MIke Compton - anyone taken a class from him?

[scgc.om]

In about 10 days I'll be attending a BlueGrass Camp and taking a mandolin class with Mike Compton. Of course I've heard his playing style (on CDs - never live). However I'm wondering if anyone here can give me an idea of what he's like as a teacher. What's his style? Does he give good handouts? How does he manage a class of 14+?

All input greatly appreciated.

[John Flynn]

I took an all-day workshop with him a couple of years ago. I can only tell you how that went. He pretty much spent a lot of the morning talking and demonstrating. We didn't get to do much playing for that first half, but I'm not complaining, it was really interesting and valuable. He talked about his experiences with Bill Monroe. He talked about his playing philosphy. He talked about practicing and the process of improving on the instrument. He showed us warm-ups and stretches for our hands and wrists. He also checked out our mandolins, our picks, how we hold the picks, etc. and gave us advice on that.

The afternoon was when we really got down to playing things happened fast. It was like drinking from a fire hose. I was numb about halfway through it and I think I was about at the 50th percentile of playing ability for that group. So I really felt sorry for the 49th percentile on down. The handouts were mostly photocopied sheets of the tunes he went over and some of his practice rules.

It was great, but I wish I had the list of tunes he was going to go over a few weeks in advance. I would have learned the basic tunes and been able to pick up the nuances better. Also, it might have been nice if he had intermixed the playing and the lectures and spread them both throughout the day. In the morning I was thinking, "When are we going to start playing?" In the afternoon I was thinking, "Could we take a break from playing, so I can get my head to stop spinning?"

[GTison]

I went to a 4 hour one last year (or was it this year). Anyway, similar experience to the above. He asked everyone what they expected to get out of the class that day. which took a while for everyone to do. Therefore be prepared to tell what you would like to learn ( be specific if you are able). I had to think about it but I already had a few questions to ask. I wrote them down. Take notes or record the session. This is important. Mike taught us about personal things of Monroe which was interesting and gives the mindset (I guess) of playing the style . He taught the way he holds the pick. He covered Downstrokes, tremolo, left hand shifts, right hand position. It was good information. I wish I had had it about 1988 when I started trying to play this Monroe style. I knew some of the things but I went thinking I would likely know many of the things he would teach. I went for entertainment if nothing else. But it was kinda like being in school. I'm glad I did it. Some things he taught I see as Mike Compton teaching Mike Compton style, which is fine. How many places can you go get a lesson from one of the finest mandolin stylist anywhere! I wish I had had the opportunity to go to one by Monroe. But He couldn't have taught it like Mike Compton. I thought about taking a private lesson which he does offer, but I honestly don't know what I'd ask. Have a great time.

[JimRichter]

Mike's redone his lesson plan. #It's much more hands on from the very beginning. #Mike's put a lot of time thinking about teaching, as well as actually tabbing out the pieces he teaches. #A workshop 2 years ago is not akin to what he's doing today. #I've been to (and promoted/sponsored) several over the last couple/three years. #Different animal now.

Jim

[johnwalser]

I attended Mike's one hour workshop at LoarFest/SuperGrass in February. The man is BRILLIANT! I got so much more from his ideas than all the other workshops and private lessons I have attended. I could care less about simply learning tunes as I can do that on my own or with one of the many DVDs I own, but what I learned is the ability to add texture to the music. I learned how to use down stroke drones and double stops appropriately to add more depth to what I'm playing. I learned that getting a little funky isn't necessarily a bad thing and I am still trying to free up my play and make it more fun. My main musical interests had been jazz, Broadway, golden oldies and you name it. Now I find myself also playing jigs, hornpipes and reels as well. Everyone is probably going to benefit from time spent at his workshops, but I feel mine was truly outstanding in that I can use his ideas across a wide range of musical styles.
I give his workshop "Two Thumbs...Way Up!".
John

[Daniel Nestlerode]

You can expect Mike to be knowledgable, organized, and focused on the lesson. #He doesn't like to put up with noodlers, but he'll be gentle in his reminders the first couple of times. #If you've come to learn and are open to what Mike has to teach, then you'll leave a better mandolin player than when you showed up.

I didn't know much (or care much) about Mike Compton until I went to my first Mandolin Symposium in 2005. #When I took a double stop class from him, I learned that Mike approaches his subject (mandolin) with a very scholarly attitude. I find that appraoch impressive and inspriring. #

By scholarly, I don't mean he turns playing into 'book learnin'.' #I mean he is extremely thorough in his study. #(He once plowed a few rows of a field for Bill Monroe, fer cryin' out loud!) #He's done more reasearch (field and other) in mandolin than I have done in colonial American history, and I have #Master's degree to show for it! #

He brings all of his knowledge to bear when he picks up the mandolin and does the same when he teaches. #His mastery of his subject is obvious once you sit down in front of him. #I've thought of calling him "Professor." #But then I realize that doing so would somehow belittle all that work that he has done to become what he is.

On top of all of this, Mike Compton is a nice guy and just a hoot to be around. #They don't come much better at teaching and much more fun to be around at the same time.

HTH,
Daniel