Who to choose/Mike Compton/John Moore

[Taube Marks]

I need to make a decision about a mandolin course that I hope to attend next spring. When first advertised, there was one choice of teacher: John Moore, who I understand taught Chris Thile, and who I was able to observe from a distance this year at Sore Fingers where he taught bluegrass guitar. I was keen to have him as a teacher next year, as I understood he was a very good instructor, as well as being an oustanding player. SO many folks signed up for the mandolin class that we now have another teacher for the second cohort, and he is none other than Mike Compton, who has taught at SFSS in the past. He is player whose work I admire, and the very good players in prvious classes have always spoke highly of him. I am an average player, a note reader and an ear player, but frankly a real klutz at tab (I find it so slow). I love old time and bluegrass, but am probably better at the former.

I can do my big chop chords and move them around to play in other keys as well as play double stops by ear. I am weak on other chords, especially Xminor or X7 (and real music theory, you now the half hammered diminished 9th kind of thing is like algebra to me...it took me two and a half years to pass a one year high school algebra course...not many people know that...but I guess they do now).

Anyone have an opinion (what a silly question) or experience of either of these two fine gentlemen. Thanking you in advance...

Taube

[picksnbits]

I've had some private lessons from Compton. He's great in that setting. I needed someone to straighten out the bad habits I was developing and he helped me a lot especially with my right-hand technique (or lack thereof). Sounds like his style and yours would match pretty well.

[evanreilly]

I've never played with or seen John Moore. But I have never failed to learn something from watching, listening to, or playing with Mike Compton.

[Steven Stone]

John Moore ranks as one of the finest teachers around, whether you're a beginner or advanced, he can make you a better player.

I espcially like the fact that he can play in many different styles so he doesn't teach you just one way to do things..

[Jeff Hoelter]

If you're looking to play authentic Monroe/blues/bluegrass mandolin, Compton is the no-brainer choice. I would love to take some lessons from Compton.

If you are looking to be taught more generally about music and be inspired, work with John Moore. He inspired me back in a group class at Kaufman Kamp a few years back...he really opened my ears to analyize my playing better. John also teaches people to train horses, and is a really good overall teacher.

Jeff

[SternART]

I enjoyed Compton every time I've been in a workshop with him!!!
My only problem is he hardly lifts his fingers, his technique is
so minimal in movement & clean as a whistle, that I found it difficult
to see exactly what he wuz doin'. And I'm a visual kinda learner too,
you know monkey see, monkey do.....I came away each time with more respect
for great technique & have used the inspiration & cleaned up my act.
Thumbs up for Compton, that Monroe style he has developed has soul, big time!

[Taube Marks]

Thank you to all who have replied so far. Every single letter contains interesting and useful information to help me make the choice. I knew that John Moore also trained horses or trained people who trained horses. By dorm mate who took his class for bluegrass guitar described him as having what I would call a "zen" way with people.

I would welcome any other comments from readers.

Best regards

Taube