Since June 2025
Instructor since June 2025
Classical and Italian Mandolin Orchestra School in Antwerp
From 21.65 C$ /h
We are starting a new orchestra school for adults at the beginner to low intermediate level. After a year or so the more advanced students may be ready to join the mandolin orchestra, 'La Napolitaine'. Classes will be held in the center of Antwerp, probably 7-8pm on Monday evening, and in English. The first two classes will operate through apprentices at the rate set by them. After this, if the student is accepted into the school, there the classes will be free. Space is very limited so students must be capable and dedicated!
You will be learning an Italian-style technique and from the beginning will be playing in a group, sustaining a musical part, listening and interacting with others. The classes also emphasize developing sight-reading skills and ensuring that all students have the basics of music theory. Although it is not essential to be able to read standard notation at the start, you will need the patience to learn. You should either own your own instrument (for now mandolin or mandola, later also mandocello) or be able to rent one (recommendations provided). The class is intended for over-18s, and although there is no upper age limit, it is essential that students have hands in good condition with demonstrated fine motor skills.
Our music will begin with simple exercises on single strings, and on to arrangements of folk tunes (mostly English and Italian) then to simplified 'classical' music, drawing on the (bowed) string orchestra repertoire as well as composed specifically for mandolin orchestra pieces. It will teach single-picking which emphasizes the rhythm, then the typical Italian tremolo technique to sustain the notes.
You will be learning an Italian-style technique and from the beginning will be playing in a group, sustaining a musical part, listening and interacting with others. The classes also emphasize developing sight-reading skills and ensuring that all students have the basics of music theory. Although it is not essential to be able to read standard notation at the start, you will need the patience to learn. You should either own your own instrument (for now mandolin or mandola, later also mandocello) or be able to rent one (recommendations provided). The class is intended for over-18s, and although there is no upper age limit, it is essential that students have hands in good condition with demonstrated fine motor skills.
Our music will begin with simple exercises on single strings, and on to arrangements of folk tunes (mostly English and Italian) then to simplified 'classical' music, drawing on the (bowed) string orchestra repertoire as well as composed specifically for mandolin orchestra pieces. It will teach single-picking which emphasizes the rhythm, then the typical Italian tremolo technique to sustain the notes.
Extra information
You will need your own instrument. I can give you advice where to rent one.
Location
At teacher's location :
- Vrijdagmarkt, Anvers, Belgique
About Me
Originally from the UK, Nicola has a long history with mandolin orchestras in California, and teaching and performing mandolin was her full-time occupation for many years. She ensures her students have all the necessary tools, such as a good technique, an ability to sight-read standard notation, and a grounding in basic music theory. For her music is a community activity and a way to bring people together. For this reason, she teaches ensemble playing from the very beginning.
In 2005 she brought together her students into the San Francisco mandolin orchestra, a group of around 15-25 players of mandolin, mandola, mandocello, guitar, and double bass. The group had a different themed seasonal repertoire of music with two seasons per year and two or three end-of-season concerts. In 2014, she left San Francisco and moved to Italy, where she played with the Orchestra a Plettro Città di Milano. In 2024, she moved to Antwerp and joined the orchestra 'La Napolitaine'.
As she now has a full-time job outside music, she is able to offer these classes. However, because her time is now limited, she can only take those students who are most deserving!
In 2005 she brought together her students into the San Francisco mandolin orchestra, a group of around 15-25 players of mandolin, mandola, mandocello, guitar, and double bass. The group had a different themed seasonal repertoire of music with two seasons per year and two or three end-of-season concerts. In 2014, she left San Francisco and moved to Italy, where she played with the Orchestra a Plettro Città di Milano. In 2024, she moved to Antwerp and joined the orchestra 'La Napolitaine'.
As she now has a full-time job outside music, she is able to offer these classes. However, because her time is now limited, she can only take those students who are most deserving!
Education
University of Oxford, PhD in Linguistics.
Music education in the community, and at workshops from visiting professionals. In San Francisco California, Milan Italy, and Antwerp Belgium.
Music education in the community, and at workshops from visiting professionals. In San Francisco California, Milan Italy, and Antwerp Belgium.
Experience / Qualifications
Musical Director/Conductor/Artistic Director, San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra 2004-2013
Current member 'La Napolitaine', Antwerp Mandolin Orchestra.
Current member 'La Napolitaine', Antwerp Mandolin Orchestra.
Age
Adults (18-64 years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Duration
60 minutes
The class is taught in
French
English
Italian
Skills
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
At teacher's location
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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