Throw me over-board..

[Old Growth]

Mandolin instruction and seeking out an ideal teacher is a challenge. After developing my own personal approach and technique over the years, I now want to start over. By start over I mean, I really want to strip my technique down to the bone. Toss aside all of my misconceptions and build, back, bet...nah. Help, my dear mandolin community. I want to sincerely improve. I am seeking input on which instructor would be good for this beginners mind re-construction approach. What say ye?

[OldSausage]

What kind of style do you want to play? Whose playing do you enjoy?

[Bill McCall]

A few questions need examination:

How do you learn?
How great is your patience?
How does the instructor teach adults?
What does improve mean?
How will you know when you reach your destination?
What happens if you can seem to make progress?

I wish you well. There are many plateaus to cross when trying to climb a mountain.

[Old Growth]

Thanks for your response. Rather than list my many hero's, I would say, I want to become fluid and have strong fundamental techniques in rhythm playing as well as soloing.

[Old Growth]

Thanks Bill...(1)I primarily play by ear although I occasionally use tab.
(2) I would say I am determined.
(3) tbd
(4) I would like to become a professional one day when I grow up(and play the mandolin well).
(5) When I able comfortable playing mandolin in any setting.
(6) I will know I have chosen well.

[CarlM]

A friend of mine has had a very good experience with Zoom lessons from Emory Lester. The improvement in her playing has been quite noticeable.

She had previously worked with a couple of excellent instructors and had been playing about ten or fifteen years. Yet Emory was able to help her improve significantly.

[Marcus CA]

You might look into signing up for Mike Marshall's ArtistWorks course, since that starts at the basic basics and then makes its way to a really advanced level. Here are the first seven lessons:

Introduction to Beginner Mandolin
About the Mandolin
Sitting Position
Sitting Vs. Standing
Tuning
The Right Hand
The Left Hand

You can send in videos, so Mike can give you specific feedback about anything that you are particularly unsure about.

[Mandobar]

Make a list of people you’d like to study with. Book a lesson with one. Then another, and another, until you find someone who suits your needs and style. Interview them. You are hiring a coach to train you. Not everyone is a good teacher, and not every teacher is going to click with your personality.

Don Julin, David Benedict, Jake Jolliff, … just a few you might want to contact. All great technicians.