Mandolin

Mandolin is a truly unique string instrument and very different in many ways from the other stringed instruments I teach. While Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Ukulele are all based around the same tuning system (strings are tuned in 4ths), the Mandolin is tuned in 5ths which is actually the exact same tuning as the Violin. Because of this similarity the Mandolin (like Violin) is a very important part of the Bluegrass musical tradition. And while the mandolin is a great melodic instrument like Violin, it differs in that because of the way it is played (with a pick) and because of the very limited sustain of the instrument it is also very often used as a rhythm instrument as well. Mandolin Lessons with me will usually involve learning basic note reading and sight reading skills, common chords on the instrument, strumming patterns, and eventually an introduction into beginning Bluegrass technique and repertoire. However, as with all other instruments I teach I build the students' work around the music they enjoy, so for example, even though Mandolin is not traditionally a pop or rock instrument I am more than happy to explore these other genres with Mandolin Students as well! I currently offer Beginner Mandolin lessons to students of all ages!