DOUBLE BASS- FOUNDATION LEVEL

Performance Exam Requirements

Duration of examination: 6 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 60-69
Note: All required scales and arpeggios for this level are printed on the pages following the
repertoire listing.
Student plays:
1. Pentatonic scale in G in 4th position and
2. Tetrachord in A or D in 1st position.
No arpeggios required
Bowing for scales: separate (ie: detach), using whole or half bows
Etudes or Pieces
Two total. Each one must have eight or more measures without repeats.
Students are encouraged to prepare one piece in 1st position and one in thumb position
(Rabbath fourth position).
Memorized.
Sight-reading: none
Recommended Goals for Foundation Level
Good posture and instrument position
Good bow hold and right arm position
Good left hand shape in first and fourth positions
Use of first, second and fourth fingers
Examples of Music Suitable for Foundation Level
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Etudes and Pieces
Allen/Gillespie/Hayes: Essential Elements, Nos. 1-90 (Hal Leonard)
Anderson/Frost: All for Strings, Book 1, selections (Kjos)
Applebaum: String Builder, Book 1, Nos. 1-88 (Belwin)
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 1, pp. 11-13 (Ricordi)
Emery, Caroline: Bass is Best, Book 1 (Yorke)
26 Heffalump Dance
38 Old Macdonald
39 Frere Jacques
40 Lightly Row
42 Waltz for bass

43 Ploughmans song
44 Sad double bass
49 Orange-peal
51 Sarabande
52 Go Tell Aunt Rhody
53 Macdonalds Farm
Frost/Fischbach: Artistry in Strings, Book 1, selections (Kjos)
Fletcher: New Tunes for Strings, Book 1, selections (Boosey & Hawkes)
Herfurth: A Tune a Day, Book 1 (Belwin)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 1 pp. 10-13 (International)
Suzuki: Bass School Book 1 (Summy-Birchard)
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lightly Row
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
May Song
Song of the Wind
O Come, Little Children
Vance, George: Progressive Repertoire for Double Bass, Book 1(Carl Fischer)
Any song listed above
Reuben and Rachel
Fox and Goose
Lavenders Blue

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 1

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 8 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 60-69
Note: All required scales and arpeggios for this level are printed on the pages following the
repertoire listing.
Student chooses one from each category:
1. One-octave major scale in G (descending and ascending), Bb or F, and its
equivalent tonic arpeggio
2. Five-note pattern in Thumb position (D,E,F#,G,A,G,F#,E,D repeat) or on the G string
(G,A,B,C,D,C,B,A,Grepeat)
Bowing for scales: Separate quarter notes or two eighths slurred
Bowing for Arpeggios: Separate quarters
Etudes or Pieces
Two total. At least one of the two must have sixteen or more measures without repeats.
Memorized.
Sight-reading: none
Recommended Goals for Level 1
Proper use of body and left arm in each area of the bass,
Shifting between first, fourth and thumb positions,
Developing control of bow speed and placement,
Bowings: detach, staccato, legato.
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 1
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Morton, Dr. Mark: Primer Scale & Arpeggio Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso
Profondo)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 1 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Pieces and Etudes
Applebaum: Building Technic with Beautiful Music, Book 1 (Belwin)
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 1, pp. 14-31 (Ricordi)
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 1-3 (Ricordi)

Emery, Caroline: Bass is Best, Book 1 (Yorke)

59 Swinging
63 The ash grove
65 Knocking on the Door
66 The noble duke of York
70 Dinosaur Dance
72 Hammock-Pavane
74 French Folk Song
75 Dancing Bass
79 Bobby Shaftoe
80 Bellringer, pray give us some peace
81 Baby Sardine
84 The Blue Bells of Scotland
85 Peg-a-leg-Ted
87 Portly Dance
90 The Old Shire Horse
91 The Little Sailor
92 Sunshine
95 Duck Dance
96 Donkey Cart
97 Calypso
Frost/Fischbach: Artistry on Strings, Books 1 and 2, selections (Kjos)
Gale, Thomas B.: Melodic Foundation Studies for the Double Bass, Selections (Basso
Profondo)
Rabbath, New Technique for the Double Bass, Book 1. Ten Rhythmic Exercises
#1-5 (Leduc)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 1 pp. 14-18 (International)
Suzuki: Bass School Book 1 (Summy-Birchard)
Lament
Perpetual Motion
Allegretto
Allegro
The Little Fiddle
Vance, George: Progressive Repertoire for Double Bass, Vol. 1(Carl Fischer)
Book 1:
Go way Old Man
O Come, Little Children
Country Dance
Book 2:
Abschied
Music Box
Sheep May Safely Graze
Did you Ever See a Lassie?
The Happy Farmer
Solo from Symphony No. 1
The Happy Bass Player

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 2

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 8 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 60-69
Note: All required scales and arpeggios for this level are printed on the pages following the
repertoire listing.
Student chooses one scale from each category and its equivalent tonic arpeggio:
1. One-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in D or Bb.
2. One-octave melodic minor scale and tonic arpeggio in A.
3. Two-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in G or C.
Bowing for scales: Two eighths slurred.
Bowing for arpeggios: Separate quarter notes.
Use whole bow.
Etudes or Pieces
Two total.
Memorized.
Sight-reading: none
Recommended Goals for Level 2
Shifting between positions separated by or whole steps
Developing control of bow weight, speed and placement, and the relations between
them
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 2
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)
Morton, Dr. Mark: Primer Scale & Arpeggio Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso
Profondo)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 2 (2-octave) (International)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 1 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Etudes
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 1, pp. 32-62 (Ricordi)

Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 4-13 (Ricordi)
Rabbath, New Technique for Double Bass, Book 1, Ten Rhythmic Exercises #6-10,
Etudes 1-7 (Leduc)
Rabbath, New Technique for the Double Bass, Book 1. (Leduc)
Simandl: 30 Studies for String Bass, Etudes 1-4 (International)
Pieces
Emery: Bass is Best, Volume 2 (Yorke)
Gale, Thomas B.: Melodic Foundation Studies for the Double Bass, Selections (Basso
Profondo)
Hartley: Double Bass Solo 1(Oxford)
#23, March
#25 Andante
#27 The Gift to Be Simple
#28 Wherere You Walk
Suzuki: Bass School (Summy-Birchard), Vol. 2
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 1, pp. 20-30 (International)
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 1, Book 2
Irlandais
Saraband
Bagatelle
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 2, Book 3
Sakura
Long, Long Ago (with bowing study)
Wiegenlied
Hatikvah
Song of the Volga Boatmen (both versions)
Moto Perpetuo (with doubles)
Old French Song
Rigaudon
Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring
Chorus-from Judas Maccabaeus
Walter: Melodious Bass, through page 27 (Amsco)

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 3

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 10 Minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 60-69
Note: All required scales and arpeggios for this level are printed on the pages following the
repertoire listing.
Student chooses one scale from each category and its equivalent tonic arpeggio:
1. Two-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in C, D, F or G.
2. One-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in B or E
3. One-octave melodic minor scale and tonic arpeggio in G or D.
Bowing for scales: Slur two or four eighths.
Bowing for arpeggios: Slur two or three quarters.
Use whole bow on all.
Etudes or Pieces
Two total
Memorized
Sight-reading
Two octave range, G or D major
Meters: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8
Note and rest values of eighths through whole notes
Two notes slurred.
Recommended Goals for Level 3
Increasing control of intonation, rhythm and tone
Increasing control of bow use
Martel stroke
Dynamics
Beginning vibrato on longer notes
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 3
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)
Levinson, Eugene: The School of Agility (Fischer)
Morton, Dr. Morton: Primer Scale & Arpeggio Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso
Profondo)

Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 2 (2-octave) (International)

Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 1 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Etudes and Technical Studies
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 1, pp. 63-83 (Ricordi)
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 14-31 (Ricordi)
Lee: 12 Studies, Op. 31. Etudes 1-3 (International)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 1, Etudes 8-10 (Leduc)
Simandl: 30 Studies for String Bass, Etudes 5-8 (International)
Sturm: Volume 1, Etudes 1-17 (International)
Pieces
Hartley: Double Bass Solo 1(Oxford)
#34 Sheep May Safely Graze
#36 Minuet
#37 Rondo Allongarese
#40 St Anthony Chorale
#42 Minuet in F
#43 Pavane
#48 Prelude
#50 Sonatina
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 2, Book 4 (Fischer)
Musette
Impertinence
Flow Gently, Sweet Afton
Allegro
Minuet in D
Minuet in G
Bourree
Scherzo
Waltz
March of the Kings
Contredanse
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 3, Book 5 (Fischer)
Gavotte
Tre Giorni
Wild Rider
The Elephant
Walter: Melodious Bass, pp. 28-end (Amsco)
Yorke Solos for Double Bass and Piano (Yorke), Volume 1 35 Easy Pieces
#6 Si jetais
#17-18 A Dogs Life
#33 The Fairground
#35 Novelette

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 4

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of Examination: 15 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 60-69
Note: All required scales and arpeggios for this level are printed on the pages following the
repertoire listing.
Student chooses one scale from each category and its equivalent tonic arpeggio:
1. Two-octave major scale in E, F, G, Bb or C with tonic arpeggio
2. Two-octave melodic minor scales in D, E or G with tonic arpeggio
Play both harmonic and melodic minor forms
3. One-octave chromatic scale in G or A
Bowing for scales: Slur four eighths.
Bowing for arpeggios: Slur one set of triplet eighths to the quarter.
Etude
One, memorization not required.
Select an etude written in one of the keys listed above.
Pieces
One or two, memorized. A sonata or concerto movement counts as one piece.
Sight-reading
Two octave range in C, G or F major
Meters: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8
Note and rest values of eighths through whole notes
Two-note slurs
Recommended Goals for Level 4
Increasing control of intonation, rhythm and tone
Increasing control of bow use
On the string bowing
Use of dynamics
Vibrato development progresses from Level 3
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 4
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)
Levinson, Eugene: The School of Agility (Fischer)
Morton, Dr. Mark: Miraculous! Scale Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso Profondo)

Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 3 (3-octave) (International)

Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 2 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Etudes and Technical Studies
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 1, pp. 83-91 (Ricordi)
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 32-39 (Ricordi)
Lee: 12 Studies, Op. 31. Etudes 4, 5 (International)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 2, Etudes 11-13 (Leduc)
Simandl: 30 Studies for String Bass, Etudes 9-16 (International)
Sturm: Volume 1 (International)
Pieces
Capuzzi/Baines: Concerto for Double Bass in F major (Boosey and Hawkes)
Iadone: Sonata for Double Bass and Piano (Slava)
Marcello/Zimmerman: Sonatas 1-6 (International)
Pergolesi: Sonata Pulcinella (Breitkopf and Hartel)
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 3, Book 5 (Fischer)
Berceuse
La Cinquantaine
Thomas: Gavotte
Vivaldi/Zimmerman: Sonata No. 3 (International)
Walter, D.: The Elephants Gavotte (Yorke)
Walton, J.: A Deep Song (Yorke)
Zimmerman, ed.: Solos for the Double Bass Player (Schirmer)
DallAbaco, Grave
Russell, Chaconne

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 5

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 15 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 60-69
Note: All required scales and arpeggios for this level are printed on the pages following the
repertoire listing.
Student chooses one scale from each category and its equivalent tonic arpeggio
1. Three-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in G. Slur one set of triplet eighths or
four eighths.
2. Two-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in A, D or Eb. Slur four eighths or eight
sixteenths.
3. Two-octave minor scale and tonic arpeggio (play both melodic and harmonic
versions) in F#, B or C. Slur four eighths.
4. Two-octave chromatic scale in E. Slur two or four eighths.
Bowing for arpeggios: Slur one set of triplet eighths or four eighths.
Etudes
One, memorization not required
Select an etude written in one of the keys listed above.
Pieces
One or two, memorized. A sonata or concerto movement counts as one piece.
Sight-reading
Two octave range
Major keys of two or three accidentals
Meters: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8
Note and rest values of eighths through whole notes
Two-note slurs
Recommended Goals for Level 5
Increased bow control including martel, legato and spiccato
Vibrato is established
Transition between lower and upper positions established
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 5
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)
Levinson, Eugene: The School of Agility (Fischer)

Morton, Dr. Mark: Miraculous! Scale Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso Profondo)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 3 (3-octave) (International)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 2 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)

Etudes and Technical Studies

Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 40-53 (Ricordi)
Lee: 12 Studies, Op. 31. Etudes 6-8 (International)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 2, Etudes 14-20 (Leduc)
Simandl: 30 Studies for String Bass, Etudes 17-25 (International)
Sturm: Volume 1 (International)
Pieces
Bach, J. S. /Drew: Gamba Sonatas Nos. 1, 2 and 3 (Warner Bros.)
(Or use any accepted Cello edition)
Bach, J. S. /Zimmermann: Aria from Suite No. 3 (International)
Corelli: Sonata Op. 5, No. 8 (Stefan Schfer)
Faure/Zimmermann: Sicilienne (International)
Pierne/Drew: Piece in G minor (Belwin Mills)
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 3 Book 5 (Fischer)
Minuet LAntique
Russian Sailors Dance
Lorinzitti Gavotte
Vance: Progressive Repertoire, Volume 3 Book 6 (Fischer)
Adagio and Presto (Antoniotti)
Vivaldi/Zimmerman: Sonatas 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 (International)
Zimmerman, ed.: Solos for the Double Bass Player (Schirmer)
DAndrieu: Prelude and Allegro
Beveridge: Serenade
Handel: Sonata in C minor
Rachmaninoff: Vocalise
Verdi: Aria from Rigoletto
Zimmerman, ed.: Three Sonatas (University of Miami Publications)
Pergolesi: Sinfonia in F Major
Caporale, Sonata in D minor
Croft, Sonata in A minor
Zimmerman, Oscar (editor): Seven Baroque Sonatas (Zimmerman Publications)

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 6

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 17 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter notes = 60-72
Student chooses one scale from each category and its equivalent tonic arpeggio:
1. Three-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in F. Slur one set of triplet eighths or
four eighths.
2. Two-octave major scale and tonic arpeggio in E, Ab, B, Db with arpeggio. Slur four
eighths or eight sixteenths.
3. Two-octave minor scale and tonic arpeggio in C#, F, Ab or Bb. Play both harmonic
and melodic forms. Slur one set of triplet eighths or four eighths.
4. Two-octave Chromatic scale in G. Slur four eighths.
5. One-octave major scale in G or C in double-stopped thirds. Separate quarters. Use
whole bow.
Bowing for arpeggios: Slur one set of triplet eighths or four eighths.
Etude
One, memorization not required
Select an etude written in one of the keys listed above.
Pieces
One or two, memorized. A movement of a sonata or concerto counts as one piece.
Sight-reading
Two octave range
Major keys of two to four accidentals
Meters: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8
Note and rest values of eighths through whole notes
Two-note slurs
Recommended Goals for Level 6
Familiarity with all positions, including upper harmonics
Control of dynamics
Expressive vibrato
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 6
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)
Levinson, Eugene: The School of Agility (Fischer)
Morton, Dr. Mark: Miraculous! Scale Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso Profondo)

Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 3 (3-octave) (International)

Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 2 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Etudes and Technical Studies
Bille, Isaiah: Method book 1 (Ricordi)
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 54-61 (Ricordi)
Lee: 12 Studies, Op. 31. Etudes 10-15 (International)
Nanny: Method Part 2 (Leduc)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 2, Etudes 16-19 (Leduc)
Simandl: 30 Studies for String Bass, Etudes 26-30 (International)
Simandl: New Method Book 2 beginning (International)
Sturm: Volume 1 (International)
Pieces
Capuzzi/Buccarella: Concerto for DB [in the key of D] (Yorke)
Cimador: Concerto in G (Yorke)
Dragonetti: Six Waltzes for DB Alone (Hofmeister)
Faur: Aprs un Rve (International)
Faur: Elegie Op. 24 (International)
Frescobaldi: Toccata (Ludwin)
Scarlatti/Zimmerman: Three Sonatas for DB (Schirmer)
Zimmerman, ed.: Solos for the Double Bass Player (Schirmer)
Geissel: Adagio
Vivaldi: Concerto in A minor for Violin, 1st movement

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 7

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 20 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 66-76
Student chooses one scale from each category:
1. Three-octave major scale in D, F or G. (D major scale starts on open D, then jumps
down an octave to the open E string and continues up) Slur two groups of triplet
eighths or eight sixteenths.
2. Two-octave major scale in F#, Cb, C# with arpeggio. Slur two groups of triplet
eighths or eight sixteenths.
3. Two-octave minor scale in D#, Ab or Bb. Play both harmonic and melodic forms. Slur
two groups of triplet eighths or eight sixteenths.
4. Three-octave E chromatic scale. Slur two eighths or four eighths.
5. Two-octave major scale in F in double-stopped thirds. Slur two eighths.
Tonic and subdominant arpeggios required for all major and minor scales.
Bowing for arpeggios: Slur one set of triplet eighths.
Etude
One, memorization not required.
Select an etude written in one of the keys listed above.
Pieces
One or two, memorized. A movement of a sonata
or concerto counts as one piece.
Sight-reading
Two-octave range
More challenging keys
Meters: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8
Note and rest values of eighths through whole notes
Slurs of two, three, and four notes
Recommended Goals for Level 7
Goals of Level 6 plus:
Increasing control of intonation, rhythm and tone
Increasing control of bow use
Martel stroke
Use of dynamics to enhance musical interpretation
Beginning use of vibrato on longer notes

Examples of Music Suitable for Level 7

Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)
Levinson, Eugene: The School of Agility (Fischer)
Morton, Dr. Mark: Miraculous! Scale Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso Profondo)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 3 (3-octave) (International)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 2 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Etudes and Technical Studies
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 3, etudes 62-72(Ricordi)
Lee: 12 Studies, Op. 31. Etudes 9-12 (International)
Nanny: Method Part 2 (Leduc)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 2, Etude #21 (Leduc)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 3, Cyril, Etude in 5th position, Study in Bowing
(Leduc)
Simandl: New Method Book 2 (International)
Sturm: Volume 2 (International)
Pieces
Armand Russell: Harlequin Concerto (Zimmerman)
Eccles: Sonata in G minor (International)
Keyper: Romance and Rondo (Yorke)
Koussevitzky: Chanson Triste (International)
Koussevitzky: Valse Miniature (International)
Nanny/attrib. Dragonetti: Concerto for Double Bass (International)

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 8

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 20 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 66-76
Student chooses one from each category:
1. Three-octave major scale in E, F, G or C. Slur two groups of triplet eighths or eight
sixteenths.
2. Three-octave minor scale in A, D or E. Slur two groups of triplet eighths or eight
sixteenths.
3. Two-octave major scale in Bb in double-stopped thirds. Separate quarters.
Tonic and subdominant arpeggios are required for all major and minor scales.
Bowing for arpeggios: One set of triplet eighths slurred.
Etude
One, memorization not required.
Pieces
Two pieces (or movements from a larger piece) in contrasting style. A movement of a
sonata or concerto counts as one piece.
Both memorized
Sight-reading
Range may exceed two octaves
Keys up to three sharps and three flats
Meters of 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, 3/8, 9/8, cut time
Note values may include sixteenths, dotted eighths, eighth and sixteenth rests
Slurs of two, three, four, or six notes
Recommended Goals for Level 8
Increased conviction and musical maturity in a varied range of repertoire and styles
Confidence and accuracy in shifting
Control of different kinds of shifting and glissandi
Beauty, resonance, colors and projection in tone production throughout the range of the bass
Ability to change speed and width of vibrato to communicate musical intentions
Refined bowing skills showing control of varied articulations and increased use of nuance and
inflection
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 8
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Scale Books
Bille: New Method for Double Bass, Part 1 Course 2 (Ricordi)

Levinson, Eugene: The School of Agility (Fischer)

Morton, Dr. Mark: Miraculous! Scale Fingerings for the Double Bass (Basso Profondo)
Rabbath: New Technique for Double Bass, Book 3 (3-octave) (International)
Simandl: New Method for String Bass, Part 2 (International)
Vance: Vade Mecum (Carl Fischer)
Etudes and Technical Studies
Gouffe: 45 studies by Various Composers (Editions Costallat, Presser)
Kayser: 36 Studies, Op. 20 (International)
Mengoli: 40 Studi DOrchestra in Two Volumes (G. Zanibon, Casa Musicale)
Proto: 21 Modern Etudes (Liben)
Simandl: Gradus ad Parnassum in two volumes (International)
Slama: 66 Studies in All Keys (International)
Storch-Hrabe: 57 Studies in Two Volumes (International)
Pieces
Anderson: Four Short Pieces (Bass Is)
Birkenstock: Sonata (Leduc)
Bottesini: Elegy (Belwin Mills)
Bruch: Kol Nidrei (International)
Dittersdorf: Concerto No. 1 or 2 (Schott)
Faure: Elegy (International)
Geier: Konzert in E (Hoffmeister)
Gliere: Intermezzo (From Four Pieces, Op. 32 and Op. 9) (Belwin Mills)
Gliere: Praeludium (From Four Pieces, Op. 32 and Op. 9) (Belwin Mills)
Guettler: Variations on the tune Greensleeves (Yorke)
Handel: Sonata No. 6, Op. 1, No. 15 (Transcribed for DB) (Slava)
Hindemith: Sonata (Schott)
Kodaly: Epigrams (Boosey and Hawkes)
Koussevitsky: Concerto (International)
Misek: Sonata No. 1 (Hofmeister)
Misek: Sonata No. 2 (Hofmeister)
Persichetti: Parable (Presser)
Pichl: Concerto (Zimmerman)
Proto: Caprice for Solo Double Bass (Liben)
Proto: Sonata 1963 (Liben)
Rabbath: Solos for the Double Bassist (Liben)
Iberique Peninsulaire
Ode d'Espagne
Poucha
Dass
Lize
Concerto in One Part
Ramsier: Road to Hamelin (Boosey and Hawkes)
Saint Saens: Allegro Appassionato (International)
Van Goens: Scherzo (Belwin Mills)
Vanhal: Concerto (Hofmeister)
Vivaldi: Concerto in F (Liben)

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 9

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 25 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.
Scales and Arpeggios
Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 72-88
Student chooses one from each category.
1. Three-octave major scale in Ab or A. Slur two sets of triplet eighths or eight
sixteenths followed by the modulating series of arpeggios (as in Flesch, Levinson or
Sevcik), slurred as one set of triplet eighths or more.
2. Three-octave minor scale in F or F#. Slur two groups of triplet eighths or eight
sixteenths followed by the modulating series of arpeggios (as in Flesch, Levinson or
Sevcik) slurred as one set of triplets or more.
3. Two-octave major scale in C in double-stopped thirds. Slur two eighths.
4. Two-octave major scale in F or G in double-stopped fifths. Separate quarters.
Etudes
One, memorization not required.
Pieces
Two pieces (or movements from a larger piece) in contrasting style and one orchestral excerpt.
A movement of a sonata or concerto counts as one piece.
Sight-reading
Range may exceed two octaves
Keys up to three sharps and three flats with a few accidentals
Meters of 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, 3/8, 9/8, 12/8, cut time
Note values may include sixteenths, dotted eighths, eighth and sixteenth rests
Slurs of two, three, four, six, or eight notes
Recommended Goals for Level 9
Heightened development of style
Vibrato and tone colors varied to suit interpretation
Expressive use of shifts/glissandi
Continued overall progress in technical skills and tone production
Extensive thumb position
Clean and even passage work
Examples of Music Suitable for Level 9
Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Etudes and Technical Studies
Findeisen: 25 Technical Studies (International)
Findeisen: 25 Studies for Contrabass in All Keys (International)
Mengoli: 20 Concert Etudes for Bass (Schott Musik International)

Nanny: 10 Etudes-Caprices (Leduc)

Nanny: 20 Etudes of Virtuosity (Leduc)
Rabbath: La Nouvelle Technique de la Contrabass, Vol. III etudes (Leduc)
Simandl: Gradus ad Parnassum in two volumes (International)
Pieces
Anderson: Concerto (Bass Is)
Angerer: Gloriatio (Publisher unknown)
Bach: Suite no. 1 in G (transcribed for DB) (Liben or Slava)
Bach: Suite no. 2 in D minor (transcribed for DB) (Liben or Slava)
Bach: Suite no. 3 in C (transcribed for DB) (Slava)
*Berio: Psy (Universal Edition ISMN M-008-02857-1)
Bloch: Prayer (transcribed for DB) (Carl Fischer)
Bottesini: Concerto no. 1 (Zimmerman)
Bottesini: Concerto no. 2 (Hofmeister)
Bottesini: Tarantella (International)
Bottesini: Passione Amorose (Duet for 2 double basses) (International)
Curb: Valse: ed. Bransby (Contemporary Music Publisher)
Dillman: Sonate fur Kontrabass und Klavier (Doblinger)
Ellison: For C.S. (Publishing in progress)
Fryba: Suite in Ancient Style (Weinberger)
Gliere: Scherzo (From Four Pieces, Op. 32 and Op. 9) (Belwin Mills)
Gliere: Tarantella (From Four Pieces, Op. 32 and Op. 9) (Belwin Mills)
Lancen: Croquis (Yorke)
Maw: Old Kings Lament (Yorke)
Paganini: Variations on one string on a theme by Rossini (International)
Proto: A Carmen Fantasy (Liben)
Proto: Concerto no. 1 (Liben)
Proto: Mingus-Live in the Underworld (Liben)
Rabbath: Solos for the Double Bassist: Breiz, Equation, Kobolds, Papa Georges, Sete Quate,
Crazy Course (Liben)
Sankey: Carmen Fantasy (International)
Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata (transcribed for DB) (International)
Whittenberg: Conversations (Peters)
* - If Psy is performed as one selection, then a third piece must also be performed.
Orchestral Excerpts
(All Zimmerman editions are from volumes containing the collected works of the listed
composer)
Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 2, Badinerie (Zimmerman) Play all, no repeats.
Beethoven: Symphony no. 5, Scherzo and Trio (Zimmerman) Play all, no repeats.
Beethoven: Symphony no. 9, Recitative (Zimmerman)
Ginastera: Solo from Variaciones Concertantes (Score from Boosey and Hawkes)
Mozart: Symphony no. 35, 1st movement, beginning to letter B (Zimmerman)
Prokofiev: Solo from Lieutenant Kije (Hartley: Double Bass Solo 2 (Oxford))
Smetana: Overture from the Bartered Bride (Zimmerman)- Beginning to 5 after A
Stravinsky: Solo from Pulcinella (Hartley: Double Bass Solo 2 (Oxford))
Verdi: Solo from Othello, Act IV (Hartley: Double Bass Solo 2 (Oxford))

DOUBLE BASS- LEVEL 10

Performance Exam Requirements
Duration of examination: 30 minutes

Note: All positions are in Simandl Numbering except where otherwise noted.

Scales and Arpeggios

Memorized
Metronome: quarter note = 72-88
Student chooses one from each category:
1. Three-octave major scale in F#, B or C#. Slur two groups of triplet eighths or eight
sixteenths followed by the modulating series of arpeggios (as in Flesch, Levinson or
Sevcik), slurred as one set of triplet eighths or more.
2. Three-octave minor scale in Eb, Ab or Bb. (Eb major scale starts on D string, then
jumps down an octave to the E string and continues up) Slur two groups of triplet
eighths or eight sixteenths followed by the modulating series of arpeggios (as in
Flesch, Levinson or Sevcik), slurred as one set of triplet eighths or more.
3. One-octave major scale in A in double-stopped octaves. Separate quarters.
4. One-octave major scale in D in double-stopped unisons. Slur two eighths.
Etude: none

Pieces
Two pieces (movements or comparably significant portion from a larger piece) in contrasting
style (not one of the Bach Suites for Cello).
Two movements from the Bach Suites for Cello (memorized with no repeats).
OR
One piece or two contrasting movements from a concerto or sonata.
Two movements of a Bach Suite for Cello (memorized with no repeats).
One orchestral excerpt from three different composers.
Sight Reading
Range may exceed two octaves
Keys up to three sharps and four flats with a few accidentals
Meters of 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, 3/8, 9/8, 12/8, cut time
Note values might include sixteenths, dotted eighths, eighth and sixteenth rests
Slurs of up to eight notes
Passages implying spiccato (as in repeated eighths in Allegro tempo)
Recommended Goals for Level 10
Increased awareness of musical forms, styles of different periods, and the relationship
of tonal elements (theory) to interpretation
Fluent playing over the entire range of the instrument
Familiarity with virtuosic and orchestral bowings
Students are able to develop their own interpretation of repertoire including choices of
bowings and fingerings
Knowledge of all major and minor scales, arpeggios, broken thirds

Examples of Music Suitable for Level 10

Note: Teachers may choose any other works of comparable level.
Pieces
Bach: Suite no. 4 in D or E-flat (transcribed for DB) (Slava)
Bach: Suite no. 5 in C or A minor (transcribed for DB) (Slava)
Bach: Suite no. 6 in G or D (transcribed for DB) (Slava)
Brahms: Sonata for Violoncello in E minor (Any transcription from Cello)
Bruch: Concerto for Violin (Any transcription from Violin)
Deak: BB Wolf (International Society of Bassists)
Deak: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (Carl Fischer)
Druckman: Valentine (Boosey and Hawkes)
Franck: Sonata for Violin (Transcribed for DB) (International)
Hertl: Concerto (Boosey and Hawkes)
Johnson: Failing (Two Eighteen Press)
Paganini/Bernat: Caprice no. 24, Op. 1 (International)
Proto: Concerto no. 2 (Liben)
Proto: Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra (Liben)
Proto: Nine Variants on Paganini (Liben)
Proto: Picasso (Liben)
Proto: Death of Desdemona (Liben)
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen (Any Violin Transcription)
Schifrin: Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra (MMB Music)
Schuller: Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra (Associated Music Publishers)
Xenakis: Theraps (Editions Salabert)
Orchestral Excerpts
(All Zimmerman editions are from volumes containing the collected works of the listed
composer)
Beethoven: Symphony no. 9 (Zimmerman)
Movement IV, Recitative and Chorale (Beginning to A)
Movement IV, Letter K to 33 after L
Movement IV, Two before M to fermata
Movement IV, Prestissimo before T to Maestoso after T
Brahms: Symphony no. 1 (Zimmerman)
Movement I, 11 before B to 5 after C
Movement I, Letter E to 1st ending
Movement I, Letter O to 4 after P
Movement IV, Letter D to 5 after E
Movement IV, Letter K to Letter L
Movement IV 11 before M to 5 after N
Brahms: Symphony no. 2 (Zimmerman)
Movement I, 12 before B to B
Movement I, Four before E to F
Movement I, 9 after H to 16 after I
Movement I, 42 before L to L
Movement IV, Beginning to 15 after A
Movement IV, 8 before L to M
Movement IV, 24 before P to end
Mozart: Symphony no. 35 (Zimmerman)
Movement IV, Beginning to 6 after B

Movement IV, 10 after D to E

Mozart: Symphony no. 39 (Zimmerman)
Movement I, m. 13 to m. 21
Movement I, 14 before A to 1 after C
Movement I, D to F
Movement IV, 17 after B to C
Mozart: Symphony no. 40 (Zimmerman)
Movement I, 23 before C to 5 after C
Movement III, beginning to 2nd repeat
Movement IV, 30 before A to A
Movement IV, 22 before D to 31 after D
Schubert: Symphony no. 9 The Great, C major (Zimmerman)
Movement I, 53 after H to 18 after I
Movement III, beginning to 9 after first repeat
Movement III, B to 7 after C
Movement IV, 55 after A to C
Movement IV, H to K
Strauss: Don Juan (Zimmerman)
A to 5 after B
F to 4 after G
6 before P to 3 after U
Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (Zimmerman)
9 to six after 12
Eight before 16 to 17
Battle Scene 51 to Five after 73
Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Zimmerman)
Four before 3 to 4
Twelve before 43 to 48
Ten before 50 to 52
Note: Additional listing of study material is available in the String Syllabus, Volume 1 (for Violin,
Viola, Cello, Double Bass), 2003 Edition edited by C. Gregory Hurley. Order from ASTA, 4153
Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Fax 703-279-2114.
Order online at www.astaweb.com.
Note: Levels in the String Syllabus do not correspond to Certificate Program levels.