Beyond the Octave

more info about the method at http://www.cellosite.info/publications/

Beyond the Octave is a method for developing complete control of using thumb positions on the cello while playing stretches that go beyond usual octave formation. Before considering this method it is necessary to become familiar with the "Organized Method of String Playing" by Janos Starker. His work not only is very useful in learning the cello from a unusual point of view, but it develops strength, agility and independence of fingers. My work is only a natural continuation with examples from more recent repertoire.

21st century cello technique requires left hand to be mobile in all directions and secure with all kinds of extensions. Works like Kodaly's sonata, Prokofiev's Symphony Concerto and many others even by Boccherini, Bach and Haydn become possible thanks to minimized shifting and stable thumb position. Open palm in higher positions relaxes the forearm in straight axis of the wrist and improves vibrato.

In this book a developing cellist will find a world of thumb that will unveil many of the trickiest spots in the cello literature. I am working currently on new publication that will pair the most difficult left hand passages with comprehensive studies of them.