However, you have a role to contribute and you can't do it unless you're heard. Long OK, ya get what you pay for. Here are 10 good basic beginner tips to go home with. Buy an electronic tuner to keep yourself in tune but practice tuning your mandolin on your own. Your fellow musician friends will thank you.
Dull strings are hard on fingers and are hard to keep in tune.
Try to play with people who are better than you. It's a great learning experience. Keep your frets in good shape. If they have deep grooves in them, it's time for a visit to the shop. Too many beginners ruin their technique by trying to play too fast.