Atlanta, GA Mandolin Lessons

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.

Learn how to read for mandolin, how to play chop chords and more!

from basic instrument setup, chords, and techniques to various songs and styles

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. :)

*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, ...

Hello! I'd love to show you some beginner techniques and theory for learning Mandolin. Students will learn the basics of strumming and chord structure. Get lessons with me and start jamming!

A two-time Acoustic Music Seminar participant and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, mandolinist Jake plays and writes music that is galvanized by roots music from around the globe. Music has taken him all over the country, yet he was introduced to acoustic music in his hometown, the greatest bluegrass city of all time: Akron, Ohio. Jake joined his uncle’s bluegrass band (The Blue Ribbon Bluegrass Band) playing mandolin and spent the next two years refining his craft. In his years with Blue Ribbon Bluegrass Band, Jake recorded two CDs and played countless gigs all over the northeastern United States. After being urged by his friends and family, Jake applied to the Berklee College of Music, where he graduated in 2017 with a degree in Mandolin performance and American Roots Music, mentored by greats such as Joe Walsh, Maeve Gilchrist, David Wallace, and Matt Glaser. He now tours nationally with the band The Page Turners.

I love to teach and hope to make you a more conscious

Most view mandolin as an instrument used exclusively for country and classical music. I disagree. I am a blues and jazz mandolinist with years of onstage professional experience and a library of knowledge on contemporary styles and theory. My approach to mandolin starts with basic theory and ear training. I find this helps students understand structure and form more easily. From there we learn what you want anf the lessons are structured around your needs and goals. Whether you want to play an Irish jig or rock out like Hendrix I have something for one and all.

I love the way a mandolin sounds!