The Mandolin Project is being created for people who would otherwise miss out on traditional music – children who never got the chance, veterans looking for community, adults who think it’s too late, craftspeople with skills to share and volunteers who want to help.
Every decision we make starts with one question: who will benefit? Behind every instrument, every workbench and every lesson is a person whose life could be changed by an opportunity they might never otherwise receive.
Why Traditional Music Matters
Traditional music is more than entertainment – it’s a living record of who we are and where we come from. Tunes survive because people keep playing them, not because they sit in books.
The Mandolin Project helps keep these traditions alive by putting instruments into people’s hands and creating places where music is shared, not just listened to.
The Community Workshop
If the Workhorse Mandolin is the heart of The Mandolin Project, the community workshop is its home. It’s a place to learn, repair, share and belong – where beginners and experienced makers work side by side.
The real value of the workshop will be measured in friendships, skills passed on and instruments that go out into the world to be played.
Veterans, Wellbeing and Belonging
The Mandolin Project offers a friendly place for veterans to reconnect with others through shared music and making. It’s not therapy – just a welcoming space to learn, play, talk and feel part of a community again.
Young People and the Next Generation
Many young people never get the chance to learn an instrument. We want enthusiasm, not cost, to decide who can take part. By offering instruments, learning and a supportive group, we help the next generation discover traditional music.
If you know someone you think we might be able to help, please contact us.
The Mandolin Project has been shaped and encouraged by respected musicians who believe in its vision. Their advice, experience and generosity have helped us turn an idea into a growing community project.
Tom Cronin
Performer, teacher and Director of the Tyneside Mandolin Orchestra, as well as a member of Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra. Tom has helped shape the project from its earliest stages, offering thoughtful guidance, practical advice and encouragement. His experience of introducing people to the mandolin continues to influence the project's emphasis on welcoming beginners and building community through music.
Rupert Hughes
A respected performer, teacher and member of The Often Herd, Rupert has offered encouragement and support for the vision behind The Mandolin Project. His commitment to traditional and acoustic music reflects the values that the project hopes to promote, where high-quality musicianship and an inclusive approach go hand in hand.
Niels Krieger
Performer, teacher and member of The Often Herd, Niels has also supported the project through his encouragement and willingness to share his knowledge. His insight into traditional music and instrument making reinforces the belief that skills and experience should be passed on to future generations.
A Growing Community
These are only the first names in what we hope will become a much longer list. This project is not about celebrating individuals, but about recognising that real community work is always built by many people contributing in different ways.
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