Expected cello progress?

I find that my littlest recorder players go more slowly than that - 5-6 terms for Initial Grade, and 2-3 years to Grade 1, but my school pupils start at age 5 (not my choice) and are taught in groups. My older wind beginners go faster. If they can read music already, they might be playing at Grade 1 level within a few months, but many aren't. I started teaching two 8/9 year old flute children in January, who'd already done a few terms of recorder with me, and they might be ready for Grade 1 by Christmas. So it varies.

Incidentally, I think it is going to take my DD2 a lot longer than a year to get to Prep/ Initial Grade!

JMR- would those timings (prep/G1 exams etc) be just for string instruments?

Chauffeurmummy

As far as I can figure out... left hand fingers on cello are evenly spaced. Your DD's three new notes are third finger on A, D and G strings. If you're absolutely clueless, that means that she should be able to play "Do Re Mi" in tune on the three highest strings of the cello - in fact, singing that may help, especially if she doesn't have sticky tapes on her instrument (I banned them for my students after a 19yo transfer student came to me still with lines on his fiddle, which I promptly removed; it took him nearly six months to learn to play in tune without them!).

Make sure she's sat and is holding cello and bow correctly, and that the spike is at the right height etc. Practise the "Do Re Mi" on the relevant string(s) before attempting a piece of music using that note, like you'd practise scales once more notes are learnt. If necessary, also clap through the piece and/or sing it. By 'bowing pieces' I'm guessing there are some pieces that focus solely or primarily on bowing technique, maybe using open strings so she can concentrate on right hand?

For comparison, grade 1 requires all basic fingerings on cello in first position (including second finger) and the ability to bow nicely, slur and to make contrast in dynamics. Numbers 10 and 16 from Suzuki book 1 are set pieces for grade 1 (in different lists) - I don't teach cello, or Suzuki, but that may mean something to you.

Not a cellist but violin teacher...

After 8 lessons? I may have spent up to six of those (a whole half term) just teaching tunes using open strings. Lesson 1 is "This is how you hold the violin, this is how you hold the bow - adapted bowhold - let's try not to make a hideous sound."

OTOH, I go pretty slowly. I reckon Prep Test/Bronze medal after about a year, grade 1 is probably four or five terms, depending on what marks you expect and what else you're doing. I'd rather have students take an extra term and keep my track record of good marks, even if they don't think about it that way!

It sounds like she is a little ahead of my DD2, who definitely hasn't done all of those third finger notes. She has been reading music very well since she was 4, but only treble clef. Piano uses both, so is useful all round! DD2 is the most laidback, horizontal child... she has a music exam tomorrow which she's not remotely worried about, but I am. I reckon she's right on the pass line!

My DD was 5 when she started the cello in March, and is now 6, and has had a similar amount of lessons. She has to be reminded about bow hold, how to sit, and what sort of pressure to use in every lesson. She can read the 'open string' notes, a couple of first finger notes, F# with the third finger, and one novelty high note. She can play quite a few VERY simple tunes, not in time with the CD or accompaniment, as well as a recognisable 'Hot Cross Buns'. Hopefully this helps... but I know strings are slow going at first, and there's probably quite a wide range of normal.

Did she not enjoy that? Ds had 2 years worth before he sat the very first exam (piano). I played the viola and it took years before I was ready for one, but I passed grade 2 and 3 at the same time (I think they were 2 and 3). I practiced three or four times a week. Some things just take time, but it helps if she's practicing little but often

I get half hearted. Has she tried other instruments?

Ds has been playing for a year and has just managed to play without any screeching. That's progress! 8 lessons is nothing, give her some time.