Solos for Young Cellists CD, Volume 1: Cello CD

This CD pairs carefully selected repertoire with full piano accompaniments, allowing young cellists to experience ensemble playing without requiring a live collaborator. Cheney's deep understanding of student development shines through the collection's progression of styles and techniques, making it an indispensable resource for teachers building meaningful solo repertoire into their lesson plans.

The collection moves between intimate folk settings, playful scherzos, and a genuine concerto movement, offering emotional breadth without excessive technical demands. Each piece rewards careful listening and honest ensemble practice, creating moments where young cellists feel genuinely musical rather than simply executing exercises.

Young cellists working at early-intermediate levels will find substantial variety here: folk songs introduce basic phrasing, character pieces build bow control and position work, and the Vivaldi concerto movement offers a taste of standard repertoire. Teachers seeking supplementary solo material that spans multiple genres and technical focuses will recognize this as a practical anchor for student recitals and lesson planning.

• Use the accompaniment tracks strategically during the final stages of preparation, after the cellist has internalized the solo line and basic intonation. This builds confidence and prevents over-reliance on the recording.
• Listen to the piano track alone first to understand harmonic context and phrasing expectations before combining parts.
• Work on rhythmic independence by practicing short phrases with the accompaniment, gradually extending to full sections as ensemble security improves.
• Pay attention to the recorded tempo as a learning tool, but allow room for slight adjustments based on your student's technical comfort and musical maturity.

Feature one or two selections on student recitals to demonstrate technical range and stylistic awareness. The folk song group works well as a set for younger students, while the Vivaldi and character pieces serve established performers making the transition to solo repertoire. Program selections alongside other contemporary and traditional works to show cellists the breadth available at their level.

• Playing in varied positions and navigating position changes
• Reading different time signatures and meters
• Adapting to diverse key signatures
• Performing with piano accompaniment and ensemble awareness
• Interpreting multiple musical styles from folk to Baroque
• Building bow control across contrasting character pieces