Mandoline
Mandolin
The American mandolin, as it is known today in bluegrass and North American traditional music called old-time, is the result of a transformation of the Italian mandolin at the end of the 19th century.
Introduced by European settlers, the presence of the Italian mandolin on the American continent is documented as early as the 18th century. It was then played in popular or classical repertoires and had a rounded back.
From 1890, Orville Gibson (1856–1918) revolutionized its construction: he abandoned the rounded body for a carved body in the style of violins and adopted metal strings offering a much more powerful sound. In 1898, Gibson patented this iteration of the instrument. Later in the 1920s, Lloyd Loar (1886–1943) perfected the model of Gibson with the famous F-5, recognizable by its f-holes, carved scrolls, and exceptional sound projection.
This model became the emblematic instrument of bluegrass. In this genre, the mandolin takes a central place, no longer as a harmonic ornament but as a rhythmic and solo instrument, capable of playing offbeat (chop), carrying fast melodies, and dialoguing with other acoustic instruments.
The Mandolin course
In this course, we will first learn the basic techniques, such as: the posture with the instrument, the mechanisms of the left hand, how to hold the pick, and the right hand technique.
On this solid foundation, we will then develop a healthy technique through North American, folk, and Irish repertoire. Since the mandolin is a melodic and harmonic instrument, the course will be divided into three main topics: technique, repertoire, and improvisation.
Lorcans goal is to provide the student with tools so that they can then become autonomous, learn the repertoire they desire on their own, play in groups, and participate in jams.
Discover the mandolin through these Spotify playlists!
Lorcan fits well into this lineage: he plays an A-style mandolin, more understated in shape than the F-5 but from the same heritage. Rooted in old-time and folk music, his style favors rhythmic drive over the delicate tremolo of the Italian tradition.
As a violinist, mandolinist, composer, arranger, producer, and music teacher, Lorcan is a hybrid and … hyperactive musician! Thanks to his Irish roots, his childhood was steeped in traditional music, and it was later that he became passionate about American traditional music. His work is the result of these inspirations, the classical training he followed, and the various trends and genres he discovered along the way.
Transmission is at the heart of Lorcan’s musical practice; he has been teaching violin and mandolin for many years, and it is while playing in groups that he develops his creativity. He is currently involved in projects of varied genres such as: “Hills of Belgium” (old-time), “Lakota” (jazz), “Dads & Lads” (trad & folk), “Transat” (young audience), “HK à la sauce belge” (French chanson), “Fahy’s Trio” (Irish music).
Information
Schedule
Inscriptions open on August 11 2025!
Come discover this course during the free try-out session on Tuesday 23 September 2025, from 5pm to 7pm.
Individual or group classes depending on class level and size (10 lessons/cycle) (10 cours/cycle)
Tuesday : 5 pm – 8:30 pm
The time of the individual course is determined in consultation with the teacher. Define your class schedule with him before you register. Contact Muziekpublique for more information.
Registration is required from the second course of the cycle.
Place
Price
To register for a course, membership of Muziekpublique is mandatory.
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If necessary the teacher can modify the calendar, in consultation with the students.
Subscribe
€ 165,00 – € 415,00