You know those awkward moments when you're starting something new and you don't have a clue how to proceed? It's a dangerous time, when you can can simultaneously humiliate yourself and bleed your life savings dry.
Tar Heel Guitar's Jason Derrick helped me avoid all of that on my latest life-enrichment venture. I am a man, therefore I hate to shop. Purchasing my first mandolin might as well have been like purchasing my first international space station. That is: I have no damn idea what to look for, except that both should be out of this world but easy enough for a chimp to manage.
His recommendations were backed with reasoned explanations. In the end, I decided to forgo the mandolin and work on my grandfather's banjo, an instrument not touched for decades. Jason led me to the right local gentleman for the job of sprucing it up. Loose knobs and bridge fixed, it was time to play!
I had two lessons with Jason. He was hospitable working out of his home studio, and had a plan for me, as well as homework assignments prepared. Money's worth, no doubt. If only I was a better student! Too many life distractions prevented me from returning, and I've since moved from the area.
However, I am 100% confident that when I return to learning, I'll know exactly where to place my hands, how to hold a pick, how to strum, how to tune, and a few other essential beginner skills to perfect.
All that in two lessons and some freebie time to get my banjo up to snuff. Folks young and old looking to learn, you'll go right by having lessons at Tar Heel Guitar. read more