“Since I began my cello studies more than 10 years ago, I have struggled to find a teaching method that really delivers results. The books, methods, and studies by Cassia Harvey and her sister, Myanna, present what is the most contemporary approach to cello learning and study. Positions, string shifts, double stops, bowing exercises and so much more can be found in what Cassia develops. Today, I play and study so much better because of the books and methods I buy from Cassia. Thank you so much for contributing to my studies!”

Halina Monteiro

After not playing a string instrument for 30 years because of other musical career choices I decided to play the cello in my retirement. After not having any success with the traditional methods and not wanting to start with “twinkle, twinkle”, I stumbled across Cassia Harvey’s string books. They were exactly what I needed: well organized, progressive books addressing specific technics, playing styles or problems in a very systematic and through way perfectly complementing the repertoire that you are working on. Her Bach, Fauré and Saint-Saëns books are marvels of education on how to practice. In a relatively short period of time, I reached a level in cello playing that I did not expect that soon. Highly recommended for teachers and autoditacts too!

Jeannot Welter

conductor, composer, digital audio specialist , www.chordweaver.com

Welcome, Adult Learners!

Take Charge of Your Technique

Why Play Exercises?

Exercises and etudes give you

  • The most efficient way to teach your brain to communicate with your hands.
  • A strong foundation that can allow you to easily play all of the repertoire at your current level.
  • A way to master difficult skills before they are needed in repertoire.
  • The most control over how you sound when you perform!

How to Structure Your Practice

How to structure a practice session

Struggling with Boredom?

How to Keep Exercises Interesting!

Don't get bored! Instead...

1. Identify the main purpose of every exercise. If it's a finger exercise, the main goal is agility and speed. If it's a shifting exercise, the main goal is shifting to the correct place consistently.

2. Find the challenge in every exercise. An exercise should never feel easy. Push yourself slightly past the limits of your technique level: play slightly faster (for example, in a finger exercise) or slower (for example, in a string crossing exercise) than is comfortable.

3. Personalize the exercises. Look for ways to make each exercise help you. For instance, if you have a weak 3rd finger, add 2nd to 3rd finger trills on 2nd finger notes in scales or etudes. Add double stops to notes to help hand strength and intonation. Play with a drone if you have trouble hearing intonation. If you have trouble playing long bows, add longer slurs everywhere!

4. Make up your own variations! These are especially helpful in scale and arpeggio practice but you can also make up variations for etudes. Change rhythms or bowing or the order of notes to help learn extra skills while you play scales, etc.

5. Change things up even more and try some new books!

Discover books to make
your practice more interesting!

Learn More!

Blog Posts

Books