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 the string instruments using these editions.

The publication of the four violin books in 2008 in a fully adapted English version has been a big success. On the back of this success story Bärenreiter published the four books for cello in 2009 in a newly adapted version for today's English speaking children.

Early Start on the Cello - Volume 1
15 lessons. With numerous call songs and nursery rhymes; includes flash cards for learning notes in first position and their finger placements. BA8996

After the introduction featuring open strings and basic note values, the "cuckoo call" follows as a basic interval. Note reading is introduced from the beginning, and accidentals are explained in the easiest way in the first volume. By the end of the first book, many English children's songs using all fingers have been played and note values from whole to eighth notes have been introduced. Most exercises are underlaid with text so that rhythms can be learned easily and melodies can be perceived as a whole.
[Music Sample Cello Volume 1: Page 15 Page 25 Page 45]

Early Start on the Cello - Volume 2
20 lessons. With numerous folksongs and nursery rhymes as well as dance forms, several in two parts for student and teacher to play together. Introduction to playing in upper positions. BA8997

The second volume already presents classical cello duets. The child's knowledge and technique is expanded by dotted rhythms, sixteenths notes, and first double stops. And here is the most revolutionary aspect of the method: different finger patterns can be connected and combined to create any major and minor scale without the use of open strings. This creates the ability to practice scales in any position within the first or second year of playing! With this skill, songs learned in first position are easily transposed to other keys and higher positions. Coupled with beginning shifting exercises this sets a foundation for an early virtuoso technique not available in any other method.
Music Sample Cello Volume 2: Page 21 Page 35 Page 53]

Early Start on the Cello - Volume 3
14 lessons. Elementary duets. With numerous dances and repertoire pieces in various keys. Music from the Baroque era to the early 20th century. BA 8998

The third volume emphasises duet playing in a great variety of keys, rhythms and musical styles. Different finger patterns and strokes are thoroughly practiced.
[Music Sample Cello Volume 4: Page 26 Page 41 Page 46]

Early Start on the Cello - Volume 4
15 lessons. Playing in upper positions, scales, arpeggios, double and triple stops, harmonics, ornaments, bowing techniques. Music from the Baroque era to the early 20th century. BA8999

The fourth volume introduces various positions as well as new bowing techniques (brush strokes, spiccato, martelé, staccato). These are practiced in increasingly demanding classical duets. At the end of volume 4 students are able to play scales and arpeggios over three octaves. From this point on students can embark on the journey to the standard repertoire.
[Music Sample Cello Volume 4: Page 7 Page 11 Page 68]