DVD Format
Recorded in Stereo Format
1 Hour 45 Minutes in Length (Second Edition 2003)
Level: Beginning to Intermediate (with segments of interest to the pro)
Just released and available now!
A great instructional tape to learn to play bouzouki in the Octave Tuning: gG dD AA EE

Here it is! The first production ever done for Octave Mandolin introducing and instructing the aspiring Octave Mandolin player.

  NEW! Instructional Video for Octave Mandolin!

"Intro to the Octave Mandolin" DVD
by Mickey Cochran
We're proud to say, this is the first instructional DVD ever offered in the history of octave mandolin.

To Order Now, Click Here

Above Photo: Mickey Cochran with a Weber Yellowstone Octave mandolin.
Photographer: Alex Kinnan.

Seven chapters in all covering the following and then some:

This video's objective is to offer a complete overview of the octave mandolin from a basic point of view, offering set-up instructions and proper positioning for both right hand and left. With this video, you'll learn all of your basic chord positions, which cover most major keys, and all of your basic scale patterns within these same keys.

Visual chord charts are offered directly on the video ensuring proper finger placement. Be aware, these chord positions are usually completely different than the standard mandolin. Since the Octave Mandolin has a longer scale neck, the chord inversions require a different fingering position. If you're already playing mandolin, this video will illustrate all of the major chord positions as properly laid out for ease of play on the Octave eliminating the frustration normally encountered when trying to relate the Octave to the standard mandolin.

Additionally, this video introduces both basic melodies and advanced melodies establishing a strong foundation for learning many other melodies on your own. One of the most revealing segments within this video is "New Dimensions in Octave Mandolin" which illuminates how you can approach your Octave mandolin beyond simple flatpicking. "Advanced Level Melodies" offers a complete section on reinforcing all of the playing techniques you've learned in the video as applied to challenging pieces. These pieces also demonstrate the minor key structures and how major scales can be easily adapted within the very same key structure...simply by changing how the scale begins and ends.

We're proud to say, this is the first instructional video ever offered in the history of octave mandolin. We also have a the first ever book coming out on "How to Play Octave Mandolin" so stay tuned.

An Extensive Exercise and Study Course

Product Review of the "Intro to Octave Mandolin" DVD:

From learning such fundamentals as "proper" hand positioning to fingerpicking improv, this video is a must for beginners right up to veteran players. Mickey's easy and relaxed style guides you through the process from tuning, holding the instrument, chord charts, to step by step tune breakdown from simple to advanced, and then into some improvisational fingerpicking. Starting with basic melodies, broken out part by part, and then advancing into more intricate tunes as well as some of his own compositions, Mickey provides a good instructional guide for anybody contemplating learning the Octave Mandolin. The rich, smoky, baritone of his Weber Yellowstone Octave Mandolin is a treat to hear as he leads you step by step into the relatively uncharted world of the Octave Mandolin. Mickey demonstrates breakdowns of early American fiddle tunes, Celtic tunes, as well as some bold journeys into his well demonstrated fingerpicking skills on the medieval-like original "Battle of Rivendell"...a must for Lord of the Ring fans! This was the missing instrument from that soundtrack! Mickey's video demonstrates the husky voice of this musical chameleon of the mandolin family. It truly is a "world" instrument that is able to adapt to any musical stylings you prefer. Let Mickey show you how. As a player who strives for greater proficiency, I wish I'd had access to such an informative resource when I was starting out. I'd be light years ahead of where I am now. Highly recommended! Submitted and Written by Master Octave Mandolinist: Russell Godfrey

Russ Godfrey Mandolirium – Walter-Bodega Band
http://www.mandolirium.com/

Go To: Suggested Listening by Russell Godfrey

Order The "Intro to Octave Mandolin" DVD Now Through Our Secure Server!

Other works by Mickey Cochran include the following:

Click on the Book for further Description

Be sure to check out our Mandolin Crosspicking Technique Book. Many of the lessons you see here are a small sampling of what's published extensively. Purchase this book through our website and receive an autographed copy!
Go to Order form.

Check out Mickey Cochran's "Guitar Crosspicking Technique" Book!

Be sure to check out our Guitar Crosspicking Technique Book. Many of the lessons you see here are a small sampling of what's published extensively and what will be published in the near future by Mel Bay Publications. Click on the following link for further info.
Crosspicking Guitar Book Info

Contact Mel Bay Publications for further info:
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
4 Industrial Drive
P. O. Box 66
Pacific, MO 63069-0066
E-mail us at email@melbay.com
Phone: 1-800-8-MEL BAY (1-800-863-5229) or 636-257-3970
Fax: 636-257-5062
http://www.melbay.com/

Folk of the Wood
1031 Mechem Dr. Unit 1 • Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345

Phone: 505-258-8638 Toll Free Order Line ONLY: 866-455-3689
Fax: 505-258-8642

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  NEW! Edition for 2003: Instructional DVD for Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki in Octave Tuning!
Now 1 Hour 45 Minutes in Length...This new edition has just been released for May 2003:

Return to "Books & DVD'S" by Mickey Cochran

Testimonials:

Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 19:58:13 EDT

Hi Mickey,

Thank you very much for your prompt reply...I have enjoyed your Website and your octave mandolin video very much. We all should be very thankful for your very ambitious effort.

Charlie

Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 22:58:15 EST
Subject: Mandola Video & Octave Mandolin Video

Hi Mickey,
I ordered the new Mandola video about 2 weeks ago. I was told it wasn't ready to go yet, at that time, I'm just curious as to how soon I can expect to receive it. I'm not in any particular hurry, just wondering.
I have enjoyed the Octave Mandolin video quite a bit. I learned some new things and had other things I have been trying confirmed. I'm glad you are doing instruction on instruments that are out of the mainstream.
Happy New Year,
Joe Mendel

Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 12:06:41 -0500
Subject: Yeeeehaaaaaww!!!

Hey Guys, Gals and Bryan in p'ticlar,

I was home today fightin off my allergies an losin my side of the fight when a ray of sunshine broke into my day. The FedEx guy showed up on the doorstep with my nuevo Johnson MA-550. Wow! It is way more bang than I really expected for the buck. It only took some minor tuning up an away I went with Mickey's new octave mando video. I just about have Ol Joe Clark pegged and am lovin every minute of it. If I can quit running away with a musical improv of the Snoopy dance that is. LOL I love the sound and it is immensely playable. Hee hee Gotta go an drag the little darlin
outta the case again.
Bashoi spasibo, muchas gracias, thankee berry much!
Bret Smith

Russell's Further Suggested Octave Listening Discography:

Discography for Octave Mandolin/Irish Bouzouki/Cittern

Mandolirium - Unstrung Heroes
Danu – Think Before You Think
Bothy Band – Old Hag You Have Killed Me
Tim O’Brien – The Crossing, Real Time
Old Blind Dogs – Legacy, Tall Tails, New Tricks, Bred In The Bone, "Fit?"
Planxty – Well Below the Valley, Cold Blow and the Rainy Night
Robin Bullock – Green Fields, Lightning Field, Travellers
Gerald Trimble – First Flight –(rare) – Heartland Messenger, Crosscurrents
Roger Landes – Dragon Reels
Kevin MacLeod – Springwell
Tannahill Weavers –(many recordings)
Altan – (many recordings)
Ron Kavana – Home Fire, Think Like a Hero, Coming