Classical Studies for Mandola

Rob MacKillop

Sep 2025 · Mel Bay Publications

Ebook

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About this ebook

Tuned a perfect fifth lower than the mandolin —CGDA low-to-high—the mandola takes the role of the viola in a mandolin orchestra or other ensemble. Given the mandola’s unique tessitura, the alto clef, with middle C on the third ledger line of the staff, is required. This collection of 40 pieces from the Classical through early Romantic periods aims to help you become proficient in reading the alto clef from easy to advanced levels, while simultaneously improving your technical abilities.

Multi-instrumentalist Rob MacKillop consistently demonstrates an appreciation and awareness of musicianship, regardless of which instrument or period of music captures his fancy. From J. S. Bach to Raffaele Calace, this book draws studies and pieces from method books for the mandolin, cello, guitar, and early (c.1700) music for the mandola. The author’s goal is to prepare you for the finest classical repertoire; in his words, “These studies have been chosen to develop your musicianship, not just technique.”

This book has a high practical value for mandola players learning to read the alto clef. To facilitate that journey, the pieces and exercises in this book are also presented in tablature that can be read on any 4-string instrument tuned in perfect fifths.

About the author

"One of Scotland's finest musicians" Celtic World

"A top-drawer player" Early Music Today

"MacKillop displays dazzling virtuosity...the playing is exceptionally musical." Sounding Strings

Rob MacKillop has recorded multiple CDs of historical music, three of which reached the number one position in the Scottish Classical Music Chart. In 2001 he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship for his research into medieval Scottish music, which led him to study with Sufi musicians in Istanbul and Morocco. He broadcast an entire solo concert on BBC Radio 3 from John Smith's Square, London. He has presented academic papers at conferences in Portugal and Germany and has been published many times. Rob has been active in both historical and contemporary music.

An experienced teacher (Royal Scottish Academy of Music, Napier University Edinburgh, etc) Rob now teaches people around the world via Zoom from his home studio in Edinburgh. Contact can be made via his website, http://RobMacKillop.net

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