Charlotte Carrivick

I am a professional musician and tour internationally with my duo, The Carrivick Sisters. I started out teaching myself classical guitar as a child, before I became interested in bluegrass music in my early teens. The areas in which I offer tuition are mandolin (bluegrass and classical through the Victoria College grading system), acoustic guitar and clawhammer banjo.

I'm an experienced teacher both privately and as a workshop leader and have taught at festivals all over the country as well as at the prestigious Sore Fingers Summer Schools.

My approach to tuition is to try to keep lessons enjoyable whilst giving students the knowledge they need to continue their learning at home. I like to help students build a knowledge of music theory and playing techniques through learning tunes chosen to highlight specific areas. For my bluegrass and old time students I generally teach by ear as I feel it suits the nature of the music and helps to bring out people's natural musicality. After each lesson, where needed, I record a short video summarizing what's been covered and send it on to the student.

As part of The Carrivick Sisters, I reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2010, and before that won the 2007 South West Buskers Competition. Our music gets frequent airplay, including plays on BBC Radio 2 and we have also been interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

“…she plays a pretty damn mean banjo and mandolin…” – Maverick Magazine

“…an immeasurably talented multi-instrumentalist….” – Americana UK

“…formidable multi-instrumental skills…” – Q Magazine

“…Charlotte’s guitar playing… is simply breathtaking.” – Americana UK

“…as fast and light as Doc Watson at his best…” – Flyinshoes