Repertoire for Learning to Use Thumb Position
Note: while the thumb can be used anywhere, I prefer teaching thumb position starting on the mid-string harmonic. This doesn't put too much stress on the student's thumb and is easy to find. Starting at page 11 of Thumb Position for the Cello, Book One, the student is taught to use the thumb in a different place. These first pieces use a lot of thumb position on the mid-string harmonic but if they don't, they still use it in a logical, organized way.
Duport Sonata
This piece is incredible. This is the first piece that most of my students play that has thumb position in it. I have used it with countless students, as soon as they've learned the notes on the A and D strings using thumb position that starts on the mid-string harmonic.
However, it turns out that my very favorite piece for teaching thumb position is an old Russian edition that's completely unavailable to purchase here. Check out the file in this Russian library: Duport Sonata
Note: to download music from the RSL, set up an account here: https://passport.rsl.ru/register/form. Then, click the green down arrow (download button) at the top of the page of music and put your username (email) and password in. When the little box comes up, click the white button on the right (not the green button) and the file will download automatically.
However, it turns out that my very favorite piece for teaching thumb position is an old Russian edition that's completely unavailable to purchase here. Check out the file in this Russian library: Duport Sonata
Note: to download music from the RSL, set up an account here: https://passport.rsl.ru/register/form. Then, click the green down arrow (download button) at the top of the page of music and put your username (email) and password in. When the little box comes up, click the white button on the right (not the green button) and the file will download automatically.
Breval Concerto IIOne of the best teaching pieces for thumb position ever written. I know it's expensive; it's worth it. When your students are finished with this piece, they'll have a remarkable facility and thumb technique (along with proper supporting thumb position exercises). Three movements to better playing!
|
|
Breval Concerto IMore good thumb position work from Breval; this concerto is slightly more difficult than Concerto No. 2.
|
|
Duport Sonate IAnother great thumb position piece! This sonata, in G major, is only slightly more rhythmically challenging than the Breval Concertos but is at a similar level in thumb position.
|
|
Vandini SonatasI love the Vandini Sonatas for their use of basic thumb position. I always start with the G major sonata; the F major is more difficult.
|
|
Popper GavotteNot too difficult at all, especially for Popper! This Gavotte has thumb position and a really fun, ingenious set of high natural harmonics that students love to master. This piece sounds more challenging than it actually is.
|
|
Mozart SonataReally charming sonata that isn't too difficult! Great for musical students.
|
|
Telemann SonataThe Telemann Sonata in D major is basically a late-intermediate piece with a tiny bit of thumb position in the last movement.
|
|
