ABRSM Cello books for Practical and Performance Grades

Start with three checks: your grade, your exam route and the type of book you need. Practical Grades usually mean the correct Cello Exam Pieces book or Cello Exam Pack, plus Scales & Arpeggios and sight-reading support. Performance Grades usually start with the grade-matched Cello Exam Pieces book and then any extra own-choice music you may need. The collection is organised around the current Cello books, so use Syllabus Finder if you want to confirm the exact title before ordering.

For Practical Grades, most customers start with the right Cello Exam Pieces book or Cello Exam Pack, then add the matching Cello Scales & Arpeggios book and the correct Cello Specimen Sight-Reading Tests book for their grade band. That gives you the main printed material for pieces, technical work and supporting practice.

For Performance Grades, begin with the correct Cello Exam Pieces book for your grade so you can build your programme from the current list pieces. You may also need to buy an additional score if you plan to use an own-choice piece. Unlike Practical Grades, you do not need separate scales or sight-reading books for the assessment itself.

If you want the solo line only, choose the Cello Part edition. If you or your teacher need the piano accompaniment in the same purchase, choose Cello Part & Piano Accompaniment. For many learners, the combined edition is the simpler option because it keeps both parts together for lessons and rehearsal.

If you are taking Practical Grades, yes. Cello Exam Pieces cover your repertoire, but most candidates also buy the relevant Cello Scales & Arpeggios book and the correct Cello Specimen Sight-Reading Tests book so they can prepare the full assessment. If you are taking a Performance Grade, your main starting point is usually the Exam Pieces book.

For very early stages, look for the Cello Exam Pack from 2024, Initial Grade if you are preparing Initial Grade, or choose Cello Prep Test if you are working towards Prep Test. These books are designed for beginners and make it easier to start with the right repertoire and level.

Cello technical books are sold by grade band, so most customers choose Cello Scales & Arpeggios, ABRSM Grades 1–5 or Cello Scales & Arpeggios, ABRSM Grades 6–8, then match that with the right Cello Specimen Sight-Reading Tests book for Grades 1–5 or Grades 6–8. Check your grade first so you buy the correct banded book.

Use Syllabus Finder to confirm the correct route and grade, then shop in the Cello collection. If you want to double-check the latest ABRSM requirements, review the official bowed strings information and exam regulations before you place your order.