Private lessons with top Mandolin instructors near Bronx, NY

basic mandolin technique; Bluegrass, Country, world music repertoire, rhythm training

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

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 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'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!