Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about the MANDOLIN?

The mandolin is a small instrument with four sets of double strings (each string set tuned to the same pitch). It comes from Europe, where mandolins are typically still built in the Neapolitan (round-back) style. American mandolins are usually built in the thinner, arch-top style which was perfected in the 1920’s by the Gibson company, right down the road in Kalamazoo, MI. 

The mandolin is tuned exactly like a violin, but is played with a pick, and has frets to differentiate pitches on the neck. While originally used mainly in classical and parlor music, it is now best known for its use in bluegrass music, thanks to the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, whose mandolin style is still a major influence on all bluegrass musicians. 

Listen/watch some mandolin examples here: Sarah Jarosz, Chris Thile, Sierra Hull

What should I know about the BANJO?

The 5-string banjo is the most famous (and perhaps the only major) instrument that is native to the United States. It came over in primitive form during the African slave trade, and its early forms were made from hollowed out gourds, attached to broomsticks. The number of strings, the size, and the tuning of these early banjos were completely variable. 

The banjo in its current form has 5-strings (though it looks like 4 1/2, since the 5th string attaches halfway up the neck!). Though there have historically been countless ways to play the banjo, the most popular is bluegrass style banjo, best exemplified by the playing of Earl Scruggs, who made it famous playing with Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys on the Grand Ole Opry in the mid-1940s.

This bluegrass style of banjo uses three fingers, with a plastic thumb pick and two metal finger picks, and is incredible versatile. It is learned by first becoming comfortable with a set of right hand patterns, called rolls, upon which much of the music played on the banjo is based.

Listen/watch some bluegrass banjo examples here: Bela Fleck, Alison Brown, Noam Pikelny

What should I know about the GUITAR?

Anyone who grows up in the western world knows about the guitar, and probably knows some or many friends who play it. Because it is such a famous instrument, however, there are numerous approaches and styles of playing it, and it can be hard to know where to start. The style that is taught in bluegrass is called Flatpicking Guitar, and it uses a pick and rapid up-and-down picking to be able to play the fast-moving melodies (usually written for fiddle or banjo).

In the beginning of bluegrass and mountain music, the guitar was considered exclusively an accompaniment instrument, and it wasn’t until guitarists like Doc Watson and Clarence White developed a technical approach to playing fiddle tunes on guitar at virtuoso tempos that the Flatpicking guitar really took off as a style of its own.

Listen/watch some Flatpicking guitar examples here: Molly Tuttle, David Grier, Tony Rice

What is an ENSEMBLE?

An ensemble at MAFM is, quite simply, a band! Though most young musicians experience ensemble playing through large school ensembles like orchestra, concert band or choir, at MAFM we hope to provide a context for playing music that gives students more opportunities for improvisation, interaction, and personal investment in the musical output of the group. Though at first students are strongly led and taught about the important facets of playing music with others, the instruction becomes increasingly collaborative as students progress.

MAFM ensembles function with a goal of preparing students to be increasing involved in all aspects of the music: from writing and arranging to improvising and taking musical liberties. The long-term goal of these ensembles is to instruct students not just on playing their instruments, but on all the aspects of creating music with others, preparing them to be creative, collaborative and confident. 

What are recommendations for PRACTICING?

Though every family needs to figure out how they can prioritize practice time for students based on their own rhythms, and there is certainly not a gold standard “hours per day” number that they need to reach, it is important to find time throughout the week for focused, undistracted practice time. Students in the Homeschool Program will receive weekly practice goal sheets which their parents can monitor too in order to help facilitate the meeting of these goals.

The most important things for all students to maintain are consistent practice (5-6 days a week for 15-30 minutes is much more effective than 2 hours once or twice a week), and maintain focus while practicing. While noodling on an instrument while watching TV is not necessarily destructive, it is also not an effective way to learn. Practicing regularly with a metronome is particularly helpful, and for all instruments it is very important to maintain relaxation. Tension is very destructive for progress, and it can be tempting for young musicians to try to play too fast (or loud!) too soon.

In addition to consistent and focused practice time, it is vital to keep it fun, and so finding regular time for jamming and creative playing around helps to keep students most engaged. If there is a possibility for students to get together with siblings or friends to practice jamming collectively, this may be the most fun and effective way to make a lasting impact on their ability and desire to be creative, disciplined and collaborative. 

What are the benefits of GROUP instrument instruction?

Musical/social: music is inherently social. It is made by and for people. What a gift to experience this at the onset of instruction, instead of waiting until some unforeseen level of accomplishment to perform or share music with others (which can often be a moving target, since many struggle with the vulnerability of playing with others, especially if they are not encouraged to do so early on in their musical journey). From the beginning, MAFM students experience the dynamics of making music with others as they are asked to listen and respond, interact and experiment, as they play. This gives students a huge advantage as they are much more equipped to be collaborative and versatile musicians. Additionally, the camaraderie of the group lesson format provides accountability, mutual encouragement, and social support for continual practice and improvement, as well as a context for and group practice of the many musical roles (soloist, accompanist, improviser) that are often overlooked in the private lesson format.

Financial: the average professional music instructor charges between $45-60/hour for private lessons in West Michigan. Weekly lessons would range $2340-$3120/year. On the other hand, If a MAFM student participates in all 3 sessions a year (fall, winter, summer) along with every interim workshop that is offered (2 in winter and 2 in spring), they may spend around $1000/year. Of course, there are numerous levels of participation that would be much more affordable still. Additionally, participation in MAFM group instruction includes instrument classes, ensemble participation, recitals, and multi-topic workshops - opportunities not common in the traditional private music instructor studio layout. As part of this musical community, many additional opportunities, such a monthly jam session, music appreciation and more are made available to students who are particularly ambitious.