So You Want To Play The Mandolin? A Novice Workshop with ALAN EPSTEIN

Saturday , April 07, 2007
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Elderly Instruments
workshop ($35.00)

Alan Epstein has taught his "So You Want to Play the Mandolin"
novice-level workshop several times at Elderly in recent years,
and each of these introductory workshops has been a big hit
with students, successfully getting them started on playing the
mandolin in a friendly and "safe" environment.

This two-hour workshop was developed for those who know nothing
about the mandolin--who don't know how to hold it, tune it, or
play a simple chord--but who are ready to begin playing. Alan
will offer brief background on the instrument and provide both
live and recorded examples that will assist him in
demonstrating the versatility of the mandolin.

The remainder of the class will be devoted to the students
working hands-on, learning how to hold and tune it, using a
pick, playing simple chords, and more. Before the workshop
concludes, students will be playing their first mandolin tune.
Handouts will be provided.

If you think you'd like to sign up for this workshop--and maybe
Alan's second novice follow-up session held on Saturday, May
12, keep in mind the special-deal savings of $10 when you
register for both workshops. Also please note that
workshop slots are limited; don't wait till it's too
late.

If you're interested but don't have one available, Elderly will
loan you a mandolin for use during the workshop.

Founder and fromer director of the Pittsburgh Mandolin
Orchestra, Alan Epstein currently teaches all levels of
mandolin at Elderly. He plays in various styles with several
area groups and is a long-time popular workshop instructor at
numerous renowned music camps across the country.

Since moving to Michigan a few years ago Alan has coached
several Bluegrass Ensemble Workshop courses at Elderly, he's a
member of the special-occasion band The Hop-Ups, and he
is highly regarded as a special guest of Neptune
Quartet. He has been a contributing writer for Mandolin
Magazine and in 2004 was a recipient of the Pennsylvania
Council of the Arts Apprenticeship in Traditional Arts,
studying with world-renowned Gypsy mandolinist Charley
Rappaport.

Check out recordings we carry featuring Alan Epstein