Business Details
Glen Loper Lessons and Event Music
Glen Loper has been dedicated to fostering musical growth and preserving traditional dance music for over two decades. As a seasoned performer and educator, I specialize in personalized mandolin and tenor banjo instruction tailored to individual learning styles, whether in-person at my Portland, ME studio or through virtual lessons. My teaching philosophy emphasizes learning by ear, complemented by practical music theory, ensuring students develop both technical skill and artistic expression.With extensive experience at Maine Fiddle Camp and performances at contra dances nationwide, I bring deep expertise in fiddle traditions from Ireland, Scotland, and beyond. My commitment to student-centered learning has earned testimonials praising my patient, adaptable approach and ability to make complex musical concepts accessible. From beginners to advanced players, I help students of all ages achieve their musical goals while maintaining the joy and cultural richness of traditional music.
Services
Mandolin Lessons
Tenor Banjo Lessons
Live Event Performances
Online Music Instruction
Wedding Music Services
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of experience teaching mandolin and tenor banjo
- Personalized instruction tailored to individual learning styles
- Offers both in-person Portland lessons and nationwide virtual sessions
- Specializes in traditional fiddle music from multiple cultural traditions
- Proven track record teaching students aged 12 to 80+
What people say
Terrific teacher
Best teacher
Having a ball
Services
Mandolin Lessons
Private mandolin lessons focus on traditional fiddle music while accommodating diverse styles. Instruction emphasizes learning by ear with supplemental sheet music options. Students receive recorded examples for practice and develop skills in chord progressions, scales, and performance techniques. Tailored to all skill levels from beginners to advanced players.
Tenor Banjo Lessons
Specialized tenor banjo instruction covers traditional dance music styles including Irish, Scottish, and Old-Time. Lessons combine technical training with repertoire development, focusing on rhythm patterns and melodic playing. Suitable for students interested in contra dance accompaniment or solo performance.
Live Event Performances
Professional musical performances for weddings, contra dances, and festivals featuring traditional and contemporary arrangements. Available as solo performer or with assembled acoustic ensembles. Experience spans national events including Maine Fiddle Camp and Dance Flurry festivals.
Online Music Instruction
Remote music lessons via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime for mandolin and tenor banjo. Includes digital recordings of lesson material and customized practice resources. Designed for students who prefer learning from home or have scheduling constraints.
Wedding Music Services
Custom wedding music arrangements performed live using mandolin or tenor banjo. Available as solo performance or with assembled acoustic ensembles. Repertoire includes traditional ceremony pieces and personalized selections to match couples' preferences.
People
Glen Loper
Owner & Instructor
Glen Loper has taught mandolin and tenor banjo for over 20 years while performing nationally with multiple acoustic ensembles. As Maine Fiddle Camp faculty, he shares traditional music expertise while adapting lessons to individual student needs.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
I specialize in mandolin and tenor banjo instruction for all skill levels.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes, I provide virtual lessons via Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime for remote students.
Can you perform at weddings?
I offer live wedding music services featuring mandolin or tenor banjo, available as solo performance or with ensembles.
What teaching methods do you use?
I primarily teach by ear with supplemental chord diagrams, providing recorded examples for practice.
Do you teach beginners?
Yes, I welcome students of all experience levels from complete beginners to advanced players.
Where are lessons located?
In-person lessons occur at my Portland, ME studio, with online options available nationwide.
