One Step At A Time is a five-part method of teaching the fundamentals of music on the cello. It is written in a way that is logical, sequential, and easy to understand. The success of this approach is in its simplicity. The writing of this series is the culmination of many years of teaching, and is based on carefully considered pedagogical principles. The music on the early pages remains simple so that the student can concentrate on reading music, and producing a solid tone. Theory will be introduced, as needed, after the student is reading music with fluency and ease. The fundamentals of cello playing are introduced, one at a time, on uncluttered pages, with a solid emphasis on finger patterns. SPECIFIC GOALS IN BOOK II The following concepts are introduced and developed with melodious exercises and songs: 1. Read music quickly and easily by note recognition on the G and C strings 2. Continue the development of strength in all four fingers 3. Further the understanding of the concept of scale and key using the Standard Pattern 4. Introduce the concepts of: Time signature Counting with numbers Up beat Dotted quarter note Dynamic markings Repeat sign Dotted quarter note-eighth note pattern Fermata Left hand pizzicato 5. Play easy-intermediate bowing techniques 6. Play easy-intermediate rhythmic patterns 7. Continue the development of musical expression 8. Insure a feeling of success with the mastery of melodious songs and etudes in the Keys of G and C Major
About the Author: Jennie Lou Klim received a B. A. degree in music and violin performance from Western College for Women, Oxford, Ohio, during which time she played in the Dayton Philharmonic and received a full scholarship to Eastman School of Music for graduate school. Over the years, she attended American String Teacher International Workshops, Suzuki Teacher Training Workshops in the United States and Europe, and the summer workshop for teaching children to play violin at Indiana University, Bloomington. IN. She developed string programs in public school systems, started several summer music camps, taught Kindermusik, and created her own program for pre-school children. She played first violin in several symphonies in Pennsylvania and Florida and continues an active schedule of teaching, playing, and writing. Many of her former students are now professional musicians. "The real preparation for these books came from a lifetime of teaching. This method has been successful in my own studio, and I am happy to share it with other teachers who are looking for a new, classic approach for their students."