Ryan started lessons on classical violin in 5th grade and started playing Irish traditional music on the mandolin about 2 years ago, when he was 13. I told him he could play a St. Patrick's gig with me and get paid if he learned the tunes, so in a few days he went through the gig list and learned it. He is hooked on playing Irish trad on the mandolin. He plays only classical on the violin. Has a good singing voice but is too shy to use it.