The ABCs of Cello for the Absolute Beginner, Book 1 (Book & MP3/PDF)

This booklet is really helpful. As an adult (re-learner), it has been a full 40+ years since I've played a cello and the booklet has been instrumental in helping me recall finger placement and recollecting reading music. I've been working with this book for 30 days. I have purchased two other booklets though one is too rudimentary and the other is too advanced.In a Goldilocks sort of way - this one is just right for adult learners.

I like the book, I do wish it had a little more instructions for those who do not even know what key each of the strings are suppose to be (absolute beginner) but if you have at least a knowledge of which strings are which and an idea on how to get around on your cello it is a good book.

Whether you are an adult beginner or a parent who is looking for a good introductory book for your child, definitely get this book. Janice Tucker Rhoda is a well-known musical educator, and I purchased this book based solely on her name. Her instruction gives the warm-ups, scales and rhythm exercises that you need to learn any instrument, but she quickly gives you real music to play.The graphics pick up on the simple, easy-to-understand approach, with no cutsie-pie graphics to distract. You need that when you are sitting so far from your music.I initially started with a Suzuki book, but think that this is much better because it has a more structured approach.I highly recommend this book. I was especially pleased with it because, as a violinist, I didn't read the bass clef and, quite frankly, was afraid that I would have difficult with it. I'm pleased to find that, with this book, I'm finding it quite easy.As with learning any musical instrument, having the help of a professional instructor--along with this book--can help you learn much faster--and avoid picking up bad habits.

I am a cello and piano teacher. The book looks wonderful, interesting, very inclusive and moves at a good pace......but it says it comes with a CD and it didn't! !!!! UPDATE (8/25) : I have since exchanged a few emails with the author of the book. Amazon was incorrect in saying the book comes with a cd...it now comes with a code for an Mp3 and PDF for piano accompaniments and performances. Janice was very happy I brought the mistake to her attention and has sent me her new book "complete technique for cello" which includes exercises for positions 1 - 5. I looks quite good! She is also sending me a copy of the other book with a cd. All is good

Amazing...the first few days vis a vis the violin I was forgetful and found myself reviewing often and every day before taking on the task of playing the cello; but that's normal to take time to review the staff and cords. It's very user friendly and you will be quick to catchon. ABC Cello #1 was not long enough for me...yes I know...I did repeat it twice in less than 2 weeks. You may instead want to buy the whole series at once...but do take your time your fingers can hurt if you place too much pressure...on the cords. Eat your OATS and CEREAL WHEATS to be strong. And don't forget to buy the cello stopper for the floor so you don't slide all over the place....and you may need a rubber thimble too...hehe..no, ouchies aloud. And may the Soc Hops and opts be with you...and bear foot dancing...Tis GREAT!

Never having picked up a cello (but I play many other instruments) this book was perfect for me to start with. Practicing nearly every day (for no more than 20-30 minutes) I have gone through this book in about 2 months. I am now moving on to the second book as well as other online sites. While for an absolute beginner in music in general this book would not be basic enough, for me it is just right. I agree that there are not helpful explanations about seating position and bow holding but from what I have now learned playing for a few months and talking to friends and teachers who play is that those things need to be demonstrated in person anyway. There are plenty of websites with videos helping with those things and frankly no one says exactly the same thing. A great starting book!

This book states for the ABSOLUTE beginner. This is not so. There are no directions on how to sit with your cello, there is just a picture, and that doesn't do much since I just found out that posture, how high you raise the cello and how angled you need to place your cello to even begin. They also do not describe a way to hold the bow or tune your instrument. This could be a good book if you were not let to believing it really was for the ABSOLUTE beginner!! I am so disappointed that if I get good at this, I will be writing my own book for the real absolute beginner.

I have used the more popular violin version with my students. Now using the cello version with a new student. Same great stuff. I recommend it be used in conjunction with the Suzuki method. Some people complain that it isn't for an absolute beginner and then describe that they are self teaching. This method, like any other, is best used with an instructor. If you already know how to play a stringed instrument, you could easily use this to teach yourself. If you are brand new to music and teaching yourself, I would begin with the Essentials series, and then consider switching to this one or using them together. I can't stress enough that a teacher is important if you are new to stringed instruments in general.

It taught me to play several sounds

The book is as described and is good value. However, delivery was 2 days later than the latest estimated delivery date. However, this may have been due to the current pandemic and its impact on the postal service. I've discovered that this book appears to be intended for use in conjunction with a teacher. In the first few pages there is missing information necessary to a self-teacher. For example, there's no explanation of what 'down bow' or 'up bow' means; there's also no guidance as to how one should check for intonation and roughly how far apart the left hand fingers should be. If you're a cello beginner and you have a teacher, then this book may be for you. If you don't have or can't afford a teacher, then this book may not be for you.

Not for absolute beginners, probably aimed at people who've had some idea of a stringed instrument or someone who has a teacher to guide them, for example for example it doesn't teach you how to hold the bow probably and just jumps into bowing the instument,However, I have bought quite a few books so after learning the basics of the cello and the bow hold I found I really loved this book, Ive played the piano and saxophone before so reading the notes was easy, it has different exercises for the same hand positions so it doesn't get repatative, but it might jump too quickly for some people.I had just mastered Mary had a little lamb with E and F# on the D string and the next piece of sheet music required me to learn the hand position G on the A string (which Im still learning because my little finger is too weak to continue)! Probably after some hard work I'll do fine,Finally it has a lot of well known classics to impress the family with!

Really easy and fun