How to Find Your Mah Jongg Teaching Comfort Zone: Advice from Orlando, Florida’s MJ Pro, Diane
Have you ever thought about taking your love for the tiles to the next level? Today, we are sitting down with Diane, a seasoned Mah Jongg instructor making waves in Volusia County, Florida. Whether you are an experienced player looking to transition into teaching or a student looking for a masterclass in table etiquette, Diane has a wealth of wisdom to share. From finding your personal teaching comfort zone to navigating student dropouts without taking it personally, she is sharing her roadmap for building a fluid, successful classroom. Pull up a chair and learn how to perfect your own personal style—both on and off the board!
“This Isn’t Bunco!”—Real Talk from Mah Jongg Teacher, Sylvia
For my second post this month I am continuing in my series of interviews with Mah Jongg teachers across the country. Here is a fun interview with a popular and successful Mahj teacher based in California. I am sure you will smile and nod along with many of Sylvia’s answers. But hopefully you will also glean some new ideas as a player (or as a teacher) that will be little gems to carry with you on your own Mahj journey. It was a joy for me to learn about Sylvia’s journey. Let me introduce you to her now.
Meet Iris, Another "Tile-riffic" Teacher of Mah Jongg
Meet Iris, a veteran American Mah Jongg instructor with more than 15 years of teaching experience. In this exclusive interview, she shares how she got started, her proven approach to teaching beginners, the tools she recommends for new players, and the rewards of helping students gain confidence at the Mah Jongg table.
Rising Tides: How Shanda Sloan is Building Community, One Tile at a Time
This month we travel south, to Arkansas to learn about a very talented and bubbly MJ teacher, Shanda Sloan. Shanda’s answers to my questions are pure gold. If you want to learn how one teacher found her way into Mah Jongg, and if you are considering teaching MJ yourself, I am certain you will find her story compelling.
Portraits of a Shared Passion: A Conversation with Sharona Saltzman
I am thrilled to share an exclusive interview with Sharona Saltzman, the curator behind the beautiful new book, Tiles That Unite: Portraits of Mahjong Players Across the U.S. This ambitious project features voices from all 50 states, documenting how this beloved game serves as a bridge across cultures and generations.
Behind the Scenes: Profile of a Beloved and Busy Mah Jongg Teacher
One of my many repeat customers graciously agreed to be interviewed for my blog on the condition that I keep her identity and specific location confidential, as she is already finding it challenging to keep up with the requests she receives almost daily to teach Mah Jongg. I’ll say this, she is based in the Midwest, is in her mid-eighties, sharp as a tack, and was a delight to get to know!
How Long Does It Take to Learn American Mah Jongg? Think Again About the “One Easy Lesson” Myth
If anyone claims you can learn to play American Mah Jongg in one easy lesson, they are lying. This is a complicated version of the game. I have taught perhaps over 200 newbies how to play Modern American Mah Jongg over the past 10 years. I know what I am talking about. Do not believe everything you read on the internet.