teaching

In learning with Ethan, the focus is on the individuals’ unique talents and needs. Lessons are based around establishing a solid foundation on the instrument from which to move forward from in all styles of music including, but not limited to, bluegrass, Appalachian string band, Celtic, and classical. Examples of topics covered include right and left hand technique, chords, harmony and theory as it applies to the mandolin and tunes to build repertoire in roots styles. Good technique is the foundation of playing, so we’ll talk about the left and right hands and their relationship to one another, along with ideas for technique for each. We’ll cover helpful practice habits to help with progressing faster, and new ways to play things you already know, and hear some classic mandolin recordings that span the breadth of what the mandolin does.

He has taught internationally at institutions such as the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music (Plockton, Scotland), Puget Sound Guitar Workshop (Bremerton, WA), Great Lakes Music Camp (Grand Haven, MI), and Mandolin Camp North (Charlton, MA); as well as at music schools including 317 Community Music School (Yarmouth ME), Passim School of Music (Cambridge MA), and TG School of Music (Goshen IN). He is artistic director of the Glasgow Mandolin Retreat in Glasgow, Scotland along with Laura-Beth Salter and has a popular Peghead Nation course, the Weekly Mandolin Workout.

He currently offers private lessons online and in person in the greater Portland, Maine area. Book a lesson with Ethan at the link below or get in touch via the form or at ethanteachesmandolin@gmail.com for more info.