Private lessons with top Mandolin instructors near Portland, OR

We will work on reading music and practical application. All while having fun.

Looking for someone to help you reach that next level? Whatever your stringed instrument, I can guide you there. From the rank basics to traditional tunes, to timing and tone, technique and theory, I can show you what you need to make your journey easier. Rely on my 15 years of music teaching experience to save you countless hours of bewilderment and frustration! My journey as a musician which began at the age of 8 has now carried me to 48 states and a dozen countries, including 4 tours in continental Europe. I spent 7+ years performing, recording, and giving workshops with talented acoustic acts based in Nashville and the southeast. I am lucky to have been involved and contributed to a handful of IBMA and Grammy-nominated albums. Increasingly, however, I turn my focus toward private teaching. I find great joy and pride in helping a student reach their goals and surprise themselves with their own potential. Go ahead and get in touch, and let's try a session together! Background and expertise in Bluegrass, Americana, Country, Old Time, Swing and Jazz, etc... Also winner of 21 championships, including 2 national titles in Winfield, KS.

20 years playing experience, 12,000+ lessons taught! You choose the music, I'll get you there. I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of technique and theory skills. I have taught many styles and will get you playing something you like right away!

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 can show you how to read notes, tabs and charts, play by ear and play like a pro.

While studying the mandolin, you'll learn how to read music in standard notation, tablature form or both. You will also learn how to play various chords, scales rhythmic patterns and improvisation while implementing them into various styles of music including, Bluegrass, Country, Basso Nova. or Blues.

You can choose to learn by ear, notation, tab, or a combination of these. We will play standard tunes, and any of your favorites from Bill Monroe to Chris Thiles, and beyond. A mandolin is also great for strumming and singing.

Have you ever wanted to play the mandolin, but never knew where to start? Do you have trouble learning correct technique, practice strategies, or struggle finding good repertoire to learn? Well, you've come to the right place! I am a young and passionate teacher, committed to helping you improve on your instrument and achieve your goals! Many students comment on my patience, communication skills, and flexibility as a teacher. In our first lesson, I will likely ask you to demonstrate your level to me, either by telling me or showing me what you know. I will use this to better understand your strengths and weaknesses and go from there. You can expect to come away from our first lesson with some learning materials, a plan for going forward, and an encouraging start to our journey as musicians together! Some examples of things students can learn from me include: expanding repertoire, ear training, music reading, improvising, jamming, music theory, and technique.