Student Spotlight: A Q&A with Jerry Bush

Sevierville, Tennessee
Facebook: Right Action Guitar Repair

Meet Southeast Guitar Repair Academy student Jerry Bush. After retiring from his position as Director of Student Media at the University of Tennessee, Jerry opened a guitar repair business from his home. In this Q&A, he shares what helped him move from completing lessons to performing real repairs for paying customers.

What were you doing professionally before enrolling?

I was the Director of Student Media at the University of Tennessee.

What made you decide to enroll in guitar repair training?

Retirement.

What concerns or fears did you have before getting started?

I wondered whether an online course would provide the quality of knowledge needed to become a repair technician.

What almost stopped you from enrolling?

The money needed for the Master’s Course, plus the money for tools, is a pretty good chunk of change.

What was your biggest breakthrough during the course?

Buying inexpensive guitars at yard sales and flea markets and actually doing the repairs, not just completing the coursework.

Have you earned money from guitar repair work since enrolling?

Yes.

Tell us about your guitar repair work.

I opened my own repair business a couple of years ago. I run it out of my house and do work by appointment only.

Have you started a guitar repair business?

Yes.

How has learning guitar repair changed your life?

It has allowed me to own and operate my own repair business. It adds good income for a retired person.

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

If you love guitars and love continuously learning and improving your craft, this may well be your calling.

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

Absolutely.

Barrett is a highly skilled repair luthier. Mindy is great at running the school. The staff is highly trained and helpful.

It is a tremendous asset to have someone who has your back when first starting this as a career. I don’t know how many times the staff has helped me during the biweekly online meetings or simply by emailing them.

It allows you to take jobs that are always pushing your skill level while knowing that someone has your back.

Follow Jerry and his shop here https://www.facebook.com/rightactionguitarrepair/