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.

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 assistant teachers have included Wayne Benson, Mike Compton, Evan Marshall, Don Stiernberg, 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 three 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 apartment housing, and all meals. For the most up to date information on the 2007 Symposium, please check the Symposium home page. All updates and information will be posted there as they become available!