From Professional Chef to Guitar Repair: Gerry Gardner's Experience at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy

Student Spotlight: Gerry Gardner | Knoxville, Tennessee

Gerry Gardner is currently finishing the Master's Course at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy.

Before enrolling, Gerry worked as a professional chef and restaurateur. As a lifelong guitar player and musician, he decided to pursue guitar repair training as part of a potential career transition.

Why Gerry Enrolled

When asked what made him decide to enroll in guitar repair training, Gerry shared:

"Lifelong guitar player/musician that was ready to take a step back from such a fast paced and demanding career as a Professional Chef and focus on building a business out of something I am passionate about and feel that I have a skill set to be able to build a successful business and really enjoy what I do on a daily basis."

Concerns Before Getting Started

Before enrolling, Gerry's primary concern was finding the right program and instructors while also finding a training option that could work with his demanding schedule.

"Finding the right fit from a program and instructors as well as flexible enough to fit my crazy work schedule."

Why He Chose Southeast Guitar Repair Academy

Unlike many students who struggle with the enrollment decision, Gerry says nothing nearly stopped him from signing up.

"Nothing. After researching a plethora of programs, SEGRA was really the only choice for me."

His Biggest Breakthrough

One of Gerry's biggest realizations during the course was that many repairs were not as intimidating as he once believed.

"Seeing that some of the repairs the instruments need are not as daunting as I once thought they might be."

He also credits the teaching style within the Academy.

"A lot of that goes to Barrett and the way he approaches the instructions in the videos. He is a natural teacher (I am married to one, I know a good one from a mediocre one). He is thorough in his information but also shows you how to approach a repair the proper way."

Building Confidence Through Training

When asked how learning guitar repair has changed his life, Gerry explained:

"Created a little more confidence in myself and the skills concerning guitar maintenance that I thought I possessed as well as made me see that this is a very viable career shift for me."

Business Plans

Gerry reported that he has earned money from guitar repair work since enrolling and is currently preparing to launch his business.

"I will be opening my business before the end of July '26."

Advice for Future Students

For anyone considering enrolling but feeling uncertain, Gerry's advice is simple:

"Like Nike says - Just Do It! There will be no regrets. The program is very in depth and you have access to Barrett, Mindy and the whole SEGR repair team to ask questions and learn from. Sure you can enroll in other Luthier Schools, but they are selling a product to a student. SEGRA is truly invested in your success."

Would Gerry Recommend Southeast Guitar Repair Academy?

His answer:

"Absolutely! You might not learn how to build a guitar from raw materials, but what you will learn is a strong set of skills to help so many people keep their stringed instruments in top playing condition and be able to build a business that will carry through a lifetime."

We appreciate Gerry sharing his experience and look forward to seeing his guitar repair business launch in Knoxville, Tennessee.