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Thread: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

  1. #1
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Hello everyone. I wanted to give a very brief preview of my plans for the method. I’ve included 3 below. The MC version is basically universal clef but with the 15ma clef replaced, there is also a BC version for bass clef, and a G TC version for Octave Mandolin. I’m also considering doing one with tablature (gosh help us all, but especially some of the later pieces I could see it being helpful).

    With that said, fonts are not completely chosen, how I’m going to incorporate text is not quite done, so this is more asking for thoughts about the versions. Are the 3 versions wanted? Useful? Etc.

    Constructive Critiques are always welcome.

    Thanks,
    Benjamin
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails BIckford MC BC Page 10.pdf   BIckford MC Page 10.pdf   BIckford MC G TC Page 10.pdf  

    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
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  2. #2

    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    what software are you using to do this?
    i have some of the Bickford already done in bass clef in Sibelius.

  3. #3
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    This is MuseScore. I used to use Sibelius and Finale, but since MuseScore 3, everything is so well put together, I really have no complaints.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
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    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Benjamin, if you are attending the Normal CMSA Convention feel very free to bring this material to the Mandocello Solo Music workshop.

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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    That's great. It looks like p.10 but even better. Page numbering would be nice.

    Using the Bass clef, I think would be more in demand.
    It would force us who use transposed versions, to practice more Bass clef reading.

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  8. #6
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Thanks Wundo. Page numbers will definitely come in the final layouts. I think that’s why I’m going to be doing 4 versions of this. So that us low bass people can all get practice at whatever clef / tab works best for them. I certainly want it to be most inclusive.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
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    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
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  9. #7
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford Method Book Sample.pdf 
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    A little update here. (P.S. I know the page numbers are off. Working backwards. They will be correct in the end)

    Just wanted everyone to see the text and layout of the music and get your thoughts. The more I read through this, the more out of date information I'm seeing so i want your opinions.

    A) Should we just abandon universal notation for C-Treble clef and 8VA marks where necessary
    B) Would anyone be disappointed if I updated the text to a more modern tone, removing sections that we no longer would need?

    I want to ensure, all musical examples would remain. I'd love information on what would be most useful for everyone.

    Thanks.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

  10. #8
    Pataphysician Joe Bartl's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    You ask:

    A) Should we just abandon universal notation for C-Treble clef and 8VA marks where necessary

    Answer: Use Bass clef


    B) Would anyone be disappointed if I updated the text to a more modern tone, removing sections that we no longer would need?

    Answer: You are doing something that I started myself a couple of years ago but gave up because I didn't want to transcribe all that music onto a bass clef. I did start "updating" the text (more in my line). But now, I'm not so sure this is a good idea -- unless you are trying to sell the product to Mel Bay. For historical reasons, it may be worthwhile leaving the text as you find it as long as it is understandable and not misleading.

    -- Joe Bartl

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  12. #9
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    There will be a bass clef version, a g clef version (for octave), and a tab version minimum.

    I'm doing this more as a labor of love right now. The plans are to get something out there that people will find useful. The music is thankfully going pretty quickly so I'm already about 18 pages into this. Transposing it to bass clef will be the easiest and first one out. I plan on putting one out for optional donations, and maybe putting some of the other versions out there on an online download site (with very reasonable pricing).

    I just really think the original method explains the universal clef (so if people want it, now they can download it). As for the other versions, I think you're right bass clef and tab and g clef are probably the way to go. (I will have the original version in universal notation anyway so if someone really wants it, they can have it.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
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    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
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    Registered User Martin Jonas's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Thanks for doing this work!

    I have to admit that although I know that bass clef is the least awkward option and my own bass clef reading is slowly improving, I find it a lot easier to sightread octave treble clef and think of the mandocello as an octave mandolin with an additional low C. With Musescore it's easy enought to produce both versions, I would think.

    Martin

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  16. #11
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    musescore and open office for this work. Why not have it entirely done with freeware! Actually open office because the musescore plugin is a lifesaver!! It's sped up the process tremendously.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

  17. #12
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    to give an update pgs. 75-end are complete. most of the first 10 pages are complete also. i started working back to front since I figured those would have the most music to transcribe. if anyone would like to proofread for me, it would be appreciated
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

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  19. #13
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    I would be able to do some proofing AFTER the CMSA convention (early October). I work with doctoral dissertations so I do a lot of proof reading and editing, but I see a lull in the next couple months.
    I would like to have a sampling of your work for the Solo Mandocello workshop, but I do have to ask about copyright considerations: I see a lot of discussion on this matter in another Bickford-related thread. Have you looked into ownership and rights? I'm all for getting things out there and in modern player-friendly versions (bass clef! bass clef!) but I want to respect other people's work--including yours.
    Thanks for this labor of love.

  20. #14
    Pataphysician Joe Bartl's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    I, too, can help proofread.

  21. #15
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Imhoff View Post
    I would be able to do some proofing AFTER the CMSA convention (early October). I work with doctoral dissertations so I do a lot of proof reading and editing, but I see a lull in the next couple months.
    I would like to have a sampling of your work for the Solo Mandocello workshop, but I do have to ask about copyright considerations: I see a lot of discussion on this matter in another Bickford-related thread. Have you looked into ownership and rights? I'm all for getting things out there and in modern player-friendly versions (bass clef! bass clef!) but I want to respect other people's work--including yours.
    Thanks for this labor of love.
    The official date of this method is copyright 1913 which would put it in the public domain. I think the mandolin method is 1920 but there's questions about the validity of what version that is because it's been reprinted. But I think that all are fine.

    If you'd like some pre-work for the convention, I'll send you some stuff. I've got 1-16 ish done and 73-end done. It's still only in universal but if you want bass clef, I can look at doing it.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

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    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Update... I’m about halfway done with the book. Pages 1-30 and 71 on are all done. Question, page 32 is missing from the Mando-cello method in the copies we have, Does anyone have a physical copy that they could snap a picture of that page for me please. It looks like it’s all positions, perhaps it’s just a graph of the positions missing.

    Thanks everyone for your support,
    Benjamin
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
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    Registered User Dean Gray's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Hi, I am new to the octave mandolin and to the forum. I am very interested in seeing the finished result of all your work. I am also happy to proof read if you need more volunteers. Treble clef is my comfort zone though my wife is a cellist so she can read anything!
    Do you have an estimated finish date and how will it be released?
    Thanks,
    Dean.

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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    I found it.Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford p 32.pdf 
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ID:	180309

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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    I am putting together the final materials for the Solo Mandocello Music session at CMSA (next week!). So If you want to send me any early drafts I could at least show them (not distribute or publish) to a room full of enthusiastic mandocello players. These would be people accustomed to reading bass clef, but many read treble or "universal" clef. Thanks for your work on this project.

    Jim
    jfimhoff@msn.com

  27. #20
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Imhoff View Post
    I am putting together the final materials for the Solo Mandocello Music session at CMSA (next week!). So If you want to send me any early drafts I could at least show them (not distribute or publish) to a room full of enthusiastic mandocello players. These would be people accustomed to reading bass clef, but many read treble or "universal" clef. Thanks for your work on this project.

    Jim
    jfimhoff@msn.com
    Hey Jim, Great news. I've basically got 80% of the book done... Down to pages 52-65 left to write up. all the text is done, so now it's just musical examples taking up the time. I'll send you a rough, universal clef version of pages 66 on for now. You can let them know that there will be a bass clef and tab version of the new ones. You don't have to print out everything either. Up to you.

    Thanks!

    I do have exciting news on my next project also, but I think that's going to be posted in the classical one. Keep your eyes peeled. Big Mando's will be an important part of it.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
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  28. #21
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford Method Book - Sample Jim.pdf 
Views:	172 
Size:	3.16 MB 
ID:	180336

    Awe heck, I'm feeling generous.

    Remember, the page numbers and layouts aren't done yet, and there's no proof reading yet. So there may be errors, but it's close to what the layouts and fonts will be.

    Let me know your thoughts.

    Thanks.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

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  30. #22
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Good news to my fellow Mandocello enthusiasts. The first draft is just about done. Everything is entered and formatted to a point, now I’m doing the rough first run through for errors. It’s in universal clef. Once I get most of the errors corrected, I’ll start working on the bass and tab versions. They should go pretty quickly. I’m looking forward to sharing this with you all. At the end of the week, I’ll have more news for what is coming next and I could use the entire CBOM community for help with that.
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

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  32. #23
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    We discussed your publication at CMSA, looking forward to the bass clef version. Thanks and congratulations on this achievement!

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  34. #24
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mando-cello Method

    Thanks Jim. I look forward to getting you that version also.

    The more i worked through the method, there are actually some good things in there, but as a comprehensive method, it’s a little incomplete. Hopefully, my next project will rectify the situation!
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

  35. #25
    Registered User Classicalcomp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bickford Mandocello Method

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford Method Book Pt1.pdf 
Views:	152 
Size:	4.17 MB 
ID:	180649Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford Method Book Pt2.pdf 
Views:	181 
Size:	7.51 MB 
ID:	180650Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford Method Book Pt3.pdf 
Views:	158 
Size:	10.31 MB 
ID:	180651Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Bickford Method Book Pt4.pdf 
Views:	192 
Size:	7.60 MB 
ID:	180652

    It's finally here. Not sure why I'm having trouble uploading the whole file itself to the board, so I just put it into 4 parts.

    This is the Universal Clef version (exactly the same as the original). I'm giving it away free here because really I thank all of you for helping me a) get this version, and b) giving me the inspiration to make a current version of it.

    I do want to thank some people outright though for massive assistance.

    Jim Imhoff, Martin Jonas, and Bill Foley, thank you for sending me the first copies of this. You really kickstarted it.

    Special thanks to Joe Bartl who went to the library of congress today and got me the missing pages from the back and the middle. I'm so glad that you found it and got me those pages. I did ok with my interpretations, but your confirmations were awesome.

    SO WHAT'S NEXT

    Bass Clef and Tab Version. Give me a little time to work on that. I do want feedback on the original before I go and make the next books.

    Then, something I've been wanting to do for a long time.

    I'm going to make some score/exercise books dedicated to the mandocello and octave mandolin. Think Suzuki books, so there will be 7-10 pieces per book (maybe more, from all periods) and exercises focused on helping play them. I could really use some help. If you have specific pieces you'd like to see (public domain), I plan on starting that up next year and have them for sale on my musicaneo website (for a steal).

    If anyone wants to donate or purchase anything, donations back to the cafe will be made quarterly. I think this is an amazing resource and I'm glad to know you all. All money will to my Liuto Cantibile Fund

    Anyway, enjoy the first draft. If you find any errors, just let me know. I'll be happy to make quarterly updates, and hopefully soon, we can have a repertoire that is all ours to enjoy and play from.

    Thanks Everyone,
    Benjamin
    (I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
    of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia

    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
    Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
    Weber Gallatin Mandocello
    Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
    Breedlove Prototype Mandolin

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