Teaching music & instrument building

Learn to play, select and make instruments, and to compose original tunes and songs

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. For ten years I led a very successful online Masters programme training other experienced teachers with pre-recorded videos and online tutorials, and have written extensively on educational topics. 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 with 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 YouTube (long format) and Instagram (shorts), with some also appearing on Facebook (please see links below to view and follow), including a rotating mix of the following six main areas of activity:

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

YouTube playlists

Solo Artist

Bands

Instruments

Songs

Tunes

Teaching

Individual and small group teaching

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 dream instrument; advice and feedback on solo or band performance; coaching and tips on tune and song writing; or help with your approach to teaching - just drop me an e-mail or an enquiry using the form below.

Also don't forget to join the mailing list for updates, follow on social media for free teaching videos, and let me know of any particular videos or other resources you would like me to create.