Mandolin and Improvisation Lessons
From Pete Martin
Because playing music can be so fun, I really stress having FUN in the lessons and playing in general. The music styles I teach are group oriented (though the lessons are private), so I teach the skills required for someone to play with others.
Bluegrass and Oldtime music and improvisation on both fiddle and mandolin are the most requested music types I teach, but I also teach many other styles, including Jazz and Texas style fiddle tunes. I don’t teach Celtic music, but there are a lot of those tunes in the oldtime and Bluegrass repertoire that I do teach. If you are looking for authentic Celtic fiddle or mandolin, I am not the right teacher.
The lessons are based on learning by ear (no written music) and improvisation. I prefer teaching by ear, as the styles I teach are RARELY played using written music. Most students, even people who have always read music to play, are surprised at how easy they can learn by ear. Most are very pleased at how much joy and freedom they get from improvisation. I ask in person folks to bring a recording device to lessons so I can record what is to be learned. For Skype lessons, I record and email the material.
I am a full time private lesson teacher, having taught for over 40 years. Teaching location is my house in North Seattle. Depending on where you want lessons determines if I have any current open times. I also teach online lessons for those who are not able to attend in person.
Sample lesson and performance videos can be viewed by clicking the videos link at the top of this page.
I have two types of students:
1) A person who wants weekly lessons, so they are in my schedule at a given time every week. I recommend this type of lessons to a beginner who has never played an instrument previously.
2) A person who wants non weekly lessons. I have them email when they want a lesson and how long, then we find a time that works for both of us. Experienced players and beginners who have played other instruments often do well this way.
I prefer to talk prior to setting anything up as you can ask questions and I can tell you how I like to teach. If you are interested, let’s find a time to meet online. Contact me by clicking the more/contact link above.
More about lessons
I like teaching folks of all levels. If someone enjoys playing, I enjoy teaching them. I am very experienced in teaching beginners. My background in ergonomics means I teach efficient mechanics plus I can also help many folks with pain and overuse injury issues.
Mandolin and Improvisation specialties taught
Bluegrass and if desired the tune and improvising styles of Bill Monroe and Sam Bush.
Old time tunes played by many players.
Texas style fiddle tunes arranged for mandolin.
Jazz tunes and improvisation, especially swing and the bebop era of the 1940s and 1950s.
General improvisation.
General musicality. How to practice efficiently.
Ergonomics studies for more efficiency in mechanics and also overuse pain care.
Click "contact" under "more" above
Bluegrass and Oldtime music and improvisation on both fiddle and mandolin are the most requested music types I teach, but I also teach many other styles, including Jazz and Texas style fiddle tunes. I don’t teach Celtic music, but there are a lot of those tunes in the oldtime and Bluegrass repertoire that I do teach. If you are looking for authentic Celtic fiddle or mandolin, I am not the right teacher.
The lessons are based on learning by ear (no written music) and improvisation. I prefer teaching by ear, as the styles I teach are RARELY played using written music. Most students, even people who have always read music to play, are surprised at how easy they can learn by ear. Most are very pleased at how much joy and freedom they get from improvisation. I ask in person folks to bring a recording device to lessons so I can record what is to be learned. For Skype lessons, I record and email the material.
I am a full time private lesson teacher, having taught for over 40 years. Teaching location is my house in North Seattle. Depending on where you want lessons determines if I have any current open times. I also teach online lessons for those who are not able to attend in person.
Sample lesson and performance videos can be viewed by clicking the videos link at the top of this page.
I have two types of students:
1) A person who wants weekly lessons, so they are in my schedule at a given time every week. I recommend this type of lessons to a beginner who has never played an instrument previously.
2) A person who wants non weekly lessons. I have them email when they want a lesson and how long, then we find a time that works for both of us. Experienced players and beginners who have played other instruments often do well this way.
I prefer to talk prior to setting anything up as you can ask questions and I can tell you how I like to teach. If you are interested, let’s find a time to meet online. Contact me by clicking the more/contact link above.
More about lessons
I like teaching folks of all levels. If someone enjoys playing, I enjoy teaching them. I am very experienced in teaching beginners. My background in ergonomics means I teach efficient mechanics plus I can also help many folks with pain and overuse injury issues.
Mandolin and Improvisation specialties taught
Bluegrass and if desired the tune and improvising styles of Bill Monroe and Sam Bush.
Old time tunes played by many players.
Texas style fiddle tunes arranged for mandolin.
Jazz tunes and improvisation, especially swing and the bebop era of the 1940s and 1950s.
General improvisation.
General musicality. How to practice efficiently.
Ergonomics studies for more efficiency in mechanics and also overuse pain care.
Click "contact" under "more" above