Rick Mooney Books

Focusing on advanced techniques, this book bridges the gap between beginner and advanced cello instruction by introducing the fifth, sixth, and seventh positions. It emphasizes finding the correct finger placements and patterns through engaging cello duets. Creative titles such as "Surfing Cellos" and "Jumping Flea" make learning enjoyable, ensuring that intermediate students develop their skills in a fun and effective way. This resource is essential for enhancing the technical abilities of cello players at this level.

Focusing on enhancing cello technique, the second volume in Rick Mooney's series builds on the foundation of the first book. It features a diverse selection of classical music, folk tunes, and original compositions, including pieces like "Around the Gypsy Campfire" and "Harry the Hirsute Housefly." Each selection is arranged as duets, allowing for collaboration with a second cello part, making it ideal for teachers and group classes. The approach aims to make learning both effective and enjoyable.

The book offers a structured approach to mastering hand positions on the cello through engaging exercises such as "Target Practice" and "Geography Quiz." Each section culminates in original duets that encourage students to apply what they've learned in a musical context. With creative titles like "I Was a Teenage Monster" and "I've Got the Blues, Baby," the duets make the learning process enjoyable and memorable, ensuring that students not only understand fingerboard geography but also develop their playing skills in a fun way.

This book from Rick Mooney features easy classical music as well as folk songs, fiddle tunes and Mooney originals composed to address specific technical points. A second cello part throughout promotes a student's ability to hear and play accurately.