View Full Version : Looking for good Mando teacher in NJ
Michael Butler
Jan-01-2009, 5:15pm
:mandosmiley:
Hi, I am new to this site and new to the world of Mandolins. I am anxious to learn this instrument and excited at the same time. Does anyone know of a qualified mandolin teacher in Northern New Jersey? I am a beginner. Thanks.
Check out Todd Collins. His day job is in the music department at the County College of Morris and he teaches out of his home in Basking Ridge
http://toddcollinsmusic.com/
Check you Private Messages. I have sent you other information there.
Bob
CrazyMandolin
Jan-08-2009, 4:47am
Second Todd Collins
I took a few lessons from him this last year. Good teacher, just too much of a hike out to his place from where I live in Essex County. Very easy to get along with.
Gary Bennett used to give lessons, not sure if he still does. Also look up John Conine, he's a cool Monroe guy.
I'll third Todd Collins. Knows many styles; great teacher.
If he is close enough then he's the guy.
Also Barry Mitterhoff teaches in between touring with Jorma.
Bu I'm not sure how much teaching Barry he still does?
I don't have his contact info but I'm sure someone here does.
How far north in New Jersey are you? There may be some folks just north of Bergen County too.
Good Luck!
MikeEdgerton
Jan-08-2009, 6:27am
Gary Bennet still gives lessons but he is in Lakewood, NJ, more south central than north. His contact information can be found here on the newjerseybluegrass.org (http://www.newjerseybluegrass.org/everything_else.htm#find_a_teacher)site.
John "Chubby" Conine lives in the Farmingdale area, again more south central than Northern New Jersey. I don't know if he's still taking students. If you want his contact information PM me and I'll see if I can dig it out.
Depending on where you are in northern New Jersey you might want to contact the folks at Lark Street Music (http://www.larkstreetmusic.com/) in Teaneck to find out if they know any teachers in Bergen county. They sell vintage mandolins and I'm guessing they might know some of the local folks.
Barry Mitterhoff is in ScotchPlains -When not on the road with Jorma.
I'll probably be speaking to him later today. If you like I will give you his phone# and ask if he is taking on new students due to his schedule. When just starting out, I think have constant lessons is good. It forces you to practice because you do not want to go to the next lesson unprepared.
The last I heard from Barry was that it was difficult for him to do regular lessons due to the touring schedule... As a beginner, regular lessons are important so I didn't mention him...
He is one of my favorite players though!
On the concert front: Peter Ostroushko will be playing in Morristown on
Friday Jan. 16. http://www.folkproject.org/fp_special.html
Hope to see some of you there! (I'll be on the sound board)
--bob
Avi Ziv
Jan-08-2009, 8:59am
Bob - thanks for the concert notice! If I manage to make it, I'll stop by to say hi
Avi
EdHanrahan
Jan-08-2009, 9:10am
Dan O'Dea in West Orange has been leading the beginner-level BG slow jams at MoFiddles in Livingston. Haven't otherwise taken lessons from him, but he's a good guy and knowledgable on many instruments.
http://www.dansmusicstudio.com/
(Not sure what's up... the site had actual content the last time I looked. At least there's a phone number!)
- Ed
jefflester
Jan-08-2009, 10:01am
The other day I noticed a user "bmitterhoff" in the list of "currently active users." I wonder if it's Barry. The user joined in June I think it was but has never posted.
Michael Butler
Jan-09-2009, 4:45am
Thanks to all. I spoke with Barry and I think he will be giving me some lessons shortly. He is a great guy and spent lots of time with me on the phone. A true gentleman. Thanks for all of your replys. GO GIANTS!:mandosmiley:
Mandobar
Jan-09-2009, 5:38am
i'll also suggest. todd collins is in basking ridge. he is an excellent teacher and a fantastic player. (he is the author of two books on monroe style mandolin published by mel bay). he has a listing in the teachers directory here.
Michael,
Where in NJ are you located? I have a teacher, Mike Augenti who comes to my home once a week, I'm near Paramus in Bergen County.
Michael Butler
Jan-10-2009, 1:54pm
alanZ
I am in Union County. I am currently using a teacher. Thanks for your reply. I will keep Mr. Augenti in mind.