West McLean, VA Mandolin Lessons

My mission, is to create a private and educational environment to students of all ages. One that enriches their senses to music, through reading, writing, ear training, performance and technique.

Experienced in teaching mandolin for over 5 years. Experience in teaching other stringed instruments (guitar, bass, ukulele) for over 30 years.

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.

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

I started playing acoustic guitar when I was seven years old (off and on). 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, 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, etc
My students learn to have fun with music. Students can work on rhythms, melodies, improvisation, song writing, arranging tunes, music theory, getting into and/or hanging on in a jam session, etc.

Students are expected to own a mandolin so he or she can have a mandolin to practice with under the guide of the instructor. Mandolin is very painful at first (especially for non-guitarists), so you will experience pain in your fingers if mandolin is your first string instrument, but it is extremely common to experience pain while learning any string instrument.

Most materials will be provided by me except for the mandolin. As students, I want you to enjoy the instrument. Most people cannot find out if they are interested in the instrument until they had learned it for awhile, so please feel free to research more about mandolin before you start.

There are many ways to cultivate your musical skill whether it's visual, kinesthetic, or auditory. Let's find out which way works best for you!

Most schools do not offer the flexibility in learning styles necessary for you to find your ideal way of processing new information, whether it be visual, auditorial, kinesthetic, memetic, right brain/left brain, etc.

That's why I'm here! I pride myself on working with each individual student on the subtle ways that they learn and form healthy habits. If you have any questions about my teaching styles or methods please ask!

A little more about me:

I have over 10 years of guitar experience, studying under Jazz heavyweights Corey Christiansen, Oteil Burbridge, and Dan Miller. I pride myself in putting my students needs and wants above all else. I wish to impart a love for music onto my students that can only be cultivated by the bond a teacher and their student share, let us learn and grow together!

I became interested in the mandolin while teaching guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and got hooked. I especially enjoy playing traditional fiddle tunes, but I also have fun with the classical and yes, rock styles as well. Mandolin lessons are available to ages 13 and up. Younger students may be accepted with previous violin training.

Learn to read and and easy hand positioning to aquire playing the notes.

I grew up in Galax, VA where bluegrass has its roots. I learned how to play with a mix of classical music study and jamming at fiddler's conventions. I currently play with a few bluegrass bands in the DC area, and can provide insight into many aspects of playing - from performance to hobby level.