Learning Four-mallets

I'm a percussionist who was looking for advice on learning four mallets. I use independent grip, but have no formal teaching at all. I was wondering because my marching music has a four mallet part. I have no control over my left hand especially...

I could give you and explanation, but it's better to get a private instructor. They can give you feedback immediately, and prevent you from doing anything harmful. Where do you live?

I live in central Texas, but I'm not sure how to go about getting one. I've done plenty of research about basics of four mallets, but I think that if I get help it would be more beneficial than just learning it myself and causing harm to me...

Do you have any way to video chat? I can show you better than I can explain to you. It'll be more likely that you'll be doing it correctly, anyway.

Also, Method of Movement by LHS is a great book. It's got pictures and all that for learning four mallets.

I picked it up during my time in the pit. It's not especially difficult if you get the grip right, because you can exert a lot of control over the mallets. If you don't have it right, they flop all over the place.

It's not incredibly difficult, it just takes practice.

I'd definitely recommend a teacher to start, though, since when you go to university your private teacher there may have a specific way they want you to play - and unlearning is much harder than learning right in the first place.

I've heard. My school has a book that has taught me using picture how to hold the mallets. I practice for on average about 20 hours in a 5-day week. I'll look into purchasing Method of Movement for myself to learn. If there are videos, you can always email them to me. I'm up for learning anything.

Thank you for all the advice on starting steps.