Egon Sassmannshaus - Early start on the Cello 1

For more than three decades the Sassmannshaus Tradition has been the household name for excellence in beginner string methods in German-speaking countries.

More than half a million students have successfully learned to play string instruments using this publication. What makes this cello method so unique - The leading German cello method now available in English. - Large print notes and texts as well as many colourful illustrations are ideal for pre-school as well as school children. - Note reading is emphasised from the first lesson, encouraging ensemble playing from the very beginning. - Songs and scales in different positions are easily mastered within the first year of playing to ensure that children are not confined to first position playing. - Advanced cello techniques such as varied bow strokes and shifting are introduced in a basic form Being a large instrument, the cello makes a lasting impression on many small children, frequently leading to a lifelong rapport. Frher Anfang auf dem Cello the 'Cello Sassmannshaus' was developed specifically to make proper musical and technical progress on this special instrument. It transfers the principles and experience gained from the violin tutor in order to ensure quick success. After beginning with open strings and simple note values, learners become acquainted with the 'cuckoo call' (minor 3rd) as a basic interval for guidance purposes and for mastering good intonation. Volume 1 makes use of nursery rhymes, all of which are supplied with words to ensure that the melody lines can be easily grasped as a whole. Then the third, first and fourth fingers are successively introduced, as are accidentals and note values from the whole note (semibreve) to the eighth note (quaver).

From the very beginning the volume places a special emphasis on reading musical notation and offers training in moving from one string to another and basic bowing strokes