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First Position Etudes for Strings: Cello Book

$5.95 USD
$5.95 USD
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First Position Etudes for Strings Cover Image
First Position Etudes for Strings: Cello Book

First Position Etudes for Strings: Cello Book

By Samuel Applebaum

Item: 00-EL02026
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Description
First Position Etudes for Strings is written for the second year string class or string orchestra. The etudes are to be started when the string group reaches Page 10 in Volume I of the String Builder. They may, however, be used in conjunction with any standard string class method, as this book is a complete unit in itself and may be used separately for class or individual instruction. The string parts are played in unison with piano accompaniment. Each etude is interesting and has its specific technical value for the left hand and for the bow arm. Published for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano accompaniment, and teacher's manual.

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Course for Strings
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
ISBN10: 0-7692-3218-3
ISBN13: 978-0-7692-3218-8
UPC: 029156011739
SKU: 00-EL02026
Instrumentation: Cello

More about this title

About the Author: Samuel Applebaum

Samuel Applebaum was a prolific string pedagogue and composer whose instructional works became foundational to American string education in the mid-20th century. His approach balanced technical development with musicality, creating etudes and repertoire that engaged students while building essential skills.

Applebaum's teaching materials, including the Belwin Course for Strings series, were designed to support classroom instruction across all string instruments. His work remains widely used in school programs because it treats each instrument specifically rather than forcing violin arrangements onto other voices.

Why we love this

These etudes give second-year cellists real musical work to do while targeting specific left-hand and bow challenges. Each etude has genuine pedagogical purpose without feeling like a technical exercise, and the unison string writing with piano support creates ensemble learning even in individual practice. You get a complete teaching unit that works independently or alongside whatever method book you're already using.

What to expect

Straightforward and purposeful. The music moves clearly from one technical idea to the next without fancy gestures or dramatic shifts. Piano accompaniment provides harmonic grounding and a professional sound that makes each etude feel like a real piece rather than a drill.

Who it's for

Second-year cellists in a string class or orchestra setting, typically students who have completed foundational first-position studies and are ready for more focused technical work. These etudes also serve individual studio cellists working through a supplementary curriculum alongside their primary method.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the pulse steady with the piano accompaniment. If you're rehearsing individually, play along with a metronome set to a tempo that allows clean intonation in first position.
  • Focus on left-hand placement and finger spacing before worrying about speed. Each etude isolates specific technical goals; respect the order and don't rush ahead.
  • Use a full bow on longer notes and maintain consistent pressure through directional changes. The bow arm work here directly supports the playing you'll do in repertoire.

How to use it

Assign these as weekly or bi-weekly technical studies during rehearsal warmups or as part of sectional time. Because the parts are written in unison, entire string sections can work through them together, making technical development a collective rehearsal activity rather than just individual homework. Pair them with repertoire to reinforce the specific skills each etude addresses.

Skills your students will build

  • Left-hand accuracy and intonation in first position
  • Bow control and consistent tone production
  • Rhythmic precision in unison ensemble playing
  • Note reading and navigation of simple to moderately complex rhythmic patterns
  • Coordination between left hand and bow arm on specific technical challenges

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