In this week’s installment of our live-streamed series “Live Dispatch from Home,” ArtistWorks’ cofounder Patricia Butler will host ArtistWorks master instructors Mike Marshall (bluegrass mandolin) and Tony Trischka (bluegrass banjo) for an afternoon discussion on, “Overcoming Musical Obstacles.” These two titans of bluegrass will bring their expert advice and unique perspectives on musicianship and playing to the subject, and discuss their experience in meeting musical challenges everyone faces while learning how to play an instrument. In addition to sharing their secrets, they’ll also be demonstrating their ideas and rounding out the discussion with some amazing live musical performances.

Widely considered to be one of the most accomplished and prolific mandolinists of the modern era, Mike Marshall has truly expanded the musical range of the mandolin and shattered any preconceived notions of what the instrument is capable of. In addition to his prowess on the mandolin, the three-time Grammy nominee is also a master of the mandocello, fiddle, and guitar, and brings a variety of stylistic influences to his playing, including bluegrass, classical, jazz, and Brazilian Choro music. Mike has recorded and performed across the globe with artists such as Stephane Grappelli, David Grisman, Joshua Bell, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, and Béla Fleck, as well as fellow ArtistWorks master instructors Caterina Lichtenberg, Darol Anger, Tony Trischka, and more.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn mandolin from a master musician like Mike Marshall? Try a free online mandolin lesson now!

Referred to by The New York Times as the “father of modern bluegrass” in 2006, Grammy-nominated banjoist and 2007 IBMA “Banjo Player of the Year” Tony Trischka has truly revolutionized the instrument and the bluegrass genre. In addition to having a prolific career as a performer spanning more than 50 years, Tony is also a masterful educator and has taught some of the most prevalent names in banjo including Béla Fleck, Steve Martin, and fellow ArtistWorks instructor Noam Pikelny. In addition to performing on and producing dozens of records in his career, including Steve Martin’s Grammy-nominated album Rare Bird Alert, Tony has performed across the globe with artists such as Tony Rice, Earl Scruggs, Béla Fleck, David Grisman, Steve Martin, and more. He’s also shared the stage alongside fellow ArtistWorks instructors Mike Marshall, Darol Anger, Bryan Sutton, and Michael Daves.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn from a bluegrass banjo master like Tony Trischka? Try a free online banjo lesson now!

Regardless of your preferred instrument or genre, join us for a great conversation on overcoming musical challenges from two masters of the craft this Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 4:30 pm PST on our Facebook page. You’re sure to receive some great knowledge and advice that you can immediately bring to your practice!

LEARN MORE:

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the mandolin? Or maybe you’ve wanted to pick up a banjo and play bluegrass? Through our comprehensive mandolin and banjo lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Mike Marshall or Tony Trischka, and get personalized feedback on your playing.

Mike and Tony’s courses start with the basics and teach everything from the introductory fundamentals to advanced performance techniques and compositions. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as musicians.

Try out some free sample music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

READ MORE:

Banjo Lesson: Right Hand Positioning with Tony Trischka

Mandolin Lesson: How to Hold the Mandolin with Mike Marshall

Mandolin Lesson: Essential Bluegrass Mandolin Chords with Mike Marshall