Meet Southeast Guitar Repair Academy Graduate Brian (Bee) Kocian Jr. of East Bernard, Texas

Some passions begin with a single moment.

For Brian (Bee) Kocian Jr., that moment started when he was a kid watching his grandfather work on a Gretsch 6120.

"He'd constantly be tweaking things on it. I don't think I heard him play it more than a few times actually, he just poked around inside, took the pickups out, etc. I was enamored."

That early curiosity only grew stronger over the years.

As a teenager, Brian's mom worked at Guitar Center, where he watched a professional guitar technician at work for the first time.

"I started setting up my own guitars as a teen. Suddenly my starter instruments were playing like the high-end ones I'd pick around on at Guitar Center and Collins. The rest is history."

Today, Brian is still living his passion as a touring musician, performing with country artist Bubba Westly while also building his future in guitar repair.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Even with years of hands-on experience around guitars, Brian admits he struggled with something many aspiring repair technicians experience.

"Imposter syndrome is so incredibly real in this industry, at least for me. I'm guilty of constantly comparing myself to the legends in the Houston/Austin area."

Rather than letting those doubts stop him, he decided to invest in his education.

Completing the Master's Course gave him exactly what he was looking for.

"The Master's Course has given me such an incredible confidence boost."

A Breakthrough in Electronics

One area Brian found especially intimidating before enrolling was electrical work.

"Everything electrical! I was incredibly intimidated by the inner workings of electric guitars."

As he worked through the lessons, those fears began to disappear.

"The course helped break it down in a way I could understand. With Barrett walking me through it, it all started to make sense."

From a Side Hustle to a Real Workbench

After completing the Master's Course, Brian began earning money performing guitar repair work.

What started as a side hustle quickly grew into something much bigger.

"I started a 'side hustle' working on guitars. Since completing my course, I've now found myself in an actual shop."

Then he shared one sentence that perfectly captures the feeling of taking the next step.

"No more setups on the foot of my bed, or electrical work in the corner of my living room. A workbench. An ACTUAL workbench."

For many guitar repair technicians, that first dedicated workspace represents much more than furniture.

It represents believing in yourself enough to build something real.

Looking Toward the Future

Brian says learning guitar repair has only strengthened his passion.

"I've always been passionate about guitar work, but now that I've been given the knowledge to progress I know that it's only up from here."

His Advice for Future Students

When asked what he would tell someone considering Southeast Guitar Repair Academy but feeling uncertain, Brian didn't hesitate.

"Do it. For real. Do. It."

He also describes Southeast Guitar Repair Academy as more than just a training program.

"It's like being let into a little family. Y'all are all so kind, respectful, encouraging, and most importantly generous with the knowledge all of you possess."

Follow Brian (Bee) Kocian Jr.
Instagram & Facebook: @busybeesguitarrepair

Ready to Start Your Own Story?

Whether you're a touring musician looking to expand your skills, a hobbyist ready to take the next step, or someone dreaming of building a guitar repair business, Southeast Guitar Repair Academy provides the training, support, and community to help you grow with confidence.

Your journey might start at the foot of your bed.

But it doesn't have to end there.

Every successful guitar repair business starts with someone willing to learn. We're honored to be part of Brian's journey and can't wait to see where it leads next.