About Mike Hedding
A working bluegrass musician who loves to teach.
For close to twenty years, I’ve taught bluegrass banjo, mandolin, and guitar. I break each lesson down clearly and patiently, one step at a time, so you can use what you learn in your own playing.
Banjo Mandolin Guitar
The short version
My experience teaching and playing bluegrass
I’ve taught bluegrass banjo, mandolin, and guitar for close to twenty years. I taught in person for the first decade and have been teaching online since 2014. Today I teach full time, with a library of more than 500 video lessons and students all over the world.
I’m still a working musician, too, and I think that matters. I got my start playing bars and small festivals around the Midwest. In the 2010s, I spent a lot more time on the road with the High 48’s and Kind Country. We recorded five albums between the two bands, and I got to play all over the country.
These days, I often fill in with other bands on banjo, mandolin, or guitar. I also play regularly with the Pistol Whippin’ Party Penguins, Brotherhood Of Birds, and the Katey Bellville Band. That keeps me connected to what it’s really like to play this music with other people, and I bring that experience into my teaching.
What I care about most as a teacher is breaking things down clearly and patiently so you can actually use what you learn. That might mean nailing a solo, holding your own at a jam, or simply playing with more confidence than you did last month.
Highlights
How I teach
What you can expect as a student
Playing on stage and teaching at your kitchen table are two different skills. My job is to show you how the music works and help you use it in your own playing.
Broken down and shown up close
I break each lesson into small steps, with clear demonstrations, close-up views, and tabs to help you work through each part before putting it all together.
Real bluegrass, not just exercises
You’ll learn tunes while building the timing and feel you need to sit in at a jam. The goal is to help you play bluegrass with other people, not just work through exercises on your own.
A teacher who answers
I’m a real person on the other end. When you get stuck or have a question, reach out and I’ll help you work through it.
Mike’s lessons are clear, practical, and easy to follow. They’ve helped me make more progress in a few months than I thought possible.— Jason R., Pro Member
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