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École de musique du Marché
Lesson room at École de musique du Marché, near Jean-Talon metro in Montreal

Mandolin Lessons in Montreal

Private 1-on-1 mandolin lessons — classical, folk, bluegrass, and Italian traditions. Near Jean-Talon metro.

4,200+ students

since 2016

400+ active

currently

25 teachers

academically trained

Italmelodie Heritage

since 2016

Why this instrument?

A Rich Cultural Heritage

The mandolin has deep roots in Italian, Celtic, and American folk traditions. Learning mandolin connects you to centuries of musical heritage — a meaningful link to the Italmelodie legacy of our school.

Sparks, The Classical Mandolin, Cambridge University Press, 1995

Transfers to Other String Instruments

The mandolin is tuned like a violin, making it an excellent bridge between plucked and bowed strings. Skills in picking, chords, and music reading transfer easily to guitar, violin, and other instruments.

Practical observation in music education

Compact and Versatile

The mandolin's small size makes it highly portable, and its bright, distinctive tone works across genres — from Vivaldi concertos to bluegrass jams to Italian folk songs.

Tyler & Sparks, The Early Mandolin, Oxford University Press, 1989

What to expect

Discover a unique instrument with a rich sound and centuries of tradition behind it.

Format
Private 1-on-1 with a qualified teacher
Duration
30, 45, or 60 minutes
Levels
Complete beginner to advanced
Styles
Classical, Italian folk, bluegrass, Celtic, contemporary
Included
Personalized curriculum, technique development, repertoire
Pricing
From $30/lesson. $35 lifetime registration. No contract.

What you'll learn

1

Beginner

  • Mandolin hold and pick technique
  • Basic open chords
  • Strumming and simple rhythms
  • Folk and traditional melodies
  • Mandolin tab reading
2

Intermediate

  • Tremolo — the mandolin's signature technique
  • Scales and double stops
  • Bluegrass and Celtic repertoire
  • Melodic playing and ornamentation
  • Group playing and accompaniment
3

Advanced

  • Advanced tremolo and crosspicking
  • Classical repertoire and mandolin concertos
  • Bluegrass and jazz improvisation
  • Arranging pieces for solo mandolin
  • Traditional Italian music and concert repertoire

Practical info

288 rue Jean-Talon Est, Montreal (Villeray / Petite-Patrie)
Jean-Talon metro (blue and orange lines), 2 min walk
From age 5 (private lessons) · From age 3 (preschool music)
30, 45, or 60 minutes per week
Always prepaid, no minimum or maximum — we suggest 4 at a time · No contract, stop anytime
Fully equipped classrooms — no need to bring your instrument

Your teachers

Seán Riley

Seán Riley

GuitarMandolinUkulele

Testimonials

What our students and their parents say about us.

This music school is fantastic! The classes are engaging, well-structured, and truly inspiring. The teachers are not only talented but also patient and supportive.

Niranjan S.

4 months ago

Just talking on the phone makes you wanna do it, very informative and kind. Patient and very informative. Amazing. Johnny the best.

Khaled A.

1 month ago

Roxane is an exceptional teacher: talented, caring, and inspiring. After a break of more than 20 years, she gave me back my confidence and joy in playing.

Axelle B.

4 months ago

École de musique du Marché offers private mandolin lessons in Montreal. Folk, bluegrass, classical, and Italian traditions at 288 rue Jean-Talon Est (Villeray, near Jean-Talon metro). Children and adults, beginner to advanced. From $30/lesson, no contract.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own mandolin?
We recommend having a mandolin for home practice. Contact us about availability through our rent-to-own program.
Is mandolin similar to guitar?
The mandolin is a string instrument but tuned differently than guitar — it shares its tuning with the violin. Guitar skills provide a head start, but the technique is distinct.
What styles of music can I learn on mandolin?
Our mandolin teachers cover classical, Italian folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and contemporary styles. The mandolin is surprisingly versatile.
Is the mandolin a good first instrument?
Absolutely. Its small size and manageable string tension make it approachable for beginners of any age, and it opens the door to many musical traditions.

Last updated: April 2026

Ready to start?

Enroll today — no contract, no long-term commitment.

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