Hi Everyone,

Just joined this forum. My first week in Cello. No teacher. Self taught. As a teen I studied violin for about a couple of years about 40 years ago.I can do Susuki violin book 3 easily. Bought a beginners Cello Book with a CD. Last piece is a Minuet. Did half the book in one sitting.May be able to play Minuet if written in G cleft. Can play pieces now with 8th notes in G cleft such as church hymns with two sharps or flats. But more slowly with Bass cleft notes. My pinky still hurts after I practice.

How do I grade myself. Is the Susuki book number a guide?

Might be a good idea to have a couple of lessons. That way a teacher can assess your playing. A book number is not necessarily going to give you a true grading and a lot more factors come into Grade standards such as fluency of playing and accuracy of intonation.

Regular practice is the only way to toughen up the pinkies I'm afraid.
But don't overdo the length of the practice sessions to start with, or you could end up with a blister!

Whatever you do, enjoy and good luck!

You could also try looking at some of the ABRSM cello Grade 1 and 2 pieces and see how you get on with playing them.

Thanks. I feel like a first grader wanting to jump to third grade. But everyone starts at first grade and so must I. In my haste to play pieces. I find my bow sliding up toward the finger board affecting the sound of the notes.

I live in the US but will visit England in 3 weeks. I will check out your music stores. Any recommendations on Cello books?

You could try 'Playing the Cello' by Cole & Shuttleworth, published by Novello.

It's a tutor book aimed at adults.

Try to let your bow arm relax downwards and lean it down into the strings, it sounds as though you are probably tensing up a little. The further away from the bridge you play the more 'woolly' the sound will become.

Hi all.

Where can you buy ABRSM Cello book1 and 2. I am leaving for Gatwick tonight from Philadelphia for Holiday in Newcastle and London. Perhaps if I have time I can visit your school of music and purchase the books. I hope they are available in any music store.

Bought First Repertoire for Cello Book Two and Three at Windows of the arcade at Newcastle on Tyne. I was perticularly interested in learning to play Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance.

Visited London for 2 days. It is a city full of history. I enjoyed my visit. I was blessed with 2 sunny days.