Random Scale Bag! Printable Cello tech lists for ABRSM

For those who like to work with printed media so that they can keep the lure of the internet away from their practice, I have produced the Random Scale Bag!

HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

  • Print out your grade and cut it up.
  • Put them all in a box or a bag, and shake it well.
  • Get one out at a time and play it.
  • If it goes well, put it to the side😊
  • If not then put it back in the bag (or go check your scale book and work on it)
  • Once your bag is empty, put them all back in and start again.
  • Don’t forget to practice your slurred bowings too. (You can flip a coin to choose between slurred and separate bows, or print two copies of these cards in different colours!)
  • You might want to keep each section as a separate block of flash cards (e.g. arpeggios separate from scales), at least at first. Or you can sort them by key!

PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK THESE LISTS AGAINST YOUR SCALE BOOK, JUST IN CASE (and let me know if there's any typos!)

Download your file here:

random_scale_bag_cello_2025.pdf
File Size: 1088 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
NOTE: If you prefer to use an app for this, check out my TINY DECISIONS page :)
TOP TIP for memorising:
  • SAY the scale name out loud before playing it!

Other fun things to do:
  • Choose a rhythm and play the scale to that (e.g. fish and chips on every note)
  • Start at the top of the scale and play it down then up!
  • Try it with your eyes shut
  • Practice your dynamics and articulation (loud/quiet, legato/staccato etc.) or different bowing styles
  • Choose a "key of the day" and play everything related to that key