This study examines the enduring legacy of Rick Mooney (1953-2023) in Brazilian cello pedagogy. Mooney’s two-volume method, Thumb Position for Cello, Volume 1 (1998) and Volume 2: Thumbs of Steel (1999), provides a structured yet adaptable introduction to thumb position, using accessible songs to guide students gradually into higher registers. This research is divided into two parts. In the first part, to deepen understanding of Mooney’s pedagogical approach, it analyses eight online masterclasses delivered by Mooney during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2023), hosted by Dutch cellist Scarlet Arts. Transcriptions of these sessions highlight Mooney’s central aim: to demystify students’ fear of high notes by introducing them progressively through familiar melodies. In the second part, the study investigates how Mooney’s ideas have been adapted within Brazilian pedagogy, particularly at the Escola de Música de Brasília. There, his method has inspired teachers to integrate Brazilian folk repertoire, reinforcing both technical skill and the value of cultural identity. By extending the range of folk songs from C1 to E4—an octave higher than in Mooney’s original method—Brazilian educators have expanded his approach to address technical barriers while embedding local traditions into cello instruction. To complement this second part of the study, it draws on interviews with students from the Escola de Música de Brasília, documenting their early experiences of learning high notes. These accounts confirm Mooney’s enduring legacy: his method not only ensures that students encounter the full range of the cello from the outset, but also fosters confidence rather than apprehension in the upper registers, a significant psychological impact.