But first, some tips on how to choose a piece of music in the first place:

If you have a book for cello-playing with simple tunes in it that's great, otherwise you can find something online, order a book, or maybe you live in a place where there are still shops selling sheet music?

=> Explore or download sheet music from IMSLP: https://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page

=> Maybe this is the sheet music you're looking for: https://www.charveypublications.com/

=> Or perhaps this is the most useful website for you: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/

1. Check the clefs.

A change of clef can happen at any time in the piece.

We play three different clefs: the bass clef, alto clef and treble clef.

So check with yourself how much new information you want to take in regarding clefs.

It's normal to stick to the bass clef for more than a year, so if that's where you're comfortable, glance through the piece to see if there is a change of clef somewhere.

2. Check the pitch.

If you're still becoming familiar with the 1st position, check that the highest pitch of the piece is within that range.

3. Check the key signature.

Feel into how much new information you want to integrate. If you've been playing entirely in C major until now, maybe it's too early for the keys with say 4 or 5 sharps and flats.

Basically, with more sharps and flats you'll be playing more in the 2nd and 3rd positions.

In beginner's cello books you won't see those key signatures anyway, but if you've found a pop song online, maybe it's in a key determined by the singer of that song, which could be any key between heaven and earth.

And now that you have chosen your piece, here's my suggestion for how to approach it:

1. Start with the rhythm. With or without a metronome, get acquainted with it without trying to play it on the cello yet.

2. Play the rhythm with your 'air bow', do the rhythmic motions with your arm in the air. Then, by holding your actual bow.

3. Play the rhythms on one string only. Then, play the rhythms on the intended strings.

4. Pitch by pitch, locate the notes in the left hand. Familiarize yourself with how it's like to move between every single note.

5. Repeat step 3.

6. Play the piece slowly the way it should be played. Phrase by phrase, or bar by bar. Start slow.

I can’t share a download of the May Song, but if you want to order yourself a copy you’ll find it in Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 1.