Mandolin-building Workshops
Don Kawalek, a seasoned instrument-maker and master builder since 1976 providing professional instruction for mandolin and octave mandolin building workshops. The Mandolin Workshops will provide each participant with a great opportunity to build his/her own musical instrument. These program, designed for beginner and advanced craftspersons, take place over four-and-a-half days.
The workshops are hosted by the Adult Education Workshops & Experiential Programs of the Holiday Lake 4 -H Center. Details of schedule, accommodation, registration, and all necessary information are available on the AEWEP's page.
Upcoming Workshops
- Banjo building Workshop
- April 5 -10 2019 @ Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, Appomattox, VA
Testimonials of Satisfied Students
Karen Escovitz:
"I just spent the past few days working with Don Kawalek and two other students building ourselves Octave Mandolins. Don prepared the kits for us... boxes of bits and sheets of wood... and provided expert guidance (individualized as well as group) on how to assemble them properly. It was an amazing experience...
Don is a great teacher... being devoted to demystifying the process so that each student can go away knowing that he/she CAN do it. At the same time, he also has to choreograph the whole experience so that it is do-able in 3 days. So it helps that he has pre-made jigs and such that help it go smoothly."
Patrick B. Roberts :
""I attended Don's workshop in March of 2003, what a great experience, the best time I've had in years!"
"Don's skill as both a luthier and teacher along with his great sense of humor made the workshop a load of fun. I had been toying with the idea of building a mandolin but couldn't work up the nerve to give it a try. Since attending Don's workshop I have now made six instruments, I never would have had the confidence to try it with out Don's encouragement. Regardless of your wood working experience, if you have ever thought you'd like to try this, Don's workshop is a great place to start."
"If you can't make the workshop, try one of his kits, the customer support is awesome!""
"The flat top mando above I made at the workshop, the F5 I made with Don's encouragement and coaching"