Unofficial prep guide · TMEA 2026-27 · Cello
Popper Op. 73 No. 22
David Popper. High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73.
Unofficial prep guide. No affiliation with TMEA. Official materials and errata: tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/
What this etude trains
The technique focus.
Advanced left-hand technique, typically involving sustained lyrical passages in the upper register, thumb position work, and the kind of tonal production that makes the cello sound like a human voice.
About the composer
David Popper (1843-1913) was one of the greatest cellists of the Romantic era. His High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73, forty etudes in ascending difficulty, is the definitive advanced technique collection for cello, the equivalent of Kreutzer for violin.
Errata
Where to find the current-season corrections.
Popper Op. 73 is widely published and editions vary in bowings, fingerings, and phrasing details. TMEA specifies a particular edition and lists corrections at tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/ (May 1 to May 15, frozen September 1). Common errata for Popper etudes involve slur groupings and accent marks that differ between Peters, International, and Schott printings.
Official errata source
TMEA posts errata May 1 to May 15 each year and updates them until the September 1 freeze. Region cuts and excerpts post August 1 at noon Central Time. Area cuts post September 1.
Verify errata on tmea.orgCommon mistakes
Practice traps on this etude.
- 1
Thumb position insecurity. Students who have not solidified their thumb position tend to sink intonation in the upper register under pressure.
- 2
Bow speed mismatches: a cello's upper register needs a faster, lighter bow to produce a singing tone, not more pressure.
- 3
Losing the phrase shape when concentrating on technical difficulty. Popper etudes are complete musical statements.
- 4
Ignoring the left-hand angle in thumb position, which causes intonation issues and can lead to injury over a summer of intensive preparation.
- 5
Not differentiating between slurred and detached passages, a distinction Popper marks carefully and panels notice immediately.
Panel perspective
What a judge listens for on this etude.
- Thumb position security and intonation in the upper register.
- Tonal richness: the cello voice should project, not retreat.
- Bow articulation matching the score's markings.
- Phrase shape and musical intent, not just technical execution.
- Evenness of scale and arpeggio passages.
Scored takes on this etude
How other students are scoring it.
Record this etude. Get scored free.
Hear what a panel hears before August 1.
Record your take of this etude. The Judge scores it on the same five dimensions a real panel grades: intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, and musicality. Measure-level notes show exactly where your take cost points. Three free takes, no card.
Record this etude and get scored freeCommon questions
What students ask about this etude.
What does Popper Op. 73 No. 22 train?
Advanced left-hand technique, typically involving sustained lyrical passages in the upper register, thumb position work, and the kind of tonal production that makes the cello sound like a human voice.
Where do I find the official TMEA errata for Popper Op. 73 No. 22?
The official errata are published by TMEA at tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/. Errata post May 1 to May 15 and are updated until the September 1 freeze. Always verify corrections directly on that page before preparing for auditions.
What are the most common mistakes on Popper Op. 73 No. 22?
Thumb position insecurity. Students who have not solidified their thumb position tend to sink intonation in the upper register under pressure. Bow speed mismatches: a cello's upper register needs a faster, lighter bow to produce a singing tone, not more pressure.
Is this an official TMEA resource?
No. This is an unofficial prep guide. Orchestra Kingdom has no affiliation with the Texas Music Educators Association. All official materials, errata, and audition requirements come from tmea.org.
Can I use Orchestra Kingdom to score my TMEA etude practice?
Yes. Record your etude and get scored on the five dimensions a real panel grades: intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, and musicality. The Judge gives you measure-level notes on where the take cost you the most. Three free takes, no card required.
When do region excerpts and cuts post for TMEA 2026-27?
Region cuts and excerpts post August 1 at noon Central Time. Area cuts post September 1. Both are published by TMEA on the official audition materials page.
All 2026-27 TMEA etudes
See all eight etude prep guides