Fiddlin' Al's Fiddle, Banjo & Mandolin Lessons

I just had the first lesson Due to the holidays. I was out of town. Al listens to what you want to achieve through your lessons and has a straightforward, sensible approach to teaching. He breaks it down very clearly for the types of music I am interested in learning on the Mandolin. For me it would be a good foundation in standard bluegrass and Irish tunes with learning how to improvise over a melody when sitting in with a jam session (should I put in the work to get that good). Al says he can get me there and I believe him. He is a professional musician and instructor with decades of experience and knowledge of the local music scene as well, which I can take advantage of since we live in the same community. Our first session was remote because I was sick after the holidays and he does very well using the technology effectively.

I live in South Carolina and have been Als student since last March. I cant begin to say enough about how much Al has helped me progress in my playing. As said before, not only does he teach you how to play but he gives you an understanding of how the music works. When I first talked to Al about taking lessons, I told him that my goal was to be a recreational player and maybe play some in church once in a while. Now I am in a band and we just finished playing a show this morning at a local church. It is amazing how far you can take this instrument with the right instruction and help. I could have spent the next 5 years trying to learn to play on my own and would probably still be playing Cripple Creek and Cumberland Gap. Now I have a song list so long I cant begin to list them all. If you are looking for lessons that are challenging but well worth the work, you cant go wrong with Al.

I had been playing for several years but seemed to have hit a wall. My picking just didnt seem to be progressing as I would have liked. A friend told me about Al. I started weekly lessons with Al four months ago and I can tell you it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. His teaching approach and ability to make a student understand is really amazing. Al pushes you to get better and does it in a such a positive way that I feel a great sense of accomplishment after each and every lesson. I would strongly recommend Al to anyone no matter the experience level. I can guarantee you that you wont be sorry.

I have been taking lessons with Al for just over a year. He is the third teacher I have had and the best. In fact it is hard to conceive of a better teacher unless he lived down the street. He is a constant amazement to me! He can see more on Skype than my other teachers sitting next to me.

Put simply HE HAS A PLAN!!!!! A plan to make you better, learn the skills you need and present in a way that it can be accomplished, with some work on your part. Sometimes I almost scare myself. It actually sounds like banjo music, the way its supposed to sound. After every lesson all I can say is, that was great.. I will warn you, you have to practice but the improvements are well worth the work. Plateau? What plateau!

I have played for years, but I am only just now playing cleanly and sounding like something. I also have a shelf of DVDs but Als instruction has been the only thing that has made me better!

-Brian B.