I have a few new posts I've been working on, loaded with information and resources -  they're going to take a while for me to get together, in the meantime, here's a short little post featuring some beginner resources which I find useful, hope you do too (please note, these are affiliate links). 

For younger beginners, I nearly always start with Early Start on the Cello by Egon and Kurt Sassmannshaus. The format of this book is very welcoming for young musicians, with very big print, and illustrations throughout. I find it has a great balance between a focus on reading, and aural development - many of the pieces are songs which children will already know. And there are plenty of open string pieces/exercises - a must in my book! 

A wonderful method for teaching younger beginners, which I am intending to study (when my little ones are older!) is the Colourstrings method - you can find out more about the method in Australia here. There are two resources below which relate to this method. 

For older students, I normally begin with Feuillard's method. This book has dense text, with plenty of reading and technical exercises - I don't sound like I am selling it here, but I really do like this book! it moves quickly onto shifting and more advanced technical concepts. While there are little pieces, in duet format, at the end of each lesson in the book, I do find the need to supplement this book with plenty of outside sheet music (one such example is below - Melodies by Old Masters - technically not for beginners, but can be studied by older students after a few successful months with the Feuillard). 

That's all for now, will be back next week with more!  

Some beginners on the cello have heard the instrument played a few times before they begin their lessons; their parents may have heard it a few played times more. For others, the cello and all its sounds are a completely new experience. 

Listening to cello music, both in performance and on recordings, is both inspiring and educational. How are we to play well if we don't know what is possible, sound-wise? Hearing the sounds of the best performers helps us to guide and shape our own. 

Where to start? it's hard to begin listening if you don't know what music is out there on the cello. I've made this listening list up with my own students in mind, and I'm sharing it here, for anyone who is wanting to get to know the cello and its repertoire better.

​Click here for the cello listening list.

Happy listening everyone! 

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