Mandolin Reflection #10

I have finally begun to take lessons with a new instructor, from the West Bend Music School. My teacher, Demitrius, has already taught me so many things that have improved me as a musician in only one class. I am already able to strum and play chords, so he focused on my ability to move my fingers rapidly on the neck. This is more technical mandolin playing: I am learning all the positions of the notes and how to change rapidly between strings and individual notes. It's difficult at first, especially after being accustomed to playing with chords and in a non-technical way. So far, I have learned how to better hold to mandolin to get a better sound out of it, where best to pick to get the best sound, the best way to pick properly, how to hold the pick, and how to do scales. Demitrius thought it was best to start me off with doing scales so that I can become accustomed to rapid note changes, and I've been practicing a lot. At first I was only able to get through the scale slowly, but within a day I was able to get through the scale rapidly and move all the way up the neck. I also kept in mind what he taught me about how to hold the pick, while playing guitar as well. It's hard to break old habits, but I've been really conscientious about it and I am seeing improvement already.