Sep 26, 2009, at 6:13 AM

Your Name: Mary K.

fyi- Your mandolin video is great!! I'm a beginner and learning so much from it! thanks!!

thank you so much!!

Mary K.

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On Sep 14, 2009, at 10:26 PM

In ref to "The Lincoln County Regulators" (the introductory mandolin piece on the DVD). Man, that is some awesome mandolin playing there!! I've got to ask you, what F model Morgan Monroe was that? I'm learning on a Kentucky 150s A model but I can already see that one has to "pay" to play on a mandolin. By that I mean you get what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, I like my Kentucky just fine for what I paid for it. Matter of fact, one of the main reasons I bought it is because of the things I read on the Folk of the Wood website about them. But I can tell it won't be too awfull long before an upgrade is in the works! Thank you again, and now back to my lessons, "Away Down Yonder in the Land of Cotton"...LOL!! Take Care Bro,
Raymond G.

Hi Raymond ... Thanks for the positive update.

The Morgan Monroe model I was playing during the piece: "The Lincolin County Regulators", was an MMS-4 Phanton of the Opry.

This tune is tabbed out at: http://www.folkofthewood.com/Introduction_to_the_Octave_Mandolin_Tabs.html (although this tab is written for Octave Mandolin, it still works for Mandolin)

Be sure to stay in touch if I can ever assist you along your mandolin learning journey.

All my best,

Mickey Cochran

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Subject: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: Intro to the Mandolin
Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:40:49 -0400

Subject: Intro to the Mandolin

A note to tell you how much I am enjoying working with your DVD \\\"Intro to the Mandolin\\\" and your lessons on the computer. In July I am going to a music camp to further
studies in Bluegrass on the mandolin.

Best wishes,

Sally Grieco

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Subject: RE: Introduction to Mandolin
Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 21:04:36 -0400

Hi Mickey,

I bought FOTW's Johnson MA-120 A Style Mandolin package, which of course included, "Intro to The Mandolin" DVD/Video, which was a while ago.

The methods that Mickey employs in teaching of this instrument is very simple, and straightforward. I have to confess I have had the mandolin for a few years now. I stopped playing for awhile. I came back to Mickey's "Intro to Mandolin", because he teaches the basics that you can apply to all types of music. He builds one lesson upon another. You can get really excited with this but trust me, don't skip around, but follow it step by step. Otherwise, it can be confusing. One of the lessons is timing (which is very important) my father (a musician for 60 years) tells me my timing is pretty good now (which made me feel good). I contribute that to Mickey's "Intro to Mandolin" teachings. What has helped me is the exercises for the left/right hands, and the ¾ and 4/4 Rhythm. By repeating and repeating each lesson till it is engrained in me, I feel I am now starting to finally get the hang of playing at least partially.

I have been going back over Chapter 4, and Chapter 5. That is as far as I have gotten with this DVD. And the DVD makes it so much easier to stop/start as you are practicing. I love the ¾ Rhythm, which is the waltz tune. I find that it is definitely practice, practice, practice. To really go slow, watch what you are doing, and correct the problem right away. And of course have fun! After all that is what it is all about as you are learning. And remember to relax! Thanks again ... Susan McConnachie

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Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:21:53 EDT
Subject: Re: Double order of "Intro to the Mandolin"

Greetings Mickey,

Just a quick note to let you know how much I am enjoying "Into to the Mandolin". Your  teaching method is really helping me and I can't wait to get started every day. The "chromatic tuner" has been great! I don't think I could have repositioned the bridge without it.

Again, thanks for everything! All my best, Dave

P.S. have you made a CD of songs? I'd love to be able to drive and enjoy.

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Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 20:38:01 -0600
Subject: Mandolin DVD

Mickey,
I just got my DVD and looked down the Table of Contents. I don't think there is anything lacking there. WOW!
Gary B.

Thanks for the positive update Gary. And, be sure write anytime you have questions during your learning journey. I'm at your disposal.

Remember, the journey is the destination ... Mickey

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Subject: Just a Note of Thanks
Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 13:55:40 -0500

Dear Mickey, My name is Stacey Chandler and I just had to drop a line to thank you for this wonderful site of yours that I happened to come across while researching the mandolin in October. After listening to your samplers of the mando, I was convinced that I must have one. When my better half asked what I would like for my birthday, I had but one request...a mandolin.... yet I didn't want him to spend an enormous amount of money. I told him that I had seen some very inexpensive ones on ebay and that I had found a very informative web site (yours) if he wanted to check it out. Well to my surprise, he did check out your site and he did buy me a Kentucky 350S from you. He purchased the package deal and I just want you to know that I am thrilled with the whole thing. My mandolin arrived in pristine condition and it came earlier than the date promised. I have finished your "Introduction to the Mandolin" video.... about 3 or 4 times now and I thoroughly enjoy your teaching methods. I plan on taking lessons as soon as I can find a qualified teacher in my area. I have but one request for you.... Please do a follow-up video to your intro. You are so talented and a very good teacher.... so another video would be just the ticket!!!!
Again, thank you for helping Paul pick out the perfect mandolin for me, and keep up the good work on a most splendid and artistic web site.

Sincerely,
Stacey C.

Greetings Stacey,

Wow! That's a moving testimonial...Thanks so much for taking the time to write.

And, be sure to let me know how I might assist you further through the learning process. You're welcome to e-mail any questions you might come up with.

No doubt, a sequel for the "Introduction to the Mandolin" is long overdue...thanks for your reminder.

And, be sure to stay tuned at our Mandolin Lessons Section:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

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Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 14:57:12 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fwd: Re: Fwd: Mandolin buying advice...

Thanks again Mickey,

Since my last I looked for the MA120 on ebay and yours is a very good sale price. I guess I would also need a strap and a gig bag. I'll probably be going with that. I haven't found a teacher yet. Would your teaching video be appropriate for me? I imagine it is blue grass or old timey? Do you know of any kind of instruction material that would include these kinds of songs (renaissance and medieval)?

Thanks again,

Lisa


Greetings Lisa,

Sure, my instructional video is a methodology video focusing on building a foundation first and learning songs second. Hence, you will be learning all the mechanics of learning to play mandolin at an easy pace...and then the songs would support these exercises and techniques...my video is more eclectic and focuses more on technique...it is not a bluegrass oriented video...it does cover some old fiddle tunes and some slower melodies. As far as renaissance music goes, my suggestion would be to look for instructional material that's English fiddle oriented...of course, you'll first want a foundation and background in technique before attempting to knock out any renaissance pieces from musical notation.

Hope this helps, Mickey

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Subject: back up mandolin
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 13:34:33 +0900

Dear Folk of the Wood,

I have to say the introduction to mandolin video has been very helpful in getting me started on mandolin. I haven't done much with the crosspicking book yet, but once I dive into that I'm sure it will pay huge dividends. Right now, I'm looking for a back up mandolin. Something I can practice in the car or take to the beach and not worry about it getting dinged up. Something cheap and durable that plays pretty well. I'm willing to go used. Including gig bag, I don't want to go over $250. Thanks for your time and help.

PS. Will there be an intermediate instruction video some time?

Neal

Greetings Neal...

I'm glad to assist:

1. For a Travel Mandolin:
My travel mandolin of choice is the Weber Sweet Pea...I take it everywhere I go...I use it for both flatpicking and fingerpicking...It has its own unique voice...it is not a standard size mandolin and does not have a standard voice expected of a mandolin...it is very lightweight and portable (even though a standard size mando is already somewhat portable)...

Instructional Videos:
I'd love to continue on with an intermediate and advanced video on mandolin...and, I appreciate your interest in wanting to pursue your studies further under Wisdom of the Wood's guidance...

There are other mando videos in the works...one is an overall technique video that discusses all of the different possible applications of mandolin...and the many potential mediums...demonstrating split string technique, crosspicking, fingerpicking, the bluegrass chop, tremolo, bends, slides, hammer-ons...and so on...

And, I also have scheduled a fingerpicking mandolin video...

Even so, I believe that you're right, the "Intro to Mando" video deserves a sequel...I'll try to write out a script for it...

Thanks for your input...and keep on pickin', Mickey

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Subject: Instructional Video
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 08:36:47 -0800

Hello Mickey;
It is hard for a country boy to be too serious on a video huh? I feel relaxed watching your tape on how to play the mandolin. I am happy with my Kentucky KM-675S. It is beautiful and has a great sound. I would like to thank Nathan for his help in my selection. You folks are really organized and as they say in radio jargon, no air time is wasted. Thank you so much for your honest words. A soon to be mandolin player. Don Curry ( A very satisfied customer)

Greetings Don!

Thanks for the positive update...and your kind words regarding my teaching efforts. What can I say? I just love to play! And, teaching on a video allows me the opportunity to pick and share with others. I've been truly blessed to have had this opportunity in life and to have had so many appreciative students such as yourself. If I can ever personally assist you with questions regarding your mandolin journey, please e-mail me...I'm forever at your disposal.

Mickey

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Subject: Question for You...
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 19:43:12 -0700

Earlier this year I purchased a mandolin and the Intro to the Mandolin tape from you. I am trying to learn Arkansas Traveler, but I am having a little trouble with the B part. I can't quite figure out the notes and was wondering if you have a tablature that you could to me - or point me in the direction of. I have several tabs for this song, but they are all different.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

Jay Weaver

Greetings Jay,

We currently do not have tablature available for this particular video arrangement...however, there are some great tabs out there that follow the traditional melody of Arkansas Traveler...a great arrangement of this tune can be found in Ray Valla's book on mandolin...along with many other great fiddle tune arrangements:

http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=93340BCD

93340BCD Book/CD Set 0786657782 $19.95

In this book, Ray Valla shares the insights of a veteran bluegrass mandolinist. This method would best be appreciated by a student with some previous musical experience, as fundamentals of note-reading on the mandolin are not addressed. This is, however, the ideal book for the intermediate to advanced player. It is filled with practical hints to improve your general musicianship and increase the speed of your progress. For example, Ray suggests learning a new tune by mastering its individual "licks" before attempting to assemble the whole. The book's 27 well-known bluegrass tunes are shown in standard notation and tablature with arrows indicating picking direction. Illustrated with photographs, charts and diagrams.

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