Teaching music & instrument building

Experience & approach

I have almost 30 years of experience in teaching adults a wide range of theoretical and practical subjects in higher and professional education, both online and in person. After six years of study and application to practice, I completed a Doctor of Education (EdD) in 2012. I have written extensively on educational topics, and for ten years led a very successful online Masters programme training other experienced teachers with pre-recorded videos and online tutorials. I have led many Scottish folk tune and song workshops and sessions, and am passionate about helping others achieve their goals and potential.

I love learning and creating new things, so am constantly composing, listening, reading and experimenting in my own music and instruments. I also love sharing what I have learned with others, and transferring insights and techniques across different fields and between instruments (e.g. using drum rudiments as strumming patterns, and sharing chord patterns and progressions between piano and cittern).

Free online teaching videos

The primary channels for free online teaching videos from Mike Mandolins are Instagram and YouTube, with some also being promoted on Facebook (see links below to view and follow). These include a rotating mix of all the other main areas of activity, plus occasional posts about teaching itself, including:

SOLO ARTIST

• How to play each instrument

• Performing tunes

• Performing songs

• Singing and playing together

• Preparing for live gigs

• Amplification and PA

• Playing in a band

• Practising and playing at speed

• Playing for dancing

• Arranging for band

• Singing with a band

• Improvisation

• Choosing your instrument

• Instrument design

• Selecting components

• Instrument building tutorials

• Finishing and set-up

• Instrument maintenance

• About folk tunes

• Finding existing tunes

• Composing tunes

• Variations and ornamentation

• Accompanying tunes

• Arranging tune 'sets'

• Song genres and styles

• Folk songs and traditions

• Selecting and arranging songs

• Accompanying songs

• Songwriting process

• Recording songs

SONGS

TUNES

TEACHING

BANDS

INSTRUMENTS

• Principles of teaching

• Teaching techniques

• Giving effective feedback

• Encouragement and support

• Demonstrating & role-modelling

• Music theory

Instagram Feed - coming soon!

Individual teaching and feedback

I am happy to teach on any topic related to the themes of this website, both online or in person, to individuals or groups. I have experience at a professional level in all six main areas of activity highlighted above, and will be very happy to discuss your needs and preferences to agree and plan a bespoke teaching programme for you at whatever level of difficulty you require. I am also happy to offer blended learning with pre-prepared teaching videos and materials and online tutorials at a time to suit you if that is your preference. Whether you want instrument lessons; help to choose, maintain, modify or build your own perfect instrument; solo or band performance tips and techniques; coaching and feedback on tune and song writing; or help with your approach to teaching - please just drop me an e-mail or submit an enquiry using the form below.

Also don't forget to join the mailing list for updates and follow on social media for free teaching videos on different topics.

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