Lesley started learning mandolin in 2008 at GFW. Prior to that she had played the guitar for over 20 years. Mainly just playing for fun and at the odd party for a sing song.
Lesley worked her way up through the mandolin classes at GFW to the intermediate class. To get more experience in playing in a group Lesley then went to the mixed instrument class. Lesley then attended the GFW bodhran class for a couple of years.
In 2015 Lesley started to play mandolin and bodhran (and occasionally tambourine!) with Bearsden Fiddlers. She enjoys attending the weekly rehearsals and various gigs Bearsden Fiddlers do throughout the year.
Lesley previously worked in IT. In early 2021 she decided on a career change to more musical pursuits as this is her passion. She began by teaching individual mandolin lessons via video call. In February 2022 she then started teaching beginners mandolin at GFW.
Lesley also plays bouzouki and ukulele. She has passed the following Rockschool Ukulele graded exams. Debut, Grade 1 and Grade 2 exams with distinction and Grade 3 with a merit.
She also enjoys creating and recording music. In January 2021 she completed the OpenLearn Course “Recording Music and Sound” provided by the Open University. She creates backing tracks using the Garageband App. Some are available on Bandcamp.
She finds teaching very rewarding and enjoyable. She enjoys seeing the happiness in people’s faces when they can play a tune we have been working on.
Website: https://scottishmandolin.org.uk/
YouTube: Scottish Mandolin on YouTube
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/scottishmandolin
Bandcamp: https://scottishmandolin.bandcamp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-allton-65365221/