Is there an objective way to measure one’s progress? Yes. I will list the stages one by one.
Note: This list, taken from the American String Teachers Association, was compiled long before my book was published. So that’s why you won’t find it recommended below.
CELLO-FOUNDATION GOALS: BEFORE LEVEL ONE
Performance Requirements
Scales and Arpeggios
- Memorized
- Metronome: Quarter = 60-69
- Student chooses one scale:
- One-octave D, G or C major scale, starting on an open string.
- No arpeggio required.
- Bowing for scales: Separate quarter notes
- Half or whole bows for all.
Etudes or Pieces
- Two total. Each one must have 8 or more measures without repeats.
- Memorized
Sight-Reading
- None
Recommended goals for Foundation Level, Before Level One
- Good posture, left hand position and bow hold
- Good intonation and correct rhythm
- Use of first, third and fourth finger
- Meters: 2/4 and 4/4
Examples of Music Suitable for Foundation Level
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
- Method Books:
- Anderson/Frost: All for Strings, early parts (Kjos)
- Applebaum: String Builder Bk. 1, early parts (Belwin)
- Feuillard: Method for the Young Violoncellist, Lessons 1-5
- Grant: Beginners Guide to the Cello to p. 16 (Ludwig)
- Fischbach/Frost: Artistry in Strings, (Kjos)
- O’Reilly: String Rhythms, p 3-8 (Kjos)
- Villani: Things to Know about the Cello (Latham)
- Pieces:
- Grant/Donegan: 48 Folk Songs Part 1 (Ludwig)
- Suzuki, Vol. 1 #1-9 (Summy-Birchard)
Reposted from January 2008