Methods

Langin Practical Method for the Cello

This method comprises of a total of 5 volumes covering every aspect of cello technique. It offers the
most comprehensive and thorough approach I have ever encountered in an instrumental tutor series.
Although the method is only available in German, the exercises are so well written that they really
speak for themselves. Some may find the books a little dry – especially for the younger player, but
every teacher would do well to explore the exercises and adapt them if necessary. For adult learners
there really isn’t a better method out there.

	Volume 1Thorough study of the first position and its scales. Lays all the basic foundations for solid bow and left hand technique.€13.50
	Volume 2Backward and forward extentions in first position; half position and upper first position.€13.00
	Volume 3Comprehensive study of 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions with excellent exercises to promote accurate shifting and a thorough grasp of the neck positions.€13.50

Sassmanshaus Early Start on the Cello

The Sassmanshaus method is aimed at young cellists and consists of 4 volumes. In terms of approach to technique, it bares many similarities to the Langin methods in its clear and thorough approach. Each volume is beautifully illustrated. There are fun and clever lyrics included with the pieces and exercises, encouraging students to sing as well as play. These methods were originally created in 1976 by renowned violin pedagogue, Egon Sassmannshaus. Combing his in-depth knowledge of child psychology with a systematic study of the violin, they quickly became one of the most popular methods in Germany. The methods have since been made available for viola and cello, and have been translated into English. Teachers looking for fun methods for their younger students that don’t cut any corners should look no further than the Sassmanshaus series.

	Volume 1An introduction to first position with first finger as tonic, fundaments of bow technique, basic note values and basic articulations including slurs and tenuto.£9.00
	Volume 2Continues to develop reading skills, introducing the fourth finger as tonic; Backward and forward extensions in first position with an introduction to the triads of Eb, Bb and F majors (backward extensions) and A, D and E majors.£9.00
	Volume 3Volume 3 is intended as a supplement to volume 3, building on the techniques introduced in that volume. It consists mainly of duets and enables students to revise what they learnt in the previous volume. It introduced a few new techniques including grace notes, minor keys and half position.£9.00
	Volume 4 Comprehensive study of 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions and a brief introduction to the three-finger positions at the end of the volume. Once again, it is packed with beautifully arranged duets to promote ensemble playing while laying down essential technical foundations. Second and third positions are introduced simultaneously, an effective means of helping students adjust to the subtly changing finger placement between the two positions.£9.00

The Essential String Method

This award winning series of books offers an exciting advance in the teaching of stringed
instruments, integrating musical awareness, creativity and technical development from the outset.
Making their way through the series, pupils encounter an attractive selection of new tunes and
arrangements on which to build their repertoire. The material is presented as a logical progression
of musical activities involving both the instrument and the voice. These make learning fun and are
easily incorporated into instrumental lessons, simultaneously developing the pupil’s technical and
musical abilities while reinforcing aspects of the school music curriculum.

	Book 1Fun and inventive approach to laying musical, theoretical and basic technical foundations. Establishes basic left hand technique in first position, works on holding and dividing the bow and integrates elementary music theory in a memorable way.£6.99
	Book 2Book 2 further develops left hand technique in first position and looks at more advanced articulations and techniques for the bow.£6.95
	Book 3Book 3 develops a sense of ensemble playing, builds on rhythm, interval recognition, note reading and further develops technique in first position and the bow.£6.99

Cello Time Series

The Cello Time books are more conventional in their approach to learning to play and make
excellent use of technology in the shape of CDs with very imaginative backing which includes the cello
part. Like the Essential String Method and Sassmanshaus, these books are aimed at the young beginner and are full of
colourful illustrations, innovative arrangements and clearly spaced, easy-to-read notation. Not as thorough as the Sassmanshaus series, but a fun approach easily adapted to group lessons.

	Cello Time JoggersA first book of easy pieces for Cello by Kathy and David Blackwell. A great source of early pieces for those still finding their feet with this demanding instrument. Fun to play and easy to learn, this set of melodies will help to develop coordination and confidence in your playing.£7.95
	Cello Time RunnersCello Time Runners is an excellent resource for forward and backward extension material in first position with a variety of pieces in both flat and sharp keys£7.95
	Cello Time SprintersCello Time Sprinters includes extended pieces in first position, fourth position using the finger patterns 1-34, 12-4 and 1234, hooked bowing, string crossing and double-stops.£7.95

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