We are starting a new orchestra school for adults at the beginner to low intermediate level. After a year or so the more advanced students may be ready to join the mandolin orchestra, ‘La Napolitaine’. Classes will be held in the centre of Antwerp, probably 7-8pm on Monday evening, and in English. There will be no charge, but students must be capable and dedicated.

You will be learning an Italian-style technique and from the beginning will be playing in a group, sustaining a musical part, listening and interacting with others. The classes also emphasize developing sight-reading skills and ensuring that all students have the basics of music theory. Although it is not essential to be able to read standard notation at the start, you will need the patience to learn. You should either own your own instrument (for now mandolin or mandola, later also mandocello) or be able to rent one (recommendations provided). The class is intended for over-18s, and although there is no upper age limit, it is essential that students have hands in good condition with demonstrated fine motor skills. 

Our music will begin with simple exercises on single strings, and on to arrangements of folk tunes (mostly English and Italian) then to simplified ‘classical’ music, drawing on the (bowed) string orchestra repertoire as well as pieces composed specifically for mandolin orchestra. It will teach single-picking which emphasizes the rhythm, then the typical Italian tremolo technique to sustain the notes. 

• Your teacher: Nicola Swinburne