Student Spotlight: A Q&A with Davis Moody

Thomasville, Georgia

What were you doing professionally before enrolling?

I worked 9 years in the film Industry in Atlanta Georgia doing lighting for various movies and television shows.

What made you decide to enroll in guitar repair training?

The film industry in Atlanta essentially disappeared overnight moving overseas or to other states where tax credits and overall production cost are cheaper for the studios which left me looking for a job. I’ve never been one to want a typical office job or a backbreaking blue collar job. I’ve played guitar my whole life and always wanted to be a musician. I figured working with guitars and other instruments while being a small part of the music industry was the next best thing.

What concerns or fears did you have before getting started?

My biggest concern was whether or not I could make enough money doing this line of work in the small town I’m in. To this day I don’t think I can make a living solely doing guitar repairs and set ups. I’ve decided my best route is to open up a music instrument store while offering repairs and set ups as part of my business.

What almost stopped you from enrolling?

I almost didn’t enroll because I didn’t think I could make a career of it.

What was your biggest breakthrough during the course?

Aside from changing my strings I used to be afraid to touch anything on my guitars because I was afraid I would mess them up and make them unplayable. I always took my guitars to SEGR for any repair work or set ups I needed. After buying a “project guitar” and working on it myself I realized that I did not make it worse and actually made it better. Also my father who is a musician himself helped me out quite a bit by buying cheap guitars for me to upgrade and get set up for him. Once I heard good feedback from him I knew I could do this.

Have you earned money from guitar repair work since enrolling?

No money yet.

Have you started a guitar repair business?

In Progress.

How has learning guitar repair changed your life?

As of now learning guitar repair has kept me from having to go be miserable at a corporate job and I’m grateful for that.

What would you say to someone who is considering enrolling but feels uncertain?

Trust your gut and enroll!

Would you recommend Southeast Guitar Repair Academy to others? Why?

Yes. It’s affordable and the lessons are great. I’m still learning to this day and having lessons and discussions uploaded constantly really helps me out.