Adam Sweet

Adam Sweet

5.0Exceptional(6 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

At Sweet Music Studio, private lessons go beyond just learning tunes or mastering scales. We offer a comprehensive musical journey that's as enriching as it is enjoyable. You'll not only learn to play but also to appreciate the intricate details that make music so captivating. The end result? A sense of accomplishment and the sheer joy of making music.

Our lessons cover a wide range of topics, from the historical significance of your chosen instrument to the proper techniques for holding and playing it. Whether you're picking up the mandolin or drawing a bow across a violin, we'll guide you through the essentials, including:

* Reading music

* Effective practice strategies

*Self-motivation techniques

*Collaborative playing

Once you've gained some proficiency, you'll have the chance to join a group setting, where you'll learn the art of musical interaction and collaboration. This balanced approach of individual and group lessons prepares you for a fulfilling lifelong journey as a musician.

Here's what one of our students, Ben Levy from Granby, MA, had to say:

"Adam is not just a music teacher; he's a music educator. He delves into the history, social context, and various genres of music, offering a well-rounded understanding of the instrument and the music you're playing. His teaching style is a valuable addition to the western Massachusetts cultural scene."

As for me, believe it or not, I find teaching even more rewarding than playing. My ultimate goal is to guide you to a level where you can confidently and comfortably make music with others. I look forward to helping you achieve your musical aspirations.

Best,

Adam R Sweet

Co-founder of Mandolin New England, Member of Celticado, The Americana Project, and Fiddle Hill


Highlights

1 employee
39 years in business
Serves Granby , MA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Square, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Stripe, Zelle, Bitcoin

Social media


Details

Do you own a violin?

Student who has an instrument, Student who is planning to purchase an instrument and would like advice

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Student can read music, Student cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Instrument interested in

Violin, Viola, Fiddle, I can recommend an instrument

Photos and videos

  • Bluegras music!
  • Swing Violin
  • Music is fun!
  • Wedding Violin
  • Wedding Violin

  • Reviews

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    RP

    rachel P.

    We worked with one of the teachers, Adam Sweet, to put on a series of events at the community over 2014, 2017 and most recently, 2021. The music was gorgeous, Mozart and Bach, the musicians were talented and friendly, and working with Mr. Sweet was a dream. Will do again!
    ... Show more
    January 17, 2024

    Photo of robert L.

    robert L.

    Working with Sweet Music was a harmonious blend of musical excellence, cultural depth, and artistic innovation. Their dedication to preserving and celebrating musical traditions while embracing modern technology made this collaboration not just a musical journey, but a truly multidimensional experience. I would highly recommend Sweet Music to anyone looking for a partner in creating music that resonates with both the heart and the soul.
    ... Show more
    January 17, 2024

    WM

    will M.

    I started studying with Adam Sweet in 2013 and it has been a fun and very helpful experience. What I like best about Sweet Music is that Adam works to create ensemble groups so that every student, even beginners, have the chance to make music with others. Thats how you grow as a musician--playing with others who are better than you!
    ... Show more
    October 22, 2023

    WP

    William P.

    I wanted to hire the best mandolin teacher in western Mass and I got him!
    ... Show more
    January 11, 2019

    EG

    Emily G.

    I cant praise Adam Sweet enough! I came to him on a recommendation from another student, a colleague at UMass. I am a chef there. My friend has been encouraging me to learn how to play the mandolin so I can join a little group that plays for functions here on campus. Mr. Sweets studio is convenient (in Granby), hes personable and friendly, hes incredibly knowledgeable about theory, music history, the mandolin, and everything else. He taught me to play and I must say Im thrilled to be a part of his organization. Ive met many other adults who are also learning and they are all very nice people. I joined the Celtic group which meets on Thursdays and I love it!
    ... Show more
    October 22, 2018

    JB

    Jeffrey B.

    Adam Sweet is the best teacher Ive ever had! I wanted to learn how to play mandolin for my own enjoyment. I had never played a musical instrument before. Im retired (66) and thought it would be nice to have something to do in my retirement. Not only did I learn how to play, but Mr Sweet encouraged me to join Mandolin New England, a mandolin orchestra he directs. Ive been very happy and very busy learning and playing with others!
    ... Show more
    October 22, 2018

    Frequently asked questions

    The first step is to find out what instrument they want to learn and what style(s) of music they want to learn on that instrument.  I teach classical, but also celtic, bluegrass, klezmer, blues and jazz.  The next thing to do is to find out what level they are at, for example, has the student already had a few lessons, or did they play an instrument when they were younger, can they read music, etc.  That will help determine where to start with them.  The next step, is to find out if there's an available time in my schedule that meets their needs.  I generally teach weekdays from 5pm-9pm, but I also have some morning slots open.  My schedule is posted on my website, and students should ask.

    I have a BA in Music and certificates in violin, chamber music coaching and performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, The Concervatory of Music at Rivers and Hampshire College, where I graduated in 1985.  I opened my studio in 1986 and have been teaching mainly violin, mandolin and guitar ever since.

    Lessons are 60 minutes a week.  I do not do 30 minute lessons because they are a waste of an hour which could be used for private lessons or group classes. 

    I first started teaching friends in High School.  Later in College, I taught a few classmates how to play the violin.  It was very natural for me to do it professionally as an adult as I'd put a lot of thought into it as a teenager.

    I've worked with students of all ages over the 30+ years I've been teaching.  Lately, most of my students are aged 50 and older, and i think that has more to do with the current live music scene than anything else.  People of a certain generation (boomers) were brought up culturally valuing music and being able to play a musical instrument with others was well respected and a good goal.  

    I'm a co-founder of Mandolin New England, an organization that puts together mandolin orchestra concerts in Rhode Island and western Mass.  My students are a part of this group as are the students of one of my colleagues in Rhode Island.  It's a lot of fun.  We are working on Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi and Schubert.

    Background and education is important, but more important is to know in advance what you are looking for in a teacher and in lessons.  Be realistic.  It takes 6-9 months of daily practice an hour or more to learn to play the mandolin well.  Two years or more to learn the violin.

    Students should know what their schedule looks like, know if they can commit to daily practice, and if they are willing and able to follow the instructions of the teacher to the letter.


    Services offered

    Violin