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.



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 Marshall and a few friends in 2009 who loved traditional acoustic music. There wasn't a group based on traditional music so it was decided to form one.  The basis was to play mainly Scottish and Irish with some American tunes thrown in.  Four years later we are still going and having fun.


A small independent group who meet once a month to play Traditional Folk Music (Scottish, Irish, English, European, World and American).  Anyone is welcome to attend and take part.  Held at Westbourne Rehearsals in West London, near Royal Oak Tube on the Hammersmith and City Line.


Website © Mandolin Self Help Group 2013