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Tim Crosby has been playing mandolin, guitar and a raft of other instruments for over forty years. Tim has performed, toured, recorded and taught throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Mandolin--where do you want to start?
Starting out on the mandolin makes more sense in many ways than starting on guitar … but don't tell that to guitar players, it only makes them jealous. On the other hand, it's harder to sing along with the mandolin, if that makes any difference to you.
Okay, you've got the basics down, now what? Styles, genres, tunes, chords … there's so much to think about.
Related instruments. The other mandolin-family members: mandola, octave, mando-cello, bouzouki. There's also tenor banjo and tenor guitar (they are tuned in fifths, like a mandolin).
Fiddle
People start out from zero on the fiddle all the time, but it can be a white-knuckle ride for a while.
You play violin and want to learn to fiddle (and you want to know once and for all: what really is the difference?)
You already play another instrument, but somehow the fiddle keeps calling (screeching?) your name. You might need therapy, or you might be the next Mark O'Connor.
You're ready to learn more tunes and maybe even specialize in a genre or regional style. Tunes, theory, tunes, technique, more tunes … dang, there are a bunch of fiddle tunes in this world!
Banjo - the five string variety
Beginning three-finger (bluegrass) style. I'll get you going and then refer you to a specialist.
Old-timey, also known as clawhammer or frailing. Now this is the way to play the banjo! (Melodic clawhammer, too.)
Guitar - step in at any level
Starting out right (or starting over from scratch). It's sort of like getting acquainted with your new best friend. Sure, it will be frustrating at times, but it will also be exciting and eye-opening and you'll love it. These lessons and sessions will get you started toward any style of guitar-playing.
You've been playing for a while, but just can't seem to get up to the next level. This is where most guitar players live. Here are some tried and true ways to get revved up again and moving onward and upward.
Pretty darn good, but not quite ready for Winfield. Exercises to get you in better shape, licks to steal, advice, mentoring, referrals to resources, more theory, jamming...
For acoustic steel-string players - bluegrass, fiddle tunes, swing, blues, improvisation, other hard-to-categorize stuff.
Other mentoring - short or long-term arrangements
Band consulting. So twenty-first century, don't you think? But it can really move your band along to have somebody give you an experienced outside perspective. Topics are not limited to: overall sound, sound systems, musicianship, dynamics, interpersonal dynamics, stage presence, marketing, recording …
Solo performing. Singing and playing an instrument is not the same as walking and chewing gum.
Songwriting. An obsession unto itself.
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