Tonal and modal-based etude proposals for beginner-level cello education

This thesis presents original studies designed for beginner-level cello education, based on Western music–oriented tonal structures and supported by modal etudes. The main objective of the study is to develop students' technical and theoretical skills, strengthen their tonal awareness, foster sensitivity to modal structures, and enhance their musical expression. The research is organized into four chapters. The first chapter discusses the historical development of the cello, its structural characteristics, and their pedagogical reflections; existing approaches in the literature are reviewed, and the theoretical framework of the study is established. The second chapter provides a literature review on cello education, offering a comparative evaluation of relevant studies and etude approaches. The third chapter explains the place of the cello in both Turkish and Western music, its ergonomic features, instrument and bow holding techniques, and presents fundamental knowledge for beginners. The fourth chapter introduces original tonal and modal etudes that support bowing techniques, position studies, and intonation development. These etudes are enriched with examples from Western music repertoire as well as melodies and motifs inspired by Anatolian musical culture, aiming to contribute holistically to students' technical, aural, and musical development by incorporating both tonal and modal frameworks. The study employs a qualitative research design using the case study model. Documents related to the Fine Arts High Schools' Cello Teaching Program were examined in detail. In addition, academic publications, etude books, and theses were utilized in order to design practices aligned with the units, objectives, and learning outcomes of the curriculum. It is expected that this study will offer teachers and students an alternative approach to beginner-level cello education, increase pedagogical diversity, provide methodological enrichment, and make an original contribution to the field of instrumental education.