Martin says:

"The lesson videos are really great but the thing I love the most about the Academy are the weekly challenges, the live Q & A sessions and the very friendly community. These things make me want to practice every day and really do my best.

The Academy really has made me a better mandolin player already, so I can really recommend it anyone!"

Ron says: 

"I bought a mandolin 6 months ago and tried learning the instrument through free Youtube lesson sites. Needless to say, I was struggling and started searching for an online course. 

I came across Mandolin Secrets Academy 2 months ago, and the structured lessons looked great and included several genres including jazz, bluegrass, celtic, nordic folk and classical music.

Since I have joined the Academy, my playing has improved especially with chords, speed and learning the notes on the fretboard.  I have learned how to do hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides and harmonics. 

Magnus Zetterlund and other Academy members answer my questions quickly and provide excellent mandolin gear and playing tips on the Academy's community blog site.

The blog site is truly inspiring with posts by beginner to experienced/professional mandolin players.

I would highly recommend Mandolin Secrets Academy, if you want to learn and/or improve your mandolin playing." 

Amy says:

"Since starting with the academy, I have more structure to my practice and have been improving more quickly.

Magnus' lessons are fantastic! I love having access to all the pdfs and always practice with his play along tracks.

Though I had been playing for almost 10 years, before beginning the academy, I didn't know the notes I was playing. I'm making great progress in this area thanks to Magnus' exercises.

I couldn't be happier and my playing sounds better than ever. I also know what I am playing in terms of chords and scales, and that will lead to having more musical freedom as I progress."

Bob says:

"MSA is a diamond mine. The more you dig the more helpful jewels of wisdom to assist your mandolin playing you find, regardless of your skill level.

Of course you will only get out of it what you put in but with tidbits like the ten minute tips you are sure to progress. 

The community section has been a treasure trove as well for me as fellow students readily share there wisdom on a variety of topics.

If you want to improve your mandolin playing MSA is sure to help."

Jim says:

"I have owned a mandolin for nearly 12 years, and I learned a few chords, scales and melodies.

But when I discovered Magnus' YouTube videos, my mandolin playing really accelerated. His focus on establishing a good foundation has done wonders. His methods have opened up the whole fretboard, not just the first 5 frets.

When he opened up MSA, I was the first person to join! His positive friendly manner makes learning a joy.

A big bonus is the international community of mandolin players he is creating, what a treat."

Gary says:

"I am not a beginner by any means. 

I was intrigued by what I saw in Magnus' videos.  So I  joined the academy, now I am learning the fretboard and a good practice routine.

Lately I like "Fly me to the moon ". It has taught me familiar chords in new places and my band is now learning it." 

Charlotte says:

"I first stumbled across your videos on YouTube and was immediately hooked on the Swedish folk tunes. Then I saw all of the other styles that you do, including jazz, which is another favorite.

I’m so glad that you started the MSA so that all of us aspiring mandolinists can connect more with you, and each other, to improve our playing.

The lessons are great, and the opportunity for feedback helps us work through our challenges."

Tom says:

"I am very pleased with my decision to join Mandolin Secrets Academy. 

Some mandolinists are incredibly skilled and inspiring, yet make poor teachers.
Not the case here! 

I would describe myself as beginner/intermediate and Magnus's style of teaching works well for me. 

He wisely focuses on foundations and skills.....then provides a great range of repertoire to apply them to. Even includes great 'play along' tracks......a wonderful addition. 

I am particularly enjoying his jazz mandolin teaching. 

Also, Magnus has skillfully used 'high tech' to enable direct communication among members and himself....even real time Q&A sessions.  Very valuable.

All in all, I would highly recommend MSA to any aspiring mandolin player. 

There is a clear difference between sifting through 'free lessons' on line and paying a great teacher. I can honestly say I am far more likely to continue to put in the work because I have a little 'skin in the game' . 

The value MSA provides GREATLY exceeds the cost......money definitely well spent! 

Excellent program, Magnus.......thanks for all the hard work. 

Looking forward to more great lessons....."

Christian says:

"As you may know we have some very good mandolinists here in the Nice area, but this does not mean that it is easy to find a mandolin teacher nearby.

Therefore, it was a real pleasure to discover the academy and to be able to follow the wise advice of Magnus on the internet.

I started with the beginners' page, and I immersed myself in that of the Nordic folk page.
Super ! Génial ! Magnifique!  I mean Great, Gorgeous !
You can find both the melody and the chords + Magnus' explanations that guide you step by step and invite you to play at the same time as him at a reasonable tempo. 

And then there's craft training. There's plenty of good advice. For example The One finger chord. Magnus explains that we can do it even if we don't have big fingers. And he shows you how and why.

Since joining the Mandolin Secrets Academy, I have regained my self-confidence and feel like I'm playing with more confidence and a better rhythm. At least that's what the few friends I play with tell me.

The next step will be to get into jazz lessons. But we'll talk about it later.

Très cordialement"

Bob says:

I want to let you know how much I appreciate the Mandolin Secrets Academy.

 I’m not a professional musician, but have played a variety of string and keyboard instruments since I was seven years old, mostly self-taught.  I’m retired now and often get together with other music lovers to play for our own pleasure and at nursing homes and special events. 

Though I’ve played a little mandolin on and off for many years, I never advanced beyond learning a few chords and licks.  

I never felt my mandolin skills were good enough to play for others.  Instead I would only perform with a guitar, ukulele or accordion.

After joining your Mandolin Secrets Academy, my playing skills are improving faster than I expected.  

Thank you!

Chris says:

"After trying many other available mandolin teaching websites, I have been more than please by what the Mandolin Secrets Academy has to deliver.

It’s a great, easy to navigate learning environment, with a well thought out curriculum over a broad base of topics.

Magnus is a fantastic teacher who is able to explain things in a simple, matter fact manor, which gives many opportunities for those “lightbulb moments”.

The community is also invaluable. With folks sharing videos on a wide range of topics, which Magnus also participates in and offers his wisdom and focus to the subject.

From the basic fundamentals to repertoire building, my playing has advanced a great deal under Magnus and the communities input."

Stephen says:

"I have found this class to be extremely valuable to stretch beyond scales and beginner songs.

Even if you are just not picking up a mandolin for the first time, don't be afraid to join the academy as all are welcome and you can progress at your own speed." 

Nelson says:

"I've been following Magnus on youtube for about a year and have been impressed with the range of musical styles he is able to play. He is also a very good teacher.

His video lessons are clear and to the point. So when I heard about Mandolin Secrets Academy I knew it wasgoing to be good and it is all I hoped it would be.

I've been concentrating on Jazz because It is something I knew nothing about, but have become interested in.

If you've searched the web as I did for good clear instruction on playing Jazz, you know it's hard to find. But Magnus has put together a great series of lessons that start with the basics and teach the skills needed to play Jazz effectively.

Mandolin Secrets Academy is more than internet music lessons though.

It is a community of learners and Magnus spends a lot of time each week nurturing and encouraging.

The Academy is a good place to learn and grow as a mandolin player."

Bunmi says:

I've been a member of the Mandolin Secrets Academy for just over 2 months now. 

It's a great community and the material is brilliant, especially the Jazz repertoire (love those Jazz standards).

I consider my self a beginner but there is material that would benefit people at other levels.  

At  the moment I've got  a rather fast paced project which does not allow me to participate as much as I would like to, but the beauty of online learning is that you can drop into the environment at all hours and catch up. 

Getting  lessons from a Mandolinist (proper) were I live has been a challenge and I have had to travel quite a bit to fulfill this. This has become untenable so the Academy is really a brilliant substitute for me.

I would say that my desire to improve my playing  has definitely increased since joining and with the 10x10 exercises that Magnus produces there's always something to work on (I've been working recently on playing harmonics with one hand -just love that sound), not to mention the ever growing library of repertoire from a variety of music genres.

Finally I must say, the live QA catch ups via Zoom are great. 

Gina says:

"I found Magnus on Youtube about a year or so ago, while searching for mandolin lessons. I immediately subscribed to his channel and found his website. I said to myself,
“ Here's a real player!”

I have purchased a few ebooks and lessons because I really enjoy his methodology,  versatility and thorough explanations of techniques and concepts.

I look forward to future lessons and online mini courses.

I would highly recommend checking out His Nordic Folk songs too!"

Jack says:

"The Mandolin Secrets Academy is a great resource for learning music styles, improving your music knowledge, and mandolin skill building.

In addition, it is a fantastic site for interacting and sharing ideas with a world-wide group of mandolin players.

Magnus has created a very friendly and easy-going community that you won't regret joining."

Cindy says:

“ I never thought I could play mandolin leads over swing/jazz tunes until I started watching Magnus’s YouTube videos.

He breaks down these amazing moveable licks and explains how they work.

I joined Mandolin Secrets Academy and now have access to lessons with written material and the freedom to watch them when I have time. I like that I can concentrate on the specific lessons that I need.

I also like how Magnus talks about building confidence in your playing and not getting discouraged when you can’t play like Chris Thile.

Thanks for offering this treasure trove of mandolin wisdom!”

Norris says:

Why Mandolin Secrets Academy, well there are a  few things.

1.  User friendly web site.  you don’t need a degree to figure this out.

2. Access to different musical styles with corresponding musical notation , tabs and video.

3. Have access to The community chats, so you can see questions or ask what you want.

Your musical journey begins with you and your desire to learn.  Mandolin Secret Academy is a resource you can use to achieve your personal goals.

Your success depends on you and your willingness to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Steve says:

"Three months ago I was a beginner to the mandolin having played some

ukulele and guitar. I came across Magnus's Mandolin Secrets website

and, having watched a few samples, I decided to subscribe for a while.

I've been impressed by what Magnus has had to offer. I've learned some

tunes and techniques but the main plus for me has been the encouraging

attitude Magnus brings to his videos, his contributions to the online

support forum and the online Q&A sessions. He manages to reach out to

the person behind the mandolin and that isn't so easy to achieve

online. There is still a long way to go for me but the Mandolin

Secrets Academy is helping me on the journey."

Akshay says:

"Besides being a great teacher and providing a theoretical and practical foundation for all aspiring mandolin players, Magnus has also introduced me to the sounds of Nordic folk music which can be applied to the instrument in a beautiful way. I look forward to learning more in the coming months! "

Jean says:

"I have been studying with Magnus for 3 months now. I have reviewed what I already knew, changed bad habits, reviewed theory and learned so my h NEW! Everybody is geared to helping each other become better players. Even though we are scattered all over the world, music and Magnus are our common language. Come join us learning and having fun!"

Chris says:

“.....I started as a beginner, and would now saw I am pushing into intermediate territory more quickly than I would have without the guidance and support that Mandolin Academy offers! Specifically I have been focusing on right hand techniques for rythym and accompaniment, and my left hand technique for confidence around the fretboard.  I play Irish bouzouki and all lessons are relevant to my instrument and feed into my personal goals!"

Fred says:

“I have been a professional guitarist for years. I bought a mandolin and decided to learn to play it well. I went to Sweden from the USA and found my family a few years back. When I returned from Sweden I decided to learn music from Sweden on the mandolin. Sadly, I could not find any instructional material on Scandinavian music for the mandolin. Then I discovered Magnus Zetterland’s Mandolin Secrets website. I joined and what a game changer that was. I am now playing Scandinavian music and sending recordings to family members, but it hasn’t stopped there: now I am learning bluegrass, jazz, and blues songs. The best Part of Mandolin secrets though is Magnus. He is a knowledgeable instructor as well as a gifted player. If you want to play mandolin look no further."

Richard says:

"The MSA has provided continued inspiration and a wonderful boost to improving my mandolin playing. It was good timing for me after the last 4 years of exploring techniques, different musical genres and a better understanding of musical theory applied to playing the mandolin. As a young lad I did have some Royal Conservatory Piano lessons and reading music and musical notation did stay with me although connecting it to the mandolin has been challenging! However, taking the extra step and including the Fretboard Success Program, has created a new clarity in applying the musical terminology a new freedom in playing. Thanks for the great communication, structured lessons and opportunity to talk to other players around the globe! All the best to all!"