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DVD Format
Recorded in Stereo Format
1 Hour & 45 Minutes in Length
Level: Beginning to Intermediate (with segments of interest to the pro)
Just released and available now!
A great instructional tape to learn to play bouzouki in the Octave Tuning: gG dD AA EE

Here it is! The first production ever done for Octave Mandolin introducing and instructing the aspiring Octave Mandolin player.

  NEW! Instructional DVD for Octave Mandolin!

"Intro to the Octave Mandolin" DVD
by Mickey CochranWe're proud to say, this is the first instructional DVD ever offered in the history of octave mandolin. We also have the first ever book coming out on "How to Play Octave Mandolin", which will include input from some contemporary top-notch octave players today, so stay tuned.

Above Photo: Mickey Cochran with a Weber Yellowstone Octave mandolin.
Photographer: Alex Kinnan.

Seven chapters in all covering the following and then some:

This DVD's objective is to offer a complete overview of the octave mandolin from a basic point of view, offering set-up instructions and proper positioning for both right hand and left. With this DVD, you'll learn all of your basic chord positions, which cover most major keys, and all of your basic scale patterns within these same keys.

Visual chord charts are offered directly on the DVD ensuring proper finger placement. Be aware, these chord positions are usually completely different than the standard mandolin. Since the Octave Mandolin has a longer scale neck, the chord inversions require a different fingering position. If you're already playing mandolin, this DVD will illustrate all of the major chord positions as properly laid out for ease of play on the Octave eliminating the frustration normally encountered when trying to relate the Octave to the standard mandolin.

Additionally, this DVD introduces both basic melodies and advanced melodies establishing a strong foundation for learning many other melodies on your own. One of the most revealing segments within this DVD is "New Dimensions in Octave Mandolin" which illuminates how you can approach your Octave mandolin beyond simple flatpicking.

We're proud to say, this is the first instructional DVD ever offered in the history of octave mandolin. We also have a the first ever book coming out on "How to Play Octave Mandolin" so stay tuned.

Product Review of the "Intro to Octave Mandolin" Video:

From learning such fundamentals as "proper" hand positioning to fingerpicking improv, this video is a must for beginners right up to veteran players. Mickey's easy and relaxed style guides you through the process from tuning, holding the instrument, chord charts, to step by step tune breakdown from simple to advanced, and then into some improvisational fingerpicking. Starting with basic melodies, broken out part by part, and then advancing into more intricate tunes as well as some of his own compositions, Mickey provides a good instructional guide for anybody contemplating learning the Octave Mandolin. The rich, smoky, baritone of his Weber Yellowstone Octave Mandolin is a treat to hear as he leads you step by step into the relatively uncharted world of the Octave Mandolin. Mickey demonstrates breakdowns of early American fiddle tunes, Celtic tunes, as well as some bold journeys into his well demonstrated fingerpicking skills on the medieval-like original "Battle of Rivendell"...a must for Lord of the Ring fans! This was the missing instrument from that soundtrack! Mickey's video demonstrates the husky voice of this musical chameleon of the mandolin family. It truly is a "world" instrument that is able to adapt to any musical stylings you prefer. Let Mickey show you how. As a player who strives for greater proficiency, I wish I'd had access to such an informative resource when I was starting out. I'd be light years ahead of where I am now. Highly recommended! Submitted and Written by Master Octave Mandolinist: Russell Godfrey

Russ Godfrey Mandolirium – Walter-Bodega Band
http://www.mandolirium.com/

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I am working through Mickey Cochran's DVD: Intro to the Octave Mandolin and finding it a great tool.
It is one of the few videos I found available teaching the Octave Mandolin and it seems to be more informative and versatile than others I have attempted to learn from.

Mickey's style is to work the learner through simple steps with nice bite size practice sessions, showing both the right and the left hand in split screen. He includes a great selection of tunes for demonstration. Mickey has a very unique, casual manner about his teaching and I find myself thinking, "Oh, I can do that!" I particularly like the easy flow and pace of the DVD. His session on scales and harmonies is essential and fundamental, providing the octave mandolin player with improvisational tools, keeping one busy for hours listening to and marveling and how beautiful one can play!
Mickey's playing enhances this beautiful instrument, bringing out a haunting mystical quality that only the Octave provides in the string family. I the I would highly recommend Mickey's Intro to the Octave Mandolin to any aspiring player. Kathleen Rushing, musician, teacher

Go To: Suggested Listening by Russell Godfrey

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This DVD can be purchased direct online from: Mystic West Products or from one of our dealers listed at:
Wisdom of the Wood Dealer Listing

  NEW! Instructional DVD for Octave Mandolin or Bouzouki in Octave Tuning!
Just released and available now:

Testimonials:

Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 22:58:15 EST
Subject: Mandola DVD & Octave Mandolin DVD

Hi Mickey,
I ordered the new Mandola DVD about 2 weeks ago. I was told it wasn't ready to go yet, at that time, I'm just curious as to how soon I can expect to receive it. I'm not in any particular hurry, just wondering.
I have enjoyed the Octave Mandolin DVD quite a bit. I learned some new things and had other things I have been trying confirmed. I'm glad you are doing instruction on instruments that are out of the mainstream.
Happy New Year,
Joe Mendel

Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 12:06:41 -0500
Subject: Yeeeehaaaaaww!!!

Hey Guys, Gals and Bryan in p'ticlar,

I was home today fightin off my allergies an losin my side of the fight when a ray of sunshine broke into my day. The FedEx guy showed up on the doorstep with my nuevo Johnson MA-550. Wow! It is way more bang than I really expected for the buck. It only took some minor tuning up an away I went with Mickey's new octave mando DVD. I just about have Ol Joe Clark pegged and am lovin every minute of it. If I can quit running away with a musical improv of the Snoopy dance that is. LOL I love the sound and it is immensely playable. Hee hee Gotta go an drag the little darlin outta the case again.
Bashoi spasibo, muchas gracias, thankee berry much!
Bret Smith

Russell's Further Suggested Octave Listening Discography:

Discography for Octave Mandolin/Irish Bouzouki/Cittern

Mandolirium - Unstrung Heroes
Danu – Think Before You Think
Bothy Band – Old Hag You Have Killed Me
Tim O’Brien – The Crossing, Real Time
Old Blind Dogs – Legacy, Tall Tails, New Tricks, Bred In The Bone, "Fit?"
Planxty – Well Below the Valley, Cold Blow and the Rainy Night
Robin Bullock – Green Fields, Lightning Field, Travellers
Gerald Trimble – First Flight –(rare) – Heartland Messenger, Crosscurrents
Roger Landes – Dragon Reels
Kevin MacLeod – Springwell
Tannahill Weavers –(many recordings)
Altan – (many recordings)
Ron Kavana – Home Fire, Think Like a Hero, Coming

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