Beginner's Guide to the Cello v. 2 Cover Image

Beginner's Guide to the Cello v. 2: Cello Book

$12.99 USD
$12.99 USD
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Beginner's Guide to the Cello v. 2 Cover Image
Beginner's Guide to the Cello v. 2: Cello Book

Beginner's Guide to the Cello v. 2: Cello Book

By Francis Grant

Grade: 1

Item: 36-10300122
$12.99
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Description
The objective of the Beginner's Guide to the Cello is to provide interesting material with which the conscientious teacher can "build" a cellistic posture of the hands and body and lay the groundwork for future development. Specific requirements of a technical nature, such as playing in the various parts of the bow and holding the fingers in place, have been omitted for several reasons. First, to present a clear and uncluttered page, which is a primary obligation in writing for the untrained eye; and second, the use of such signs and abbreviations in elementary instruction is considered to be less effective than verbal directions from the teacher. The teacher is free, therefore, to exercise his or her own judgment and impose his or her own requirements in these matters. Careful attention has been given to the selection of material which provides a proper balance between necessary drill and a melodious musical experience. The acquisition of technical facility has been reserved for appropriate supplementary etudes. The entire series of four books is a preliminary step to the author's Fundamentals of Violoncello Technique. Books One and Two of the Beginner's Guide to the Cello are designed to introduce the first position with both the upward and downward extension of the left hand and to acquaint the student with a basic technique of bowing.

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Additional Details
Series: Francis Grant Cello Series - LudwigMasters
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 1-58-106930-8
ISBN13: 978-1-58-106930-3
UPC: 679360711309
SKU: 36-10300122
Instrumentation: violoncello

More about this title

About the Composer: Francis Grant

Francis Grant authored a systematic approach to cello instruction that has shaped how generations of young cellists develop foundational technique. His pedagogical philosophy prioritizes clean, readable pages and teacher autonomy over cluttered notation, trusting that verbal instruction from a skilled educator carries more weight than printed symbols in early learning.

Why we love this

Grant resists the temptation to pack every page with technical markers and abbreviations. Instead, he lets the music breathe on the page, freeing your students to focus on sound production and posture rather than deciphering notation. The careful selection of melodic material means beginners actually want to play these pieces, not just drill through them.

What to expect

Accessible and encouraging. The pieces have enough melodic content to feel like real music-making, yet the technical demands remain manageable for young players still building confidence with bow control and intonation. There's a sense of progression that keeps students motivated without overwhelming them.

Who it's for

Beginning cellists ready to move beyond the absolute basics and explore first position with both left-hand extensions. This book works best for students who have already developed basic comfort with the instrument and are ready for material that feels genuinely musical rather than purely mechanical.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish posture and hand position before opening the book; Grant's design assumes the teacher will provide these details verbally rather than on the page.
  • Choose which technical requirements to emphasize for each student based on their individual needs; the book intentionally leaves room for your pedagogical judgment.
  • Balance the melodic pieces with supplementary etudes from Grant's other materials to build facility without losing musical interest.

How to use it

Use this as your primary instructional text during the first year of study, pairing it with group lessons and individual repertoire work. It's designed as preparation for Grant's Fundamentals of Violoncello Technique, so plan your curriculum knowing this book lays essential groundwork for more advanced study.

Skills your students will build

  • First position playing with left-hand extensions (upward and downward)
  • Fundamental bowing technique and bow distribution
  • Reading on the bass clef staff
  • Sustaining melodic phrases with consistent tone quality
  • Hand and body posture specific to cello playing

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