Earlier this week, three-time Grammy-nominated mandolinist and ArtistWorks instructor, Mike Marshall, was interviewed by music journalist Markus Brandstetter for the popular independent German music blog, Hyperlocrian.com. In this in-depth interview, Markus and Mike discuss Mike’s extensive musical background, his life-long relationship with stringed instruments (particularly the mandolin), and the current state of bluegrass music and beyond.

Throughout the interview, there was one common theme that continued to naturally present itself—Mike’s desire to explore the capabilities of his instrument and his passion for pushing musical boundaries. Even as a young child, Mike’s musical inclinations organically steered him in a progressive, forward-thinking direction.

“When I was young and still learning, I was particularly interested in what contemporary bluegrass players were doing. People who were stretching the boundaries,” Mike recalls. “There was a band called The New Grass Revival that caught my attention. Sam Bush was their mandolin player and became a bit of a hero of mine. That was my initial inspiration.”

As an accomplished, professional player, Mike has continued to remain interested in “stretching the boundaries,” and, as a result, has become an inspiration to many young players in his own right, including students who have participated in his online mandolin lessons here at ArtistWorks. While his roots run deep in the bluegrass genre, it’s no surprise that Mike has also branched out extensively into other musical realms as well.

“My idea of music-making has always been to see where I could go with the music next,” Mike explains. “I want to defy what’s expected both in terms of technicality (what’s possible on the instrument), and then expand into and embrace classical genres and other music from around the world.”

To learn more about Mike and his progressive approach to mandolin playing and bluegrass, watch the full interview here:
 

If you’re interested in studying the bluegrass mandolin and learning even more about Mike’s approach to musicianship and performance, check out his online mandolin lessons right here at ArtistWorks!

LEARN MORE: 

Have you always wanted to learn how to play bluegrass mandolin? Through our comprehensive mandolin lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Mike Marshall, and get personalized feedback on your playing.

Mike’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner mandolin to advanced performance techniques and tunes. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as mandolin players and musicians.

Try out some free sample music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

READ MORE:

Mike Marshall Releases Mandocello J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007

ArtistWorks Music Series—Overcoming Musical Obstacles: Mike Marshall

LIVE “Dispatch from Home!” with Mike Marshall & Tony Trischka