A lesson with Leonard Rose

Bukinik Concert Etude #4 for solo cello

Rostropovich Humoresque

Beginner Scales: Level One

At this point in my teaching, I like to introduce scales early on as a way of practicing and solidifying the three primary hand shapes used in the 'neck' or 'four finger' positions.  With careful attention to tall/round fingers (tunneling), balanced whole arm finger walking, and a mobile thumb; practicing scale movements helps to develop solid left hand technique. Once the shapes are learned, it's not long before we can start applying these patterns anywhere on the cello!