September 03, 2020
A Lesson Student’s Journey: Dan Lynch of Franklin, TN
Dan Lynch (left) and his instructor Chris Stout (right).
As one of the country’s largest instrument retailers and music lesson providers, we at Music & Arts pride ourselves on helping musicians and students reach their full musical potential. Nothing gives us more joy than when we hear about the success and progress of our students.
Meet Dan Lynch of our Franklin, TN location! We were contacted by his local store, who let us know that Dan has been having an incredible lessons experience with his guitar teacher, Chris Stout. Of course, we had to know more! We reached out to Dan, as well as his teacher, Chris, to learn more about his journey with music and to find out what he believes makes a great lessons experience.
Getting Started with Music
It’s not uncommon that many people find themselves with the desire to learn an instrument, but struggle to bring that desire into fruition. “My inspiration to start learning guitar and music seemed to always be stuck in the “interested” stage,” said Dan. “However, I never allowed that inspiration to [become] a priority status. I began to consider an early retirement about 6 years ago from an executive position. A dear friend suggested to ‘keep working’ but to start doing the things I’ve always wanted to do, now! Guitar was it for me. I had to find out if I could even play!” So began Dan’s journey into music lessons with Music & Arts.
“I think playing music has really lifted his spirits. Music does have a way of doing that in your life. His wife plays the piano and I think they play music together now, which is a wonderful thing.”
A seasoned performer and instructor in the local Nashville and Franklin, TN areas, Dan’s teacher, Chris Stout, recognized Dan’s potential in his willingness and desire to learn. “ Dan came to me not knowing anything about music, or guitar for that matter. Now we are playing songs together. In the beginning, I think he thought that was something he would never be able to do,” said Chris. “I think playing music has really lifted his spirits. Music does have a way of doing that in your life. His wife plays the piano and I think they play music together now, which is a wonderful thing.”
What Makes a Great Lesson Instructor?
Many professional musicians choose to become a private music lesson instructor. This rewarding career gives you an array of choices ranging from starting your own lesson studio to working with an established lesson business like Music & Arts. It takes hard work, dedication, and determination to create the ideal lessons experience that will resonate with your students, so we wanted to hear from Dan and Chris, “What makes a good lesson instructor?”
This question was a no-brainer for Dan Lynch. “A good instructor understands you, the music you want to learn, and knows how to keep you interested,” he stated as a matter-of-fact. “A good instructor listens, demonstrates, and is your partner in learning. And they need to be a shoulder to lean-on sometimes!” Dan went on to recount, “What I love about music lessons [the] most, and my relationship with Chris, is that I can bring anything to the lesson. A question, a song I’d like to play, technique questions…and I get the help and support I need. Again, it is a partnership. I think that works best.”
“A good instructor understands you, the music you want to learn, and knows how to keep you interested. A good instructor listens, demonstrates, and is your partner in learning…and they need to be a shoulder to lean-on sometimes!”
Chris, who has been teaching with Music & Arts for 10 years, continued the discussion mentioning, “ Teaching to me is very rewarding. I like to see the smile on my students faces when they accomplish something, like a song they thought they could never play.” He further detailed some of his favorite teaching tactics stating, “ I really focus on timing with my students. Making sure whatever they play, they put it in some kind of rhythmic beat….Timing is everything. I think if you focus on time, then everything starts to sound like music, no matter how slow or fast you play.”
Music Education for All
Not looking to become a professional musician? That’s okay! There is still value in learning music. Music is for all of us, and learning music will benefit you in profound ways, regardless if you go pro or simply like to play songs around home for family and friends. From proven cognitive and emotional gains to forging valuable social connections, there is incredible value in learning music. Dan told us that he believes these hesitant future musicians should, “be bold! Start now and don’t overthink it!…[t]here is fun and enjoyment at each level on the way up.” We couldn’t agree more!
It’s never too late to start learning how to play an instrument, sing, or write music. Learning music as an adult improves memory, provides important social benefits, and delivers something that’s truly priceless and not always easy for adults to find: genuine, uninhibited fun. “ If there is anyone trying to decide to take music lessons, but is unsure,” Chris advises them, “ …it is never too late. Music is a very uplifting experience. Music brings a lot of joy to people’s lives on a daily basis and has a way of healing the mind and spirit.”
Lessons with Music & Arts
Ready to get started with music lessons? Your local Music & Arts location offers in-person and remote music instruction to meet your unique needs. From guitar instruction to lessons for band and orchestral instruments, our expertly-trained teaching staff is committed to helping you thrive through music. Learn more about music lessons at Music & Arts today!
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