Dave Griffiths
Mandolin Teacher,
Blues, Folk, Jazz, Choro, Classical and Bluegrass
Dave brings all his experience as a player to his teaching. Using methods he has developed through working with his pupils Dave works individually with each pupil and teaches to their strengths. As well as being a teacher Dave is an NLP master practitioner and he uses NLP to help pupils gain confidence, develop technique and build positive beliefs about their ability.
Learning to read music
Pupils who want to learn to read music are amazed to discover they can do this in under three months. Dave has developed a fast track system splitting the skill into three parts, working a string at a time building a visual and kinaesthetic memory.
Books and Methods
Silvio Ranieri "L'art de la Mandoline":
This is a classic method focusing on the Italian romantic school. Although a little old fashioned its strength is it contains duets for Pupil and Teacher. The pieces are varied and the book develops technique systematically working through major and relative minor keys, plectrum technique, expression, scales and arpeggios.
Simon Mayor "The first twenty lessons":
This is a very useful starter book and focused on folk pieces. Its strength is using keys of A, D and G for easy finger patterns. it has an optional CD.
Simon Mayor "The next twenty lessons":
This takes a big leap from the first twenty and introduces classical and celtic tunes looking at particular technical challenges.
Alison Stpehens "Six Episodes":
This is the first in what is developing into a great series of graded books. Alison is the mandolin editor of Astute Music and is composing some wonderful pieces that bring out expression in the player. The pieces are modern and exciting and are making a big contribution to the body of music available for mandolin players wishing to stretch the boundaries and take the instrument in new directions.
