From Part-Time Guitar Repair to Urban Canyon Guitar Repair: Elizabeth Cornell's Experience with Southeast Guitar Repair Academy

Student Spotlight: Elizabeth Cornell | New York, New York

Elizabeth Cornell completed the Master's Course at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy and is the owner of Urban Canyon Guitar Repair in New York City.

Before enrolling, Elizabeth was already repairing guitars on a very part-time basis for NYC Guitar School and private students. At the same time, she worked full-time as the Director of Internal Communications for another school and later in a similar role at a local radio station.

Why Elizabeth Enrolled

Before joining Southeast Guitar Repair Academy, Elizabeth had already attended several guitar repair workshops and had experience working on guitars.

She enrolled because she wanted to continue building her skills while having access to experienced guidance when questions arose.

"Before enrolling, I had already taken several guitar repair workshops in the past, so I already had experience, but I still had gaps that needed addressing."

Working independently also influenced her decision.

"Since I work alone, I do not have the kind of support I would have if I worked in a shop with other, more experienced, techs."

One feature of SEGRA stood out to her.

"What makes SEGRA's program unique from other workshops/schools is that when I have a question, there is someone to reach out to who can answer it."

She contrasted that with previous learning experiences.

"My experience of other workshops is that when it ends, the instructor isn't expecting (or wanting) students to ask ongoing questions about guitar repair. At SEGRA, that's part of the program—which also includes live Q&As."

Concerns Before Getting Started

Elizabeth's biggest questions centered around the quality of the instruction.

"My main concerns were would the course live up to expectations and will the instructional videos be useful?"

She found that the course met those expectations.

"It is not easy to create instructional videos that actually instruct in an efficient and comprehensive way, but SEGRA's videos deliver."

She also appreciated the teaching style.

"Barrett does not do that—he gets straight to the point."

When asked what almost stopped her from enrolling, her answer was simple:

"Nothing."

Her Biggest Breakthrough

Although Elizabeth had already learned from several experienced repair instructors, she found new techniques that changed the way she approached repairs.

One of those came during guitar setups.

"Learning from Barrett to use a feeler gauge for the set up was a real game changer for me—it is more accurate and easier than other methods I've learned in the past."

Growing Urban Canyon Guitar Repair

Since enrolling, Elizabeth has continued expanding her repair work.

She began by repairing and maintaining guitars for NYC Guitar School, private students, and Funkadelic Studios.

When NYC Guitar School expanded, she was offered space to open her own repair shop.

"When the guitar school underwent an expansion last year, they offered me a small room (about 5'x10') to open a repair shop, which I call 'Urban Canyon Guitar Repair.'"

She also launched a website for the business.

Today, she says:

"Now my business is probably 20 hours a week, and I am trying to scale it up."

While many of her customers come through the guitar school, she has also seen people discover her independently.

"People not affiliated with the school have found my website and come in."

How Guitar Repair Changed Her Life

For Elizabeth, one of the most rewarding parts of guitar repair is helping musicians.

"It has given me the opportunity to meet and help a lot of people."

She especially enjoys returning instruments to customers after bringing them back to life.

"It's a great feeling to get a guitar that's barely playable and dirty, and then return a like-new, beautiful sounding instrument to a customer."

Advice for Future Students

Elizabeth encourages future students to make sure they have a support system while building their business.

"If you're planning to open up a solo business, make sure you have support, even if it's people who don't know how to repair guitars."

She believes the technical training and support available through SEGRA can play an important role.

"SEGRA can give you repair expertise, but it's good to have other people cheering you as move along in your journey."

Would Elizabeth Recommend Southeast Guitar Repair Academy?

Her answer:

"SEGRA offers high quality instruction and support for learning guitar repair."

She also appreciates the flexibility of the program.

"Their different programs are flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace, in their own time."

We appreciate Elizabeth sharing her experience and wish her continued success as she grows Urban Canyon Guitar Repair in New York City. 

Check out her business here at https://urbancanyonguitarrepair.com/