Grade 2 cello original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

Grade 2 cello is a level of proficiency in cello playing typically associated with students who have been playing the instrument for some time and have developed a basic foundation of skills and knowledge. At the Grade 2 level, a cellist would be expected to have developed the following skills:

• Good posture and hand position
• Ability to play with a consistent tone and intonation
• Knowledge of basic music notation, including note values and rhythms
• Ability to read and play simple melodies and exercises with basic rhythms
• Familiarity with basic music terminology, such as dynamics and articulations
• Introduction to basic bowing techniques, such as legato and staccato
• Basic knowledge of scales and arpeggios

In addition to these technical skills, a Grade 2 cellist would also be expected to have developed good practice habits and be able to play with a sense of musicality and expression. At this level, students may also begin to explore different genres of music, such as classical, folk, and popular music, and develop their own personal preferences and interests.