This issue features contributions from several noted mandolin players and teachers. Steve Kaufman is well-known to guitar and mandolin pickers alike. He is a welcome edition. Dix Bruce is also a prolific author and a great player. His article on solo development addresses an under-discussed area of player development. New Mexico's Steve Smith shares some great advice for student facing speed barriers. My "soapbox" article on pick direction will continue in the next issue as well as speed advice and exercises from John Moore. Please let us kow how we are doing.
     -Joe Carr