ISBN 9781609749613. Level 1 solos for cello with keyboard accompaniment. Created especially for use as solo supplement to any first-year string method or private instructional course, and a perfect complement to the other beginning cello titles in the Building Excellence Series. These short, easy pieces are marked with suggested bowings. Ideal Suzuki supplement.

A book of solos for cello. Includes 15 songs (Celtic tunes, classical themes, folk melodies) for the beginner cellist. Created for students using Suzuki and similar methods. For students who play in first position only, and for those beginning to learn shifting.What makes this book special?
It includes:
1. Pieces in the low register of the cello. Beginner books often focus on the A and D strings.
2. More lyrical pieces, meaning more song-like, more Romantic than Baroque style.
3. A teacher accompaniment part. The students find it enjoyable, and it teaches them how important it is to listen and to play in time, in tune, and with dynamics. Can also be used for recitals.
4. Familiar tunes. What is familiar to one person is unknown to others, but I tried to put in pieces that many people would be familiar with.
5. Shifting with familiar tunes. When I was a student, I found it easier to learn a shift if the piece was familiar. My ear knew where to go. I have included a few pieces with two versions: first position and shifting . The student can learn the first position version and then be able to learn shifting with a familiar tune.
6. There is plenty of empty space on the pages for teachers to add markings.

As a student 40 years ago I wrote a thesis about all existing cello methods. Then I started writing my own method by putting all positive aspects of all methods together and revised the volume multiple times.
The music selection is the best I could find for each level progressing in tiny well prepared steps, enjoyable to play. Exercises compact and only when needed.
Volume 1 contains No 1-50 on 57 pages - first position, bow and reading skills, each piece in form of a cello duo to be able to play with a friend or teacher together - includes traditional songs, fiddle tunes and compositions by Beethoven, Bach, Purcell, Sor, Carcassi, Gretchaninov, Gruber and Neidhardt.
Probably the most researched and tested way to start learning the cello!
To each number are Video cello lessons linked published on Patreon. The links click through when viewed on phone, tablet or computer.
There are also Youtube recordings of all pieces as Cello Duos with fingerings and bowings as in the Cello Method, see https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa4x_CVYDVRXAnJJ_6HeRujngwTZ8cMEd