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, a founding member of Hot Pickin 57s and a musician who has shared the stage with Sierra Hull, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg band), Beppe Gambetta, Howard Kalish (Texas Swing Music Hall of Fame), and Jon Kemppainen (Squirrel Nut Zippers), among 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.
"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
What You'll Learn
Lessons cover Bluegrass, Americana, and Classic Country for beginners to advanced players, ages 12 and up. Lessons are tailored to your level and goals, and you can learn by tab, standard notation, or by ear.
Starting Out
- Basic technique
- Playing simple melodies
- Chords and basic rhythm technique
As You Advance
- Keeping solid time
- Increasing repertoire
- Good tone production
- Improvisation techniques
- Advanced rhythm playing
- Developing clean, faster picking
Mandolin Pickin’
Guitar Pickin’
Student Reviews
"I took weekly mandolin lessons from Max for 4 months and found them very helpful. 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. 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 expect he would be equally helpful in guitar instruction."
"Max is a great instructor. He made my 14-year-old daughter feel at ease and made great use of each lesson. Great knowledge, patience, and all around a cool teacher!"
"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 who doesn't let his ego get in the way of sharing what he knows."
"Max is always prepared and flexible in teaching both guitar and mandolin. He is very patient and knowledgeable."
"Max is a superb guitar instructor. His lessons are tailored to the individual needs of his students. Tabs are prepared in advance, strong emphasis is placed on playing technique, and Max is always willing to take the time needed for the student."
"When I started lessons with Max I knew three chords and very little about music theory. Max's patience and structured lessons helped me become a better player. He is very encouraging, and I have more confidence thanks to him. I even understand the circle of fifths!"
"Max is a great teacher. I came in wanting to learn better soloing techniques and was able to get over several humps in my playing and solo skills. If you're looking for a solid teacher who listens to what you have to say, Max is your teacher."
Member Austin Texas Professional Musicians