The mandolin is a very old instrument, the origins of which go back to the lute of Medieval times. It is also fairly unique in the fact that it possesses four sets of double strings that give the instrument its rhythmic strumming patterns. Although there are three prominent types of mandolin available: the Neapolitan bowl-back, the arch-top and the flat-back, it is the flat-back mandolin that is most commonly used in the Irish tradition.
Paddy Cummins, the resident mandolin tutor for OAIM, teaches two courses: one for absolute beginners and a progressions course as a follow on. In these two courses you will learn all there is to know about one of Ireland’s most recognisable and traditional musical instruments from a teacher who is as relaxed as he is knowledgeable about the instrument.
All of our tutors are Irish music professionals carefully selected for individual mastery in their instruments and proven ability in teaching their craft. All our courses follow the traditional way of learning Irish music, using the ‘phrase by phrase’ technique for teaching tunes while watching the tutor to learn good technique. Using this time-honoured, proven system of Irish musical tuition, combined with the latest technology (Virtual Reality anyone?!), we bring Irish music tuition to you, wherever you are in the world.
