Standards for measuring progress

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)