Hi! Does anyone have any suggestions for the bridging the gap for the cello? I always think that there is a huge difference between Grade 4 and Grade 5 for the cello in that suddenly the students are expected to move up and down the cello up to C's and D's - an octave above middle C. I know that it depends on which pieces they play for their exams but all the same I would love to hear from anyone who can recommend some material for practising this range, particularly studies. Any help much appreciated!

Hi Charlie. How about book 2 of the Piatti cello method? It introduces various scales that reach beyond 4th position and has a study or two in each new key; a lot of them are pretty tuneful (for studies) as well!

Oh that sounds exactly what I need! Thanks very much basso continuo. I'll order it.

As someone who is in just that position (no pun intended), how about "Learning the Tenor Clef" by Pat Legg and Alan Gout - this has studies for each key plus some really lovely pieces. Personally I am finding that playing the scales etc to the required standard is the most challenging area, plus the need to show evidence of vibrato - even more challenging than the scales, though I can now make a reasonable showing of the pre-vibrato exercises.

How about Position Pieces by Rick Mooney? My son started on these at around grade 4 and found them great fun.

Good idea Suepea. Could you let me know how high the notes go in the book please?

Stringmum - thanks - I've already used the Position Pieces and have also found it a great book but I would expect pupils to have completed that book before embarking on their Grade 4 because it only covers up to and including 4th position, as far I can remember!

There are two books plus one for thumb position. I just can't remember which one he used when.

You're right. The highest the First book goes is 4th position.

Ah yes, I remember now. You're right Stringmum. There are other Position Books.

Ok, well it looks like I have plenty of material now. Thank you all for your help.

The highest note is a D flat (3 leger lines in tenor clef), which only occurs once, in the E flat major piece (von Paradis Sicilienne). The harmonic A and notes immediately below it occur quite a lot. There is plenty of shifting in both studies and pieces. The grade 5 pieces that I have looked at don't go up in to the stratosphere - the highest note I have encountered is the harmonic A.