Cotati, CA Mandolin Lessons

Tunes, Scales, Improvisation techniques

I have over 30 years experience as a music teacher. Although guitar is my main instrument, I play several stringed instruments, including mandolin, well enough to teach beginners of ALL ages - children, teens, and adults. I have played mandolin with bluegrass bands, in the past.
Mandolin is a good first instrument for those who have never played a stringed instrument before, and for young children whose hands are not strong enough to play a larger instrument such as a guitar. It is fairly easy to learn, and fun to play.

A fun, percussive instrument. I focus on chords and songs in addition to reading and understanding the fretboard.

Mandolin Lessons, Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced students by Professional Teacher and performer. 38 years of Teaching privately and performance. Lessons will focus on Basics, Picking technique, Chords, scales, Licks, Songs and performance. Lessons can be once a week, one every 2 weeks or once a month. Schedule of lessons are flexible to meet the needs of the student. Rates and location of lessons will be discussed and confirmed by e-mail contact.

I break the mandolin repertoire into its components of melody, chords, and rhythm. I teach theory and tools for improvisation for those interested in Bluegrass or Modern Mandolin music in general.

Mandolin: any style, any level. :)

I offer mandolin lessonsw for children and adults of all levels, from first time players to very advanced players. I offer lessons mainly encompassing Bluegrass style mandolin. I can also teach other genres such as Celtic music or Folks music. I can provide a complete curriculum including tabs/sheet music or I can can give personalized lessons on skills or music of your choice. I can teacher material in both standard notation and tablature as well as learning to play by ear. I can also prepare students to play in bands and jams.

I grew up in North Carolina, around bluegrass and Old Time music. I started playing mandolin as a teen and studied Irish mandolin in College for 4 years. I play bluegrass/Old Time and Irish mandolin and am comfortable teaching both. I also play pop style mandolin. I teach basic music theory with mandolin lessons, also fingering techniques, tunings, chords, and styles. I love to teach mandolin students tunes, so they can understand how mandolin works when played alone or with others. I love folk music, and I would love to share that love with students.

Students should expect a strong foundation in reading and performing quality repertoire for the Mandolin. My curriculum will focus heavily on Bluegrass and Celtic music.

Whether you want to play Bach, bluegrass, or learn jazz method I'll get you started on the right track with the right practice habits.