Alan Epstein

Lessonface Mandolin Teacher of the Year in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024.

I have been playing mandolin for the past 54 years and I've been teaching others to play mandolin for 30 years. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, Pa and currently live in Glens falls, NY. I've preformed in bluegrass bands in Colorado, North Carlina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. I was a contributing writer for the now defunct Mandolin Magazine, and in 2002 I was the founder of the modern day Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. During all this time I have made it a priority to take mandolin lessons and workshops from the top players in the world and share what I have learned when I teach others to play mandolin. I teach by ear and specialize teaching in Bluegrass and Old Time music music, as well as getting people started playing the mandolin. IMHO the world needs more mandolin players and I'm here to help that happen.

To hear an example of my mandolin playing check out my 2017 CD  Sunset on Meriden Hill an all instrumental recording of some of my favorite tunes to play on the mandolin. To hear me sing and play mandolin on a Bluegrass song check out the article in Bluegrass Today about my new single, released in June of 2024 A Year Ago Today.

I excel at helping students master fundamentals, giving them the confidence to enjoy a broad range of musical experiences. I teach all styles of mandolin from bluegrass to ethnic and everything in between. I can help beginners get started and show experienced players how to fine tune their sound.