Mandolin Self Help Group Home |
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About the Group The Mandolin Self Help Group is a support group based in West London for mandolin enthusiasts of all abilities. The group meets every three weeks on Sundays from 10am to 2pm at Westbourne Rehearsal Studios in Paddington. Each member pays a small fee to cover the cost of studio hire. There is free tea and coffee. We share and learn new tunes together, discuss techniques and play mandolin in a supportive and friendly environment. Members travel from all around the UK with their mandolins to join our group and everyone is welcome. Occasionally we invite guests for workshops and masterclasses. Westbourne Rehearsal Studios are a great location for the group. We have a large and comfortable room with a plentiful supply of music stands. There are free tea/coffee making facilities as well as a small TV area. The nearest tube station is Royal Oak. Click here for detailed directions. Website © Mandolin Self Help Group 2011 |
Resources Some say that the mandolin is undergoing a global renaissance, probably helped by the rise of the Internet. There are now many more valuable resources for mandolinists, and reasonable quality instruments are available at cheaper prices from China and the far east. Our links page lists our favourite mandolin sites and resources on the Web, including details of teachers in London and the South East. The media page has links to audio and video of some of the group members. The sheet music page includes some of the music we use at the group, although you don't have to be able to read music or tab to join in (members only). The news page will keep you informed about the latest goings on at the self help group. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. |
History The group was founded by Tosh, a self confessed mandolin addict and connoisseur of fine acoustic music. He couldn't find a group of like-minded mando nuts so he decide to start one himself. Tosh can usually be found lurking around at the White Lion Irish music session on Wednesday nights.
'I knew I had a serious problem when I started to have regular dreams about Paul Shippey mandolins,' Tosh says, 'I was spending all my time and money on mando related stuff and I guess I was in denial until I couldn't take it any more. Unfortunately the help just wasn't out there, so I decided to do something about it. The first step was admitting I had a problem. Now I just take it one day at a time.' |
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