Welcome to
Zoom Mandolin Lessons
I'm Phil Schneider, and I offer personalised mandolin lessons over Zoom, designed to meet you where you are in your musical journey. With flexible scheduling and a relaxed, supportive approach, I aim to make learning the mandolin enjoyable, effective, and accessible
Find Out More

Lessons Tailored To You
I have been a full-time music teacher for over 30 years now and this is my main focus so you can expect a competent, well prepared, structured lesson aimed at your needs and level. I am usually available 50 weeks of the year so you also get an uninterrupted schedule. Besides teaching the other part of my music career is songwriting and production which I also have a long track record of. Over 80 tracks are my SoundCloud but that’s about 20% of my output.
Prices
£24.00 per 3/4 hour
Mandolin Teacher
Phil SchneiderLocation
Online via Skype, Zoom & MoreGet in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my mandolin lessons, as well as book your first mandolin lesson.
Mandolin Skills You Should Know
When learning the mandolin, building a solid foundation of core skills is essential to your progress. One important area to focus on is proper finger placement. I’ll guide you through techniques that ensure your fingers are positioned correctly on the frets to produce clean and clear notes. Another key skill to master is pick control. The mandolin is unique with its double strings, so how you use the pick significantly affects the tone and rhythm of your playing.
Timing and rhythm are also essential skills for any mandolin player. A strong sense of rhythm will help you stay in sync, whether you're playing solo or with a group. Lastly, learning essential chords and scales is crucial for building a diverse repertoire. I’ll teach you common chord shapes and scale patterns that form the backbone of most mandolin music.
More Online Mandolin Teachers
Discover more online mandolin teachers, who share a passion for teaching. Explore their profiles below to find the perfect fit for you:

Jacob Mayhew
I have been teaching for over 3 years around Yorkshire and Leicestershire and now offer online music lessons. I moved to full time teaching last November and currently teach around 30 students a week. During 2020-21 I taught guitar privately and around schools in around Leicestershire. The age of my students ranges from 6-78. I have taught groups of children and have a lot of experience in teaching students with disabilities. I believe in teaching each student in a way that is individual to them. Learning songs they want to learn and improve the areas they want to improve.
Lesson Prices:
£19.00 per 1/2 hour, £30.00 per hour

Adam Sweet
Adam R. Sweet is a seasoned music educator, violinist, mandolinist, and wedding musician specializing in teaching adult students. With a BA in Musicology and a Master's in Ethnomusicology, he has spent decades refining his approach to helping adults learn and master traditional and roots music. Teaching adults presents both unique challenges and rewards—many come with deeply ingrained habits, yet they bring a level of passion, discipline, and life experience that makes the journey incredibly fulfilling. Adam focuses on intuitive playing, ear training, and confidence-building techniques tailored to each student’s needs. Adam has toured extensively across the U.S.
Lesson Prices:
$45 per 1/2 hour, $75 per hour

Lewis Downs
Welcome to Kilburn Guitar Lessons! ​My name is Lewis and I am a professional guitarist, teacher, performer and composer with over 16 years playing experience. I enjoy teaching all abilities from advanced players with specialised goals, to absolute beginners. I plan my lessons to suit the student depending on what exactly it is that they want to achieve. The learning process will help students find new goals and ideas for what they want to learn next within music.
Lesson Prices:
£35.00 per 1/2 hour, £50.00 per hour

Charlie English
I am a musician and educator who has been teaching music for well over 8 years. While I specialise in the guitar, I have also taught music theory, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo and ukulele all up to a high level, often working with students towards graded exams with ARBSM, Trinity and Rockschool. Personally, I have a bachelor’s degree in music and am currently studying towards a master’s in music at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Lesson Prices:
£17 per 1/2 hour, £30 per hour
John Spoulos
John Spoulos,I have been teaching for five decades.I have had three rock stars and two Grammy nominees as,well as numerous performers,college scholarships for students.We teach all of the,styles,but more importantly, I wrap the lessons around,what students want to learn.You puck the genre and songs,we then go to work enabling you to achieve your musical goals.The lessons,are thirty minute,once a week sessions geared toward your goals and,ability to achieve them.We can do in studio,or, online.Most students are within a,several month framework to achieve.My technique gets you to where you wish to be.
Lesson Prices:
120$ per month, 4 sessions per month per 1/2 hour
Advice for New Students
How My Online Zoom Mandolin Lessons Work
I’m excited to share how my online mandolin lessons work and how they can help you develop your skills with this wonderful instrument! In our first lesson, we’ll get to know each other and discuss your musical interests and goals. Whether you're a beginner just starting on your lessons or an advanced student looking to master complex songs, my lessons are tailored to fit your needs. Each session typically lasts half an hour to an hour, allowing us ample time to dive into playing mandolin music and exploring basic music theory.
Tailored Lessons for Every Student
In my private online mandolin lessons, I focus on creating a fun and engaging environment where students can flourish. My approach is to teach tunes that resonate with you, whether they're classical pieces, bluegrass standards, or anything in between. As an excellent teacher and enthusiastic musician, I’ll guide you through techniques and help you become confident in your playing style. Throughout our sessions, I'll encourage you to listen actively and develop your ear, which is essential for any musician.
A Supportive Learning Environment
I believe that learning an instrument should be a positive experience. That’s why I highly recommend students reach out with any suggestions or preferences they'd like to incorporate into our lessons. Whether you’re interested in joining a workshop, practicing old time tunes, or improving your skills with the bouzouki, I can create a customised plan to help you progress. Currently, I offer courses designed for various skill levels, so you'll always feel supported in your growth as a musician.
If you’re looking to take the leap into online mandolin lessons, please feel free to contact me! I would be thrilled to help you embark on this exciting journey and watch your musical abilities soar.
Exciting Online Mandolin Lessons
Learning the mandolin opens up a world of musical styles and techniques that can truly enrich your playing experience. During our online lessons, I focus on teaching students the essentials, from basic theory to complex techniques that help develop your skills. In the first lesson, we'll explore the fundamentals, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build upon.
Bluegrass and Folk
Many students are interested in bluegrass, a genre that highlights the mandolin's bright, shimmering sound. In our private lessons, I’ll teach you how to play classic tunes and incorporate techniques such as cross-picking and chop chords. The fun in bluegrass lies in its lively rhythms, and you’ll be joining the jam sessions in no time!
Classical and Traditional
If you’re drawn to classical or traditional tunes, we can dive into a vast array of repertoire that showcases the mandolin's expressive capabilities. I highly recommend exploring these styles as they will enhance your understanding of dynamics and phrasing, giving you the knowledge to interpret songs beautifully. Whether it's teaching you a timeless classical piece or a lively folk tune, our hour lesson will be engaging and informative.
Contemporary and Pop
For those interested in contemporary music, I can help you learn to play popular songs that resonate with today’s audiences. My approach is tailored to fit your individual preferences, whether you're looking to join a band or simply enjoy playing for friends and family. During these sessions, we'll focus on strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to help you capture the essence of the song you’re passionate about.
Joining Different Classes
By diversifying your skills, you'll be well-prepared to tackle various genres throughout your musical education. If you have any early suggestions for tunes or techniques you’d like to focus on, please feel free to contact me! This collaborative approach will ensure that your learning experience is both fulfilling and enjoyable.
Together, we can make fantastic progress each week, helping you gain the confidence and skills needed to shine as a musician. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or an advanced student looking to refine your technique, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Join me in this exciting adventure of playing mandolin music—your journey awaits!
Theory Classes
Learning Theory in an Engaging Way
Music theory doesn't have to be a dull subject; in fact, I believe it can be one of the most exciting parts of your education! Through my online lessons, I teach students how to grasp the basics of music theory using real-world examples that relate directly to the mandolin. Our lessons will incorporate hands-on practice with familiar tunes, allowing you to see how theory applies to your instrument. By linking concepts to the music you already love, learning becomes an interactive and enjoyable experience.
Applying Theory to Mandolin Playing
Understanding music theory will greatly enhance your mandolin playing, whether you’re a beginner or advancing your skills through more advanced techniques. As your tutor, I will guide you through the nuances of music theory in our hour-long sessions, covering essential topics like scales, intervals, and chord progressions. This foundational knowledge will mean you keep developing skills and helps with everything from playing classical pieces to jamming in sessions, making your experience richer and more fulfilling. My lessons are open to advanced students and beginners.
Highly Recommended Online Classes
My Mandolin classes showcase how learning various instruments can be intertwined with music theory. This cross-instrumental approach not only broadens your skills but also deepens your understanding of music as a whole. Each week, you'll have fantastic opportunities to connect with your fellow students, share your suggestions, and learn collaboratively. I highly recommend taking these lessons to fully enjoy your musical journey! If you're ready to elevate your mandolin skills and explore the world of music theory, please don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can unlock your potential and continue developing your talent!

My Zoom mandolin lessons are custom-built around you. We’ll work together on the styles, techniques, and songs that matter most to you, all from the comfort of your home. Lessons are one-on-one, easy to schedule, and suited for all levels. Whether you're just picking up the mandolin for the first time or looking to sharpen specific skills, I tailor each lesson to fit your goals, pace, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to learn mandolin is through a combination of online lessons, practice, and possibly private instruction. Consistency and practice are key.
The mandolin can be easy to learn for beginners, especially if you have prior experience with string instruments. Regular practice helps in mastering it.
It can take a few months to a year to learn the basics of the mandolin, depending on practice frequency and previous musical experience.
Learning the mandolin improves hand coordination, enhances cognitive skills, and provides a fun way to engage with music.
Find out more about my mandolin lessons and how to book your first session.
Contact Me