Exploring Classical Mandolin

A method to discover

When I first met August in 2014, he told to me he had to finish his mandolin book. I knew it was a lot of work to research, develop and produce a book. I encouraged him to concentrate his energies and bring it to completion. However, I had no idea of the volume and the quality of information to be found in this book!

This elegant publication provides all musicians with instant access to the tasteful and wonderful world of the classical mandolin. August also includes musical repertoire and technique from some of the most recognized mandolin composers.

The book shows you the different postures and techniques used in modern and classical mandolin playing. August also details the importance of the recognized mandolin schools along with their respective approaches to musicianship.

Through the chapters, audio-technical exercises and etudes are there to help develop ear training and the understanding of the mandolin fingerboard. Some melodic concepts can be transposed or reharmonized and are especially useful for improvisation aficionados!

August also provides the reader with clear application of a mandolinistic chordal concepts. These exercises are very helpful to understand how pop, jazz, baroque and romantic music progressions are constructed.

Most advanced players will have fun improvising in baroque music, play duo-style arrangments, and discover the split-string technique. Most concepts introduced in the book are accompanied by carefully selected and applicable etudes and musical scores.

(Some HD performances are directly accessible by video streaming from the Hal Leonard website)

If you still are not convinced about purchasing this book, you should know that there are 71 added pages filled with a tasteful selection of duets, trios and original arrangements. They cover most styles of classical mandolin music. My only concern about this book is that it's too thick. August really had the desire to expose us to all his knowledge in one volume. But guess what? Knowing August personally I am sure there will be a lot more to come from him in the future!

Bravo August!

And by the way, thank's for telling us why:

"Now is a great time to be a mandolinist!"