Private lessons with top Mandolin instructors near San Francisco, CA

I like to make learning an instrument fun and easy to fit into your schedule! If you're an adult finally getting around to learning your dream instrument or a child following your passion of playing music I tailor your lessons specifically to you. We look at what you want to play, pick specific songs that you want to learn, and learn the techniques you need to play these songs. It sounds simple, but it's so effective and much more fun to learn this way!

I started playing acoustic guitar when I was seven years old. I then started traveling more and found the mandolin to be so much easier to carry around and so much fun, it was hard to stop playing it. I have been playing and teaching mostly bluegrass, old time, Irish, blues, folk, and swing jazz styles for many years. I have taught both privately and have also done various workshops at festivals. I have taught multiple years for instance at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in PA, The Traditions week at Common Ground on the Hill Festival in MD, Delaware Valley Festival, Grey Fox Festival, etc. I have taught all ages of students- from young kids to folks in their 90's. I have taught for schools, art organizations, run my own music camps, and have taught at plenty of workshops and camps led by others. I have performed professionally in various line ups over many years in a variety of styles. I have performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, National Geographic, The 9:30 Club, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Watermelon Park Festival, and a wide range of Universities, Arts Centers, and Clubs. I have also won many awards for my mandolin skills at a variety of contests like The Galax Fiddlers Convention, and first place at The Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention, The Deer Creek Fiddlers Convention, and The Watermelon Park Festival. My students learn to have fun with music. I am comfortable teaching in-person or online. Students can work on rhythms, melodies, improvisation, song writing, arranging tunes, music theory, getting into and/or hanging on in a jam session, etc. I make my students fun play along recordings to help them practice and have fun. Try a lesson and see for yourself have you can make some quick progress with music and have a great time doing it.

I've been teaching mandolin for 4 years helping students develop a love for the instrument and learn more about music along the way. Mandolin is an often underappreciated instrument which is fantastic for both melodic and rhythmic playing styles. Within the first few lessons you'll have a solid base of strumming, picking, chord changes and melodic playing, with a couple simple songs too. Moving on from there I will craft lessons to move you toward a "goal song," making sure to cater your progress to your needs while keeping a focus on good technique. I enjoy working with students of all ages and experiences and I can't wait to meet you!

I have taught mandolin lessons for over 10 years and played mandolin professionally in two bands for over 20 years. Note reading, chords, theory, all styles. Have fun learning and progressing quickly in lessons with me!

After 27 years of playing and a BA in Music, I know how to break down the mandolin and teach it to anyone willing to learn. I take the 80/20 approach to learning mandolin and will get you up and playing in no time. If you are tired of trying to figure out how to learn mandolin online or you feel stuck at your current level, then I can show you the most effective and efficient way to get your playing to the next level. Lessons will teach you the following: * songs you actually want to play * how to read music and tablature * music theory tailored to suit your needs * composition and improvisation * performance practices and music history * how to play solo pieces and jam with your friends

All styles, technique, chords, individual notes, scales, theory, performance, Monroe stlye, bluegrass

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.

*Adults* Whether you are a beginner or have been playing for years my comprehensive lessons will help you to quickly realize your musical goals. I tailor each lesson to fit your individual needs and will get you strumming your favorite songs, reading music, taking soaring solos, or writing your own melodies while simultaneously deepening your understanding of the language of music. At the end of each lesson you’ll receive an MP3 of all the material covered. *Kids* I believe in building music fundamentals while fostering a love of playing. My fun, imaginative, and age appropriate classes are just right for any budding musician! Each lesson is customized to get the individual student excited about music, that means playing songs they like and having fun while learning the essential techniques and developing musicality. I have extensive experience working with children 5-16 and adapt my teaching to promote success for each unique student. *Genres* Pop, Folk, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Songwriting, Classical. *Instruments* Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Harmonica *About* My name is Andrew and I am a Grammy-balloted musician with over twenty years of experience teaching, performing, and recording. My playing has been featured on NPR, CNBC, FOX, CMT and on RollingStone.com. I am a passionate educator and teach for Vintage Guitar Magazine and the historic Calliope School of Folk Music. I have a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Elon University. I’d love to assist you on your musical journey, please feel free to reach out with any questions!