If you want to learn guitar, ukulele or mandolin there is a seat waiting for you in Edwin Mitchell’s recently refurbished teaching space in Pella, Iowa. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to further develop your skills, Edwin offers personalized instruction tailored to your specific needs and goals. He provides a supportive and inspiring environment where you can find your own musical voice, underpinned by a strong understanding of music theory and a detailed technical approach.
Why Choose Edwin Mitchell for Your Lessons?
Edwin’s teaching isn’t just about learning pieces; it’s about cultivating a deep understanding and appreciation for the art of your chosen instrument. Here’s what sets his instruction apart:
Extensive Guitar Expertise: Edwin was a part-time classical guitar tutor at the City of Belfast School of Music (Education Authority Northern Ireland) for 40 years and Head of the Guitar Department there for 31 years. He has a proven track record of helping students master the intricacies of guitar technique. He’s not just a musician; he’s an educator, with a background in both music and science education, giving him unique insight into how students learn best. Concurrent with his music teaching Edwin worked as a full-time physics teacher and was head of a large science department in a high achieving Northern Ireland high school. He had an active role in national curriculum innovation and provided in-service professional development for other teachers on behalf of the Education Authority and other educational bodies.
Personalized Technique Focus: Edwin understands that every student is unique. He will take the time to understand your individual aspirations, learning style, and musical preferences. Your lessons will be specifically crafted to help you progress at your own pace, focusing on the posture, hand positions, finger exercises, and repertoire that are essential for developing a strong technical foundation in your chosen style. He will tailor his lessons to your individual needs.
Solid Technique & Musicality: Edwin’s teaching philosophy emphasizes both a strong technical foundation and a deep musical understanding specific to your instrument. You’ll learn not just how to play, but why you play a certain way, developing a nuanced and expressive approach. His students develop both a solid technique and a musical approach to their playing.
A Holistic Approach Informed by Varied Experience: Edwin has used his varied experiences as performer, instrument tutor, classroom teacher, teacher trainer, curriculum developer and examiner to gain a deep understanding of how students learn. He even composes his own pieces, many of which are designed to address specific aspects of guitar technique and student development, while standing as performance works in their own right. You can explore a wide range of repertoire, from Renaissance and Baroque masters to modern composers, and popular music through styles such as acoustic flat pick and finger styles for instrumental solos and song accompaniment.
Optional Graded Examinations: For those seeking structured progress and recognition, Edwin offers the option to prepare and take internationally recognized graded music exams from his studio in Pella, Iowa, providing a clear pathway acknowledging musical progress. Edwin has much experience with the formal UK music examination system.
For All Ages and Levels: From grade school students starting their musical journey to adults fulfilling a lifelong dream, Edwin welcomes students of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about music. He’s worked with students preparing for professional music careers, enthusiastic amateurs, and everyone in between. Many have gone on to be respected performers and teachers.
A passion for the guitar: Edwin is a life-long learner, having had lessons and masterclasses with some of the World’s leading classical guitarists and has performed in settings such as The Belfast Guitar Festival, The Ards International Guitar Festival, Down Opera Fringe Festival, the Down County Museum and the National Museum of Ireland.
Benefit from Edwin’s Unique Background:
Edwin’s unique combination of musical expertise and scientific knowledge (including a Master’s degree in Opto-electronics) gives him a deeper understanding of the physics of sound production, allowing him to offer insights into the nuances of tone production on plucked stringed instruments. He feels the combination of his music and scientific backgrounds gives him a greater understanding of the instrument and the processes of sound production.
Edwin’s Qualifications:
Diploma in Music (The Open University)
Bachelor of Arts (hons.) in Humanities with Music (The Open University)
Bachelor of Science (hons.) in Physics (The Queen’s University of Belfast)
Masters of Science in Opto-electronics (The Queen’s University of Belfast)
Graduate Certification in Education (Qualification for classroom teaching in the UK, The Queen’s University of Belfast)
Professional Qualification in Headship (Education leadership and management, RTUNI)
Convenient Location:
Since relocating from Ireland to be with family Edwin is now living in Iowa. Lessons are primarily offered in Edwin’s spacious and well-equipped home studio in Pella, Iowa. Alternative arrangements may be possible; please inquire for details.
Ready to get started? Use the contact form below to reach out to Edwin and begin your guitar journey today!
