ISBN 9781610652421.

The non-jazz improvisation series is a concept that germinated in Dick Weissman's mind while he was attending music school. He wrote a 15-piece arrangement of the old square dance tune, Cripple Creek, and wanted the trombone to take a solo as part of the arrangement. When the trombonist kept playing a bebop solo that was totally unsuitable for the chart, Dick realized that - in addition to the many musicians who do not improvise - there are even jazz musicians who don't know how to improvise outside the limits of their own stylistic backgrounds. The non-jazz improvisation series mostly includes new original tunes that are intended to show how to improvise in many musical styles, including;* Blues* Country* American folk * Latin-American* World music including South American, Eastern European and Asian * Odd meters (playing in a variety of time signatures)* New Age* Classical * Folk-RockIn short, the books are an encyclopedia of virtually every musical style, excluding jazz. Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781619117785.

Theory and Improvisation for the Modern Mandolinist is a two book series that teaches improvisation in many musical styles along with theory concepts and how they apply to the mandolin. Each book provides access to different backing tracks and solo examples to help you learn. Every chapter includes scales presented in a variety of common formats: standard notation, tablature and fretboard charts.A Volume 1, Building a Foundation, only requires that the reader can play notes and simple chords. It presents basic skills necessary for improvising over chord progressions found in all types of music. Sample solos and progressions are included at the end of each chapter to practice. Whether you play bluegrass, rock, pop or jazz, this book will take your solos to the next level.A Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781610659864.

The mandolin is used in nearly every type of music today so it is a great choice of instrument whether you like jazz, folk, classical, country, bluegrass, rock, blues, Irish or many kinds of world music. Much of this music is available only in standard notation so that is where this book starts; TAB comes later. By learning the basic information presented in this volume, you will be prepared to approach any style. This book introduces the student to the instrument, explaining basics such as tuning and how to hold the instrument. The student is introduced to notes on each string and various left- and right-hand techniques. Chords, scales and arpeggios are introduced and students begin applying their new skills to real world repertoire in a variety of keys. 64 pages with access to online audio.

ISBN 9781619118096.

Learn to play great classical music tunes on the mandolin! All the most famous composers are here, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and others. The tunes form a agreatest hitsa package of classical music, including Fur Elise, Ode to Joy, Rondo Alla Turca, Swan Lake, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Entertainer, and more. Every tune has an accompanying audio track. Written in standard notation and mandolin tablature. Includes access to online audio.

An original composition
In dorian mode. Very much in folk song style
Inspired by animal welfare
Lovely arrangement. Quite easy.
Has impovised section in middle
The original lyrics are:

The Horse of Beckmann?s Mill



Pray, have you seen that chestnut foal o'er there uponthe hill?

The finest foal you've ever seen was born at Beckmann'sMill.

They let her play within her yard, tie ribbons in hermane,

They train her to the grinding stone that crushes up thegrain.

Now many times I've thought about that foal at Beckmann'sMill,

And many times I've wondered how that man can do so ill.

They use you up, they throw you out and turn their backsin scorn.

All because by chance it came to be the place where youwere born.





Pray, have you seen that chestnut filly o'er there besidethe hill?

The finest filly you're ever seen was worked at Beckmann'sMill.

They drive her from the morning sun until it's very late,

They thrash her hard to pull the wheel that's bonded toher fate.

Now many times I've passed her by and oft I've turned myface.

Yet many times I've wondered what if I were in her place.

They take advantage of the young and those without avoice.

And it seems to me that nowhere did she really have achoice.





Pray, have you seen that chestnut mare o'er there underthe hill?

The finest mare you've ever seen has died at Beckmann'sMill.

One day she fell upon her kness, the man he brought hisknife.

The tread mill won the battle, and the miller took herlife.

Now many times I've thought about the mare at Beckman'sMill,

And many times I've wondered how that man can do so ill.

They use you up, they throw you out and train anotherfoal,

Yet every death they cause will leave a stain upon theirsoul.

ISBN 9781619118430.

Theory and Improvisation for the Modern Mandolinist is a two book series that teaches improvisation in many musical styles along with theory concepts and how they apply to the mandolin. Each book provides access to different backing tracks and solo examples to help you learn. Every chapter includes scales presented in a variety of common formats: standard notation, tablature and fretboard charts. Volume 2, Jazz and Beyond will expand your knowledge of theory by teaching you advanced chords, scales, and progressions. Sample solos and progressions are included at the end of each chapter to practice with the recordings. When finished with this book, you should feel confident improvising over any chord progression, and have a great understanding of jazz theory and how it applies to the mandolin. Includes access to online audio.