The week begins on Sunday afternoon with registration and continues into the evening at the Stevenson Event Center, Stevenson Campus, UCSC, where you will meet many of our 2011 instructors and guests. They will share with you their plans for the week and tell you about their classes. It is here that you will make some important decisions about your course of study during the week. We urge you to experience all of our instructors.


Daily Schedule


Our program this year will consist of four main daily sessions and some new things as well:

  1. MUSIC APPRECIATION – Each morning we will explore different aspects of mandolin music by listening to (and viewing) historic performances that our faculty has selected. Learning to listen and being exposed to great music is one of the most valuable lessons any musician can learn. Our instructors will host these sessions.
  2. ELECTIVES-1 – Daily elective classes will explore different aspects of mandolin technique, through the unique approach of each of our instructors. Each class will be open to all, though some will be designated Beginners, and others Advanced.
  3. ELECTIVES-2 – There will be a 2nd elective class every day during the afternoon that will give students opportunities to practice learned skills in repertoire sessions or participate in specialized small groups.
  4. REHEARSAL – We will also create ensembles for you to practice in on a daily basis. Our instructors will coach these ensembles and they will be based upon different styles of Mandolin Music. These ensembles will rehearse pieces that will be performed sometime during the week. A single piece will be learned by all students and performed at the Friday nite concert at the Stevenson Event Center by the staff and students of the Symposium. This is your opportunity to put all your latest skills to work by playing together.

Evening Sessions

Every evening students will attend a special performance/workshop after which organized jams will commence around 10pm.


Some of the organized jam sessions that may be taking place in the evenings are:

  1. Slow Jam
  2. Bluegrass Jam
  3. Swing Jam
  4. Choro Jam

We believe that we have provided a well-rounded program for all styles, levels and interests. If you have any questions or concerns during the week, please talk to our administrative staff, as we are always available to help you out. Enjoy your week with us.