I recently asked at my local music shop which tutor cello teachers use, expecting one answer.

"Mmmm, not sure. They all use diferent ones". Was the reply!

Is there a standard for the cello, as 'play as you learn' is to other instruments?

Thanks.

Hi Tomo

Yes, we all use different tutor books! I would advise you to ask your teacher which one he/she uses.

When I first took up the cello (as a second study) while at music college, I used a copy of Hugo Cole and Anna Shuttleworth's Playing the Cello.

The book was first published in 1971, but it's a really well-written tutor specifically aimed at older children or an. I found it an excellent instruction book and there are still times when I turn to it for a bit of guidance.

Interestingly, Anna Shuttleworth was the teacher of Natalie Clein back in 1994 when she won the BBCYM competition.

Hmmm, does one tutor book really fit all?

With new learners on the violin, I'm guided by my pupils age, existing musical ability (if any) and other factors as to which tutor book(s) I recommend.

The standard here is 'La méthode du jeune violoncelliste' - it's the one I used and I know it's pretty much the only one that many music shops stock (it's so popular that even Luthiers tend to carry a stock).

I suppose there are others, but that's the only one I ever saw or used.

[quote name='Charlie Cello' post='805595' date='Mar 19 2009, 10:59 PM']I would advise you to ask your teacher which one he/she uses.[/quote]Hmmm, does one tutor book really fit all?

With new learners on the violin, I'm guided by my pupils age, existing musical ability (if any) and other factors as to which tutor book(s) I recommend.
[/quote]

Well yes, absolutely. That's why I'm suggesting that Tomo asks his teacher!

I have had three teachers since I began the cello and all three had different books of choice. So definitely ask your teacher! The third teacher (with whom I intend to stay until she can bear teaching me no more!) swaps between different books and I really like the variety - she takes the view that some books cover different techniques and skills better than others, so we may use one for vibrato and another for thumb position etc. I admit that I also have a bit of a weakness for buying music and books, so I have a few of my own too that I use occasionally when I want a change.

My daughter's teacher uses a German book. I can't remember the name but it has pictures of animals on the front. I thought it was rather a strange choice as everything is written only in German which she doesn't speak - I once asked her what something meant and she said she didn't know.

Sachmannhauss?

That's the one, except that it's Sassmannshaus (having just been downstairs and checked and her teacher always called it Egon).

Our German early tutor with animals was Edwin Koch.
but the Hungarian books are quite popular too, I rather like their harmonies.

Thank you to everyone that answered.

Everything is clear

Excellent - happy cello playing!