Carter Family Mandolin with Matt Flinner Curriculum (10/7-12/7)

“Your classes are moving me forward so very much. Thank you.” —Jean C.

“I started playing the mandolin a little over two years ago. I played the piano as a child, but having never played a stringed instrument before, my intention was to study as much as I could about technique, theory, improvisation and the various genres of music for the mandolin. To that end, I have taken nearly every course Matt has offered, even three at a time! Matt is a brilliant teacher. Every course is deep and rich with information. The material is thoughtfully explained, allowing a student to slowly transform the class material into music. I can’t imagine this journey without Matt Flinner. His courses are a true life changing musical experience!”—Lisa S.

See the Grateful Dead Mandolin with Matt Flinner curriculum (10/8-12/7)

See the Mandolin Fundamentals and Technique with Matt Flinner curriculum (10/9-12/7)

The Carter Family Mandolin course will explore the roots of country music from one of the most influential and important groups of the 20th century, the Carter Family. Students will learn melodies and rhythm for many classic songs that form some of the core repertoire of bluegrass, country and American folk music.

The course is recommended for advanced beginner (knowledge of basic chords and at least a few songs and tunes s helpful) to intermediate players.

60-minute class sessions take place online every Monday evening from October 2nd to December 4th at 9 pm eastern time, and 45-minute practice/review sessions take place every Saturday morning from October 7th through December 9th at 10 am eastern time. The week November 25th is off due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

NOTE: It is helpful, but not essential, to be present for the live sessions. All class sessions are recorded and available to view on the class website by the following day. Here is the curriculum:

WEEK 1 (10/7)

Playing lead and rhythm in the key of G

Picking Exercise I

Rhythm Exercise I

Going back and forth between lead and rhythm

Getting better tone and volume

Keep on the Sunny Side

My Clinch Mountain Home

WEEK 2 (10/14)

The key of C

Using double stops in soloing

Double Stop Exercise #1