Best Method Book for Cello (2026): 5 Books Compared

A new cellist needs a method that starts at the beginning and builds step by step, and the best method book for cello depends on whether the player is starting out, moving to intermediate pieces or drilling technique. We compared five cello method books by fit, contents, edition, value and stated level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	EE Cello Book 1 by Gillespie	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	EE Cello Book 2 by Gillespie	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Klengel Studies by Klengel	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Suzuki Cello Vol 1 by Alfred	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Suzuki Cello Vol 2 by Alfred	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

EE Cello Book 1 by Gillespie

Robert Gillespie·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A complete beginner method for cellists with step-by-step lessons and EEi online access, suited to young learners and classroom instruction.

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Pros

• Complete method for beginning cellists
• EEi access with video lessons and play-alongs
• Step-by-step tone, rhythm and bow control

Cons

• First edition dated July 1, 2002
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Online access depends on the EEi platform

2

EE Cello Book 2 by Gillespie

Robert Gillespie·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An intermediate method for cellists advancing from Book 1, with EEi online access, suited to classroom use or home study.

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Pros

• Intermediate method for advancing cellists
• EEi access with play-along audio and videos
• Tone shaping, rhythm and finger placement

Cons

• Requires Book 1 first for the sequence
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Online access depends on the EEi platform

3

Klengel Studies by Klengel

Julius Klengel·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Unaccompanied technical studies for finger strength, bow control and dexterity, suited to intermediate to advanced cellists.

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Pros

• Unaccompanied exercises for finger strength
• Focus on bow control and dexterity
• Suits self-study or guided instruction

Cons

• Not a beginner method book
• No online access is listed
• Older edition dated November 1, 1986

4

Suzuki Cello Vol 1 by Alfred

Alfred Music·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The first volume of the Suzuki Cello School in a revised edition, suited to players starting the Suzuki series.

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Pros

• First volume of the Suzuki Cello School
• Mother-tongue approach with group lessons
• Available in MakeMusic Cloud

Cons

• No level, reading age or grade stated
• Short book at 23 pages
• Revised edition dated November 1, 1999

5

Suzuki Cello Vol 2 by Alfred

Alfred Music·9.4/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The second volume of the Suzuki Cello School, suited to players continuing the Suzuki series.

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Pros

• Second volume of the Suzuki Cello School
• Pieces by Bach, Handel, Mozart and others
• Available in MakeMusic Cloud

Cons

• Requires Vol. 1 first in the series
• No level, reading age or grade stated
• Short book at 20 pages

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More picks to compare

• Essential Elements Cello Book 3For cellists advancing past Book 2 with EEi access.Check on Amazon
• Dotzauer Cello ExercisesFor beginners and advanced players needing Books 1 and 2 exercises.Check on Amazon
• 24 Lessons Cello Method Vol. 1For adult beginners wanting 24 lessons with video demonstrations.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed level where one is given. Three of the five picks state a level, and none state a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best method book for cello

Beginner or intermediate

Level is the first choice. The Essential Elements Cello Book 1 is a complete method for beginning cellists, while its Book 2 is for students advancing from Book 1. The Klengel studies are for intermediate to advanced players who want technical drills.

Series order matters

Three picks belong to a series, so order matters. The Suzuki Vol. 1 is Book 1 of 8, and Vol. 2 is Book 2 of 8, while the Essential Elements books are Book 1 and Book 2 of 2. Start at the first volume. See best violin method books for a related string method list, and best piano method books for keyboard methods.

Print plus online access

Online access is the other big difference. The Essential Elements books include EEi online access, and the Suzuki books are available in MakeMusic Cloud. The Klengel book lists no online access.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing, since the Suzuki books are revised editions from November 1, 1999 and the Essential Elements Book 2 is dated July 1, 2025.
• Check which book of the series comes first, since the Suzuki and Essential Elements books are numbered volumes.
• Check the stated level against the player, since the Klengel studies are for intermediate to advanced players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a beginner start?

The Essential Elements Cello Book 1 is a complete method for beginning cellists, and the Suzuki Cello School Vol. 1 is Book 1 of 8 in its series. Either is a starting volume, not a later book.

Do I need the previous volume first?

The Essential Elements Book 2 is for students advancing from Book 1, and the Suzuki Vol. 2 is Book 2 of 8.

Is there online access with these books?

The Essential Elements books include EEi online access, and the Suzuki books are available in MakeMusic Cloud. The Klengel book lists no online access.

Still deciding? Our top pickEE Cello Book 1 by Gillespie

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Related lists

See every workbooks and homeschool list.

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