Dennis Leogrande

8 Solos for the Beginning Cellist

These eight solos provide the beginning cellist with a variety of musical styles, time signatures, bowings, and rhythms while staying in the first position. Open string and first finger double stops, as well as open string and open string to first finger string crossings, reinforce string level bowing techniques. Time signatures such as 6/8 and 5/4 encourage counting and concentration. Rhythms such as a dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note and a dotted half note followed by a quarter note reinforce the need to develop accurate counting skills. All of the cellist's basic techniques are presented in inspiring musical forms which will motivate the beginner cellist to quickly reach the next level. In addition to all that solid pedagogy, these pieces are fun to play!