The Andean bandola carries the melody in the traditional Colombian trio: while the tiple and guitar provide harmony and rhythm, it sings the melodies of bambucos, pasillos and torbellinos with its bright tremolo. It is played with a pick on metal strings grouped into courses. Your vetted teacher knows the Andean repertoire and adapts lessons to your level.
From USD 69.99 per 90-minute class (an hour and a half). See prices
Every teacher has passed our assessment of musical skills, teaching ability and personal qualities before their first lesson. Explore their profile and contact them directly.
I'm Carlos. I spend much of my time surrounded by strings, sheet music and unexpected questions. I like teaching with creativity, humor and plenty of music, because the best experiences often start with a simple 'what if we try this?' 🎶✨😄
I'm Jhony, the teacher who'll help you develop patience. Breathe and try again 🍃
Filter Andean bandola teachers by lesson format and language
From age 8
As a guideline, many children start around age 8 or 9, when their hand can span the fingerboard and their fingers are strong enough to press courses of metal strings without getting frustrated. Before that age, a foundation in early music education that develops pulse and ear usually works better. It depends on each child: their hand size, interest and attention span. Adults can start at any age, and many come to the bandola after playing guitar or tiple, which makes the first steps easier.
Connects you with Colombian Andean music from the inside, carrying the melody rather than just accompanying.
Tremolo work develops fine right-hand control and great coordination between both hands.
Opens the door to trios, estudiantinas and traditional music groups, where the bandola takes the melodic lead.
If you already play guitar or tiple, it broadens your role: you move from accompaniment to melody and ornamentation.
Online lessons from anywhere or at home in Bogotá and the surrounding area, for kids, teens and adults.
Message us on WhatsApp with your age, level, availability and whether you prefer online lessons or lessons at home.
We recommend the teacher who best suits your goals, or you can choose directly from their profile.
Lessons at your pace, with clear practice tasks and feedback on your progress.
Lessons are live video calls with the same teacher each week. They are in Spanish, and some teachers also teach in English. Colombia keeps the same time year-round (UTC−5), so it's easy to arrange a regular time wherever you are.
The same time as Bogotá.
One hour behind Bogotá.
The same time in winter and one hour ahead in summer.
Three hours behind in winter and two in summer.
Two hours ahead of Bogotá.
Six hours ahead in winter and seven in summer.
Both are Colombian plucked string instruments and play side by side in the traditional trio, but they have different roles. The tiple usually accompanies with strumming and chords, while the bandola carries the melody with pick and tremolo. If you're drawn to singing out the melody, the bandola is your instrument; if you prefer rhythmic accompaniment, go for the tiple.
No, you can start from scratch. If you already play guitar or tiple, you'll have a head start with the left hand and your ear, but pick technique and tremolo are built from the ground up with every student.
The heart of its repertoire is Colombian Andean music, and that's usually where learning starts. Even so, the bandola also appears in arrangements of Latin American, classical and popular music. Your teacher can include pieces that motivate you without neglecting the traditional foundation.
Yes, as long as the camera clearly shows your pick hand and the fingerboard. Lessons at home in and around Bogotá allow more hands-on posture corrections, and many people choose based on their schedule and level. We explain the differences in lessons at home or online.
We give in-home lessons in and around Bogotá. Coverage depends on the neighborhood and each teacher’s availability, so send us your approximate address and we’ll confirm.
Yes, through live online lessons by video call, from any city in Colombia or abroad, with the same weekly follow-up. See how online music lessons work.
Each lesson lasts 90 minutes. With the monthly plan of 4 classes, each lesson costs less than a single class. See your rate on our pricing page.
Leave your name and WhatsApp number. We'll message you to understand what you're looking for and recommend teachers and times. No commitment.
Tell us your age, level and availability. We'll reply on WhatsApp with the teacher who best suits your goals.
