Mandolin Symposium

June 26th to July 1st.
University of California Santa Cruz, California

David Grisman
Mike Marshall
Andy Statman (Old World/Jazz)
Don Stiernberg (Swing)
Mike Compton (Bluegrass)
Eric Thompson (Old Time)
Chris Acquavella (Classical)
Marla Fibish (Irish)

The Mandolin Symposium Repair Shop
Lynn Dudenbostel

In 2004 David Grisman, Mike Marshall, and Chris Thile came together to bring the first Mandolin Symposium to life. It was their vision to create a true symposium, a place where some of today’s best mandolin players would come together to share ideas, meet, and teach and discuss the mandolin with students from all over the world. The first symposium exceeded everyone’s hopes and dreams, an enthusiastic revival of the instrument was felt by all who attended.

In 2005, Mike and David reunited forces with an extremely talented group of assistant teachers and staff to bring the second Mandolin Symposium together. The Symposium has been a tremendous success among the mandolin community, as mandolin players of all levels and ages look forward to future Mandolin Symposiums.

It was our hope in the beginning that by creating the Mandolin Symposium, we could fill the void between what has been basically a folk music approach to learning and perhaps begin to see the possibilities for a more systematic approach to studying and learning about the wide range of mandolin styles that exist. What we have discovered is a group of mandolin students whose quest for knowledge about the mandolin and mandolin music has driven us to continue to offer new and exciting challenges each year.

Each day begins with a music appreciation class that explores the history of the Mandolin and the roots of much of the modern day music and styles. Following Music Appreciation, a variety of electives are offered for beginning, intermediate and advanced players of all ages. Instruction covers in-depth explorations of various of mandolin styles and techniques, including bluegrass, jazz/swing, classical, Celtic, Latin and Dawg music.

The Mandolin Symposium is five full days of mandolin classes, seminars, demonstrations and performances by world-class, master mandolinists David Grisman and Mike Marshall. Additional assistance is provided by some of the most talented and well known mandolinists playing today. Past instructors have included Tim O’Brien, Ronnie McCoury, Sam Bush, Adam Steffey, Paul Glasse, Andy Statman, Caterina Lichtenberg, Wayne Benson, Mike Compton, Evan Marshall, Don Stiernberg, Rich DelGrosso and Radim Zenkl.

Daily beginning, intermediate and advanced sessions, are designed to accommodate players of all ages. In addition, a music appreciation class is held each day, as well as elective classes in a variety of musical styles and disciplines.

Instruction covers in-depth explorations of various of mandolin styles and techniques, including bluegrass, jazz/swing, classical, Celtic, Latin and Dawg music.

For eight years, the Mandolin Symposium has been held at the beautiful campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Registration includes tuition, campus housing, and all meals. For the most up to date information on this year’s Symposium, please check the Symposium home page. All updates and information will be posted there as they become available! www.MandolinSymposium.com