Austin Guitar & Mandolin Lessons
Bluegrass, Country & Americana
With a degree in guitar and mandolin performance from Berklee College of Music, Max Zimmet brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teaching.
Choose between online or in-person sessions at Max's studio in Southwest Austin.
Max is not only a dedicated instructor but also a seasoned performer. He is the founding member of the popular Hot Pickin 57s and has had the privilege of sharing the stage with artists such as Sierra Hull, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg band), Beppe Gambetta, Howard Kalish (Texas Swing Music Hall of Fame), Jon Kemppainen (Squirrel Nut Zippers), and many others.
Whether you're a beginner looking to develop a solid foundation, or an intermediate or advanced player seeking to expand your repertoire and technique, Max’s teaching style is engaging, supportive, and focused on helping you achieve your musical goals.
“I took weekly mandolin lessons from Max for 4 months and I found them very helpful. I quit taking the lessons because I moved away from Austin. I certainly would have continued if I had remained here. I had never played a string instrument before. My musical background was minimal and I could not read music. Max provided me with a strong foundation such that I was able to continue to learn on my own. In fact, since my last lesson in December 2025 I have participated in several jams with more talented musicians. The background Max gave me made this possible. In addition to his musical and teaching skills, Max was very open to working on things that I wanted to master in preparation for the jams. I highly recommend Max as a mandolin instructor and I expect he would be equally helpful in guitar instruction.”
“Max is very positive and encouraging. He doesn’t put pressure on his students but lets them proceed at the appropriate pace. And he’s just a great player, but doesn’t let his ego get in the way of sharing what he knows.”
“Max has an ability to focus and concentrate that is unique in the Berklee environment. Musically, Max presents a very compelling energy that emerges as he plays; he holds a class like a laser beam. To me, Max is the individual that makes Berklee such a special place.”
Pricing
30 minutes: $30 // 45 minutes: $45
Learn to Play Lead, Rhythm, & Jam
Bluegrass, Americana, Classic Country
Beginner to advanced, ages 12 and up
Lessons tailored to your level and goals
Learn by tab, standard notation, or by ear
If You’re Just Starting, We’ll Begin with
Basic technique
Playing simple melodies
Playing chords and basic rhythm technique
As You Advance, We’ll Be Working on
Keeping solid time
Increasing repertoire
Good tone production
Improvisation techniques
More advanced rhythm playing
Developing clean, faster picking
Mandolin Pickin’
Guitar Pickin’
Reviews
Member Austin Texas Professional Musicians