About the Founder
Rooted in Appalachia. Built in Northumberland.
The Mandolin Project is led by a founder whose life has been shaped by traditional music, handmade instruments and the communities that form around them.
With family roots that come from the Appalachian region of the United States, they grew up surrounded by old-time tunes, bluegrass sessions and the sound of mandolins, fiddles and guitars played in kitchens, porches and community halls. Music was never just a performance—it was a way for people to gather, share stories and feel at home.
After moving to Northumberland, the founder recognised familiar echoes of that same spirit in the folk traditions of the North East of England. The landscapes were different, but the role of music was the same: it brought people together, carried history forward and gave a voice to those whose stories might otherwise be forgotten.
With a background in both music and craft, the founder began building and repairing instruments, learning how the smallest details of wood, string and design could change the way an instrument feels in a player’s hands. Over time, this work grew into a deeper question: how could instrument making and traditional music be used to support wellbeing, connection and community in Northumberland?
The Mandolin Project is one answer to that question. It brings together three strands of the founder’s experience:
• Craft – designing and building mandolins that are affordable, reliable and made to be played.
• Education – helping people of all ages discover traditional music, whether they are complete beginners or returning to an old passion.
• Community – creating spaces where people can meet, learn, listen and play together, regardless of background or ability.
The project is not about creating stars or chasing perfection. It is about offering people a place to belong, a chance to learn at their own pace and an opportunity to be part of something that reaches beyond any one individual.
By combining the musical heritage of Appalachia with the rich traditions of Northumberland, the founder hopes to build a living bridge between places, generations and stories—one mandolin at a time.