Mandolin Lessons with Adam Sweet
One-on-one traditional instruction for players of all levels
If you're drawn to the bright, punchy sound of the mandolin—whether it's from a bluegrass jam, a Celtic reel, or a Bach sonata—you're in the right place.
I've been teaching mandolin since 1985. Over the past 40+ years, I’ve worked with hundreds of students across New England and around the world, helping them discover their voice on this unique and versatile instrument. Whether you're just getting started or coming back to the mandolin after years away, I’ll help you build a strong foundation and grow as a musician.
What You’ll Learn
Lessons are always personalized, but here’s what we typically cover:
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Right-hand technique – pick grip, tone production, tremolo, cross-picking, rhythmic control
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Left-hand technique – proper fingering, efficiency, dexterity, vibrato
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Chords and rhythm playing – chop chords, double stops, harmony, backup technique
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Tunes and repertoire – fiddle tunes, bluegrass standards, Celtic melodies, classical pieces, and more
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Improvisation and ear training – learn to hear and create solos, harmonies, and melodies by ear
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Music theory – scales, arpeggios, modes, chord construction, transposition
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Reading and writing music – standard notation and tablature, depending on your goals
Each week, you'll leave with clear assignments, technique goals, and listening or practice recommendations. I also create custom exercises and transcriptions when needed—none of this one-size-fits-all stuff.
My Process
Lessons are one hour per week. That extra time makes a big difference. It allows us to go deeper into the material, troubleshoot in real time, and play music together without rushing. If you're serious about learning the mandolin, this is the pace that works.
We can meet in person at my teaching studio in Granby, Massachusetts, or online via Google Meet. Online students get the same personalized attention and resources—audio, video, PDF exercises, and practice strategies tailored to you.
I emphasize slow, mindful practice. It's not about speed or flash—it's about developing real command of your instrument, your ear, and your musical instincts.
When You're Ready: Join Mandolin New England
Once you've got a few tunes under your fingers and you're ready to play with others, I’ll invite you to join Mandolin New England, a free nonprofit community I run for mandolinists across the region.
Mandolin New England organizes jams, meetups, workshops, and seasonal concerts. It’s a great way to connect with other players, explore new styles, and find your musical tribe. We focus on traditional music—Celtic, folk, bluegrass, old-time—but we also support classical mandolin, choro, klezmer, and beyond.
You don’t need to be a professional. You just need to love the instrument and want to grow.