first. Excellent for reinforcing note-reading.
Fourth Position Study Method for the Cello is for those looking to get out of first position and go higher up in the register. Works on shifting technique as well as extended fourth position.
is great for the cellist just starting to learn tenor clef. Included is a comparison between bass and tenor clef as well as where on the staff each note is located. This is for the intermediate cellist.
Beginning Technique for the Cello introduces exercises designed to strengthen your fingers and improve speed. Additionally, the bowing exercises focus on rhythms and enhancing bow control, concluding with essential scale studies.
is another good book for learning clefs, this time for the treble clef that we all must eventually learn. Even if you already know how to read treble, this book will show you where on the cello these notes occur.
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Scale Books For Cello
Scale and Arpeggio Album for the Violoncello has been my go-to scale book since high school. Everything is labeled clearly for easy identification. Includes the chromatic scale, octaves, sixths, and thirds in all keys.
The Art of Scales is an essential scale book for students that teaches scales and arpeggios using accelerated patterns, rhythmic variations, octaves, thirds, and even tenths.
Technical Studies for the Violoncello Vol. 1 by Klengel is an excellent resource for scales, arpeggios, and thirds. It even has exercises for thumb placement and double stops.
Violoncello Technique by Mark Yampolsky presents a comprehensive study of scales and arpeggios, featuring a variety of bowed, fingered, and rhythmic combinations.
The Two Octaves Book for Cello by Cassia Harvey is a good book for late beginner/intermediate cellists looking to study their major and minor two octave scales, arpeggios, and broken thirds.
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Advanced Étude And Technique Books For Cello
High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73 (40 Études) by Popper is arguably the most popular collection of études for cello. These études emphasize different technical elements of cello playing. TMEA uses Popper every year in their Region and All-State auditions.
12 Caprices for Violoncello, Op. 25
by Piatti are designed for advanced cello studies, presenting challenges in both technique and expressiveness.
40 Easy Etudes for Violoncello, Op.70 by Sebastian Lee is a collection of forty exercises aimed at establishing a solid foundation in cello technique. Some of these are found in Schroeder's 170 studies series.
by Duport are essential for developing cello technique, particularly in bowing and fingering.
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Accessories For Cello
D'Addario Clip-On Tuner for Cello is a great clip-on tuner for accurate tuning without marring the delicate finish of the instrument.
Portable Sheet Music Stand is used to hold up your sheet music during practice sessions. Portable and collapsible for easy transport.
D'Addario Cello Rosin is the sticky substance made from tree sap that is applied to the bow hair to enhance grip and help produce a clear sound.
D'Addario Rosin Guard is a great accessory for keeping your rectangular rosin in tip top shape and provides shock absorption if dropped.
Korg TM-60 Combo Tuner Metronome is perfect for those of you who don't want to clip anything to your instrument when tuning. Built in chromatic tuner and metronome.
Adjustable Folding Cello/Bass Stand is a fantastic choice for storing your cello without its case. I believe that having the cello readily available promotes frequent practice than when it's stored away.
CelloPhant Bow Grip by Things4Strings is a patented accessory for beginners that helps to stabilize and shape the right-hand bow hold. Installs in seconds and does no damage to the bow. Comes in several fun colors.
Four-piece Cello Endpin Anchor Set is a great set of endpin stoppers and protectors. If you want to protect your floors at home or need more stability while playing, a rock stop or strap is a must-have.
Tourte Style Cello Mute (for orchestra and solo) is a piece of rubber that gently clips onto the bridge and dampens the sound of the cello by absorbing some of the vibrations. If you see the words "con sord." in your music, you need a mute! This is the mute you would use in orchestra.
Practice Mute for Cello differs from a standard cello mute. It is made from a thicker piece of rubber specifically designed to greatly lower the volume, allowing you to practice without disturbing anyone. This makes it ideal for late-night sessions or practicing in hotels or apartments.
Wolf Tone Eliminator 12mm Tube is a brass tube that sits between the bridge and tailpiece, mostly on the G string. Many good cellos have wolf tones. If you bring an eliminator to your lesson, I can track down the location of the wolf tone and install this for you.
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Piano
Faber Piano Adventures
My First Piano Adventure for the Young Beginner Lesson and Writing Book A (two pack) is the introductory level in the Piano Adventures series, designed for students aged 5 to 6. This set teaches directional note reading, basic rhythm patterns, and early technique.
Piano Adventures Primer Level (four pack) is the starting point for many beginners ages 7-11 and builds reading on the Grand Staff with basic rhythms. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 1 (four pack) is the next set of books after the Primer level and expands upon note reading and harmonization. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 2A (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 1 and introduces major and minor five-finger scales and eighth notes. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 2B (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 2A and continues with one-octave scales and chords. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 3A (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 2B and expands into pedaling and advanced rhythms. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 3B (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 3A and transitions into intermediate playing with sixteenth notes and minor scales. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 4 (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 3B and delves deeper into advanced key signatures and chord analysis using Roman Numerals. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.
Piano Adventures Level 5 (four pack) is the final collection of books following Level 4, completing the Basic Piano Adventures method. Introduces the circle of fifths and two-octave arpeggios. The four core books in this set include Lesson, Theory, Performance, and Popular Repertoire.
Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1 is a great method for the beginning or returning adult student ages 18+ that offers technique and theory.
Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 2 is the follow-up to Book 1. After the completion of Books 1 and 2, Faber suggests moving over to Level 3B in the Basic Piano Adventures series.
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Bastien Piano Basics
Bastien Piano Basics for the Young Beginner and Theory & Technic Primer A (two pack) serves as the starting point in the Piano Basics series, tailored for students aged 5 to 6. This collection starts with pre-staff notation and advances to reading on grand staff.
Bastien Piano Basics Primer Level (four pack) serves as an excellent foundation for all beginners aged 7-11, utilizing pre-staff notation before transitioning to the grand staff. The four core books in this set include Piano, Theory, Technic, and Performance.
Bastien Piano Basics Level 2 (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 1, introducing one-octave scales, primary chords, triads and inversions, 6/8 time, and the keys of D, A, and E. The four core books in this set include Piano, Theory, Technic, and Performance.
Bastien Piano Basics Level 3 (four pack) is the next set of books after Level 2, covering relative minor scales, triplets, and the chromatic scale. The four core books in this set include Piano, Theory, Technic, and Performance.
Bastien Piano Basics Level 1 (four pack) is the next set of books after the Primer level that starts with simple pieces in the C position and introduces five-finger positions for C, F, and G. The four core books in this set include Piano, Theory, Technic, and Performance.
Bastien Piano Basics Level 4 (four pack) is the final collection of books following Level 3. Includes sixteenth notes, dotted eighth notes, syncopation, and grace notes. The four core books in this set include Piano, Theory, Technic, and Performance.
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Additional Piano Books
The Young Pianist, Op. 823 (Complete) by Czerny is an excellent book filled with several reference materials for piano as well as progressive exercises/pieces using a variety of tempos and styles.
Junior Hanon is a compilation that includes the entirety of Book 1 along with selected excerpts from Books 2 and 3 of Hanon's Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises. The book design is tailored to seem less intimidating for younger students.
The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises by Hanon is a set of sixty exercises aimed at enhancing finger agility and strength, along with improving wrist flexibility.
Preparatory Exercises, Op. 16 by Schmitt is designed to enhance finger independence and facilitate thumb crossing. It also features an appendix by A. Knecht, which includes scales and arpeggios in every key.
Classics to Moderns in the Intermediate Grades (Music for Millions, Vol. 37) is a compilation of 115 original piano works by a variety of composers. These were edited and compiled by Dr. Denes Agay.