Teaching Cello: The Steps

Cello teaching can be broken down into six steps or levels. Beginning with first position, progressing to shifting, tenor clef, then thumb position and advanced skills, the cello teacher can guide their students to an expert level by using a carefully chosen mix of methods, technique and exercises, etudes, duets, and repertoire.

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Step One: Teaching First Position

• Methods
• Exercises
• Etudes
• Duets
• Pieces

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Step Two: Starting Shifting

• Methods/Exercises
• Etudes
• Duets
• Pieces
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Step Three: Building Intermediate Skills

• Methods/Exercises
• Etudes
• Duets
• Pieces​

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Step Four: Starting Thumb Position

• Exercises
• Etudes
• Duets
• Repertoire and Pieces
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Step Five: Building Advanced Skills

• Exercises
• Etudes
• Duets
• Pieces
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Step Six: Refining Advanced Skills

• Exercises
• Etudes
• Duets
• Pieces
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