As some of you may be aware, the rather talented Ian Stephenson and I are getting together to produce a new Celtic Mandolin instructional DVD. It occured to us that the sensible thing to do would be to ask you lot what you would like to see in the way of content. There are a few DVD's already out there, but the subject has not been covered as well as some so what's missing? Any requests?
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
i always thought a series of videos would be better. i just never liked how they teach you like one of every kind of irish tune and your supposed to understand it all... seems like a vid on reels, one on jigs, etc. would be better.just dont get so hung up on pick holding and picking-direction and whatnot. seems like a lot of people who buy videos like that at least know the basics... i dont know, thats my two cents. sorry if it didnt help, only got about three hours o sleep last night...
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
One of the very difficult things to discern on every mandolin DVD that I have has to do with the quality of the video and looking at hand and finger positions. Mandolins are small instruments and as a result the left hand fingers are very close together making it hard to see what is going on, especially at normal reel speeds. Also, when done properly, right hand movements, especially triplets are almost impossible to see.
The use of slo-mo or deliberately slowing down the right hand would be very helpful to a beginner. In addition, pick direction could be seen a lot easier this way, particularly with jigs which are often the hardest to see for a beginner (I am referring to the DUD DUD pattern) and even for an intermediate player.
Basic technical skills should not be assumed in the first video. You could put each of the skills in a separate chapter so those who will otherwise be bored can skip them.
I like the idea of using well known tunes when teaching basic techniques. This allows the student to focus on the changes that they need to make without having to learn another tune.
Learning how to think in variations is a more advanced skill that can be taught.
Good luck on your project, this is not an easy undertaking as you will have to examine all of your own basics and your understanding of how the music is played. Let us know when it is available, I will be first in line.
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
You might also consider asking this question on http://www.mandolincafe.com in the Celtic music section of the message forum. There are a number of musicians there who would be glad to contribute.
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
A section on what to look for when buying an instrument, and how to check the action, nut height, fingerboard relief etc. would be very useful - an awful lot of people can't tell a good instrument from a Chinese thing, and wonder why they are getting nowhere on their unplayable instruments.
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
My suggestion would be to dedicate a lot of time to picking and pick directions. In my experience these are the hardest things to get right, and it is very easy to form bad habits that are hard to break.
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
I would like to see a focus on style (making it sound more "Irish"), ornaments (more than just triplets on every other note), dynamics and variations (making tunes sound more interesting). I don't need to buy a DVD just to learn a new tune. Maybe consider two: one basic level with picking patterns, suggestions on purchase/setup/etc as mentioned above; the other on more advanced style issues.
Let us know when it is available. I'll be second in line behind Mike.
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
My twa farthings, if I may:
I occasionally pick on the mandolin, and I always appreciate tips and insights regarding the right hand, and the structure of picking technique in an advanced tune. That should likely be one focus.
Also, to at least review the fundamentals of the left hand would be good, for novices, and self-taught dabblers like myself.
Re. style and "swing", perhaps a brief discussion and breakdown of a tune recording, while listening to it, and pointing up what is happening, and the differences from other styles. (and maybe play a riff in "bluegrass" and then a riff in some ITM style.)
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
So, I've learn't to play a load of tunes. I' know all the chords i the common keys and I know how to work out the ones I don't know. I go out and play my basic melodies. What do I do next,? Harmony and counterpoint or something different?
Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
As some of you may be aware, the rather talented Ian Stephenson and I are getting together to produce a new Celtic Mandolin instructional DVD. It occured to us that the sensible thing to do would be to ask you lot what you would like to see in the way of content. There are a few DVD's already out there, but the subject has not been covered as well as some so what's missing? Any requests?
To remind you of how Ian plays, here is the recent YouTube clip with Ian playing one of my Mandolins.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPVhd...e=channel_page
Its quite possible we may have two DVD's perhaps a beginners and an intermediate or a Irish and a Scottish one. Any ideas? Thoughts?
Nigel
http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/mandolins
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by NKForster
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
Picking styles, position of right hand arm etc, to maintain play without tension building up in the arm and elbow.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
I'd like a chapter on how to convince one's spouse or other of why we need to part with the shekels for these lovely instruments
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Bren
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
i always thought a series of videos would be better. i just never liked how they teach you like one of every kind of irish tune and your supposed to understand it all... seems like a vid on reels, one on jigs, etc. would be better.just dont get so hung up on pick holding and picking-direction and whatnot. seems like a lot of people who buy videos like that at least know the basics... i dont know, thats my two cents. sorry if it didnt help, only got about three hours o sleep last night...
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by steve...r
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
One of the very difficult things to discern on every mandolin DVD that I have has to do with the quality of the video and looking at hand and finger positions. Mandolins are small instruments and as a result the left hand fingers are very close together making it hard to see what is going on, especially at normal reel speeds. Also, when done properly, right hand movements, especially triplets are almost impossible to see.
The use of slo-mo or deliberately slowing down the right hand would be very helpful to a beginner. In addition, pick direction could be seen a lot easier this way, particularly with jigs which are often the hardest to see for a beginner (I am referring to the DUD DUD pattern) and even for an intermediate player.
Basic technical skills should not be assumed in the first video. You could put each of the skills in a separate chapter so those who will otherwise be bored can skip them.
I like the idea of using well known tunes when teaching basic techniques. This allows the student to focus on the changes that they need to make without having to learn another tune.
Learning how to think in variations is a more advanced skill that can be taught.
Good luck on your project, this is not an easy undertaking as you will have to examine all of your own basics and your understanding of how the music is played. Let us know when it is available, I will be first in line.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by mikeyes
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
You might also consider asking this question on http://www.mandolincafe.com in the Celtic music section of the message forum. There are a number of musicians there who would be glad to contribute.
Mike Keyes
http://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by mikeyes
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
A section on what to look for when buying an instrument, and how to check the action, nut height, fingerboard relief etc. would be very useful - an awful lot of people can't tell a good instrument from a Chinese thing, and wonder why they are getting nowhere on their unplayable instruments.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by skreech
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
Unfortunetly I cannot get the link to work .
Why doesnt Ian do a guitar DVD?
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by bazouki dave
I know Ian is rather talented but do you think we could keep it a secret from him
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by bazouki dave
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
NK Forster Guitars, Ian Stephenson plays the Mandolin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPVhdYJRNBE&feature=channel_page
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Ben Steen
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
My suggestion would be to dedicate a lot of time to picking and pick directions. In my experience these are the hardest things to get right, and it is very easy to form bad habits that are hard to break.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by Nopstavon
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
tits and bums
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by mcknowall
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
I would like to see a focus on style (making it sound more "Irish"), ornaments (more than just triplets on every other note), dynamics and variations (making tunes sound more interesting). I don't need to buy a DVD just to learn a new tune. Maybe consider two: one basic level with picking patterns, suggestions on purchase/setup/etc as mentioned above; the other on more advanced style issues.
Let us know when it is available. I'll be second in line behind Mike.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by Jiml
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
Ah, there is one in every thread........
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by NKForster
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
My twa farthings, if I may:
I occasionally pick on the mandolin, and I always appreciate tips and insights regarding the right hand, and the structure of picking technique in an advanced tune. That should likely be one focus.
Also, to at least review the fundamentals of the left hand would be good, for novices, and self-taught dabblers like myself.
Re. style and "swing", perhaps a brief discussion and breakdown of a tune recording, while listening to it, and pointing up what is happening, and the differences from other styles. (and maybe play a riff in "bluegrass" and then a riff in some ITM style.)
FWIW.
Good Luck.
# Posted on July 29th 2009 by Piece
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
So, I've learn't to play a load of tunes. I' know all the chords i the common keys and I know how to work out the ones I don't know. I go out and play my basic melodies. What do I do next,? Harmony and counterpoint or something different?
# Posted on July 29th 2009 by greg sheils
Re: Suggestions for content of new instructional DVD
As a fiddle player trying to make sense out of the mandolin here's what I'd like to learn:
Chords....I just don't get how they work their way into the game. When do you play them and when do you go for the individual strings?
Picking rhythm...up, down, up? Down, down, up, up? Obviously, I'm clue-less.
Best way to position the right hand.
Best way to position the left hand.
# Posted on August 2nd 2009 by ceolgaelach