Can you accommodate my schedule if I need to change lesson times occasionally?

Yes, we can work together on what works best for your schedule.

How long is each lesson, and how frequently do you recommend taking them?

I recommend one-hour lessons unless the student is under 10 years old. I recommend 30 minutes for those under 10. A weekly lesson is recommended for all but not mandatory.

What is your policy on cancellations and make-up lessons?

A courtesy of 24-hour notice to change a lesson is appreciated. I am flexible on make-up lessons.

Where are the lessons held, and can you offer virtual lessons if needed?

Lessons are held at my home in Franklin or I can come to your home for an additional charge if you live within the area. Virtual lessons are available through Zoom or Facetime.

Do you offer any packages or discounts for multiple lessons purchased in advance?

Yes, if you pay for 4 lessons at a time, you get a 10% discount.

How do you handle payments?

Venmo, Paypal, Personal Check or Cash.

What is your fee, and what does it include?

Lessons at my home OR online with ZOOM or FACETIME. $85 Per hour in person for a one-hour lesson at my home. Additional requests for writing chord charts, making a video, or lessons at a different location will incur additional fees. $50 for a 30-minute lesson for those 10 and under.

Do you provide recordings, videos, or other supplementary materials to aid in practice?

I often make short iPhone videos to supplement lessons for little or no charge. Also, there are several introductory tutorial videos available on my YouTube channel.

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Founding Member

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The Letter

Cry Like a Baby

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Member of

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Striking the Right Chord: Learning Guitar from Gary Talley

Guitar strings hold a melody that speaks directly to the soul. Learning to play the guitar offers the joy of expressing oneself through music, the excitement of mastering a skill over time, and the satisfaction of reaching personal and musical goals.

Student Testimonial

Jenny Tolman, Nashville Country Music Artist

Student Testimonial

Deborah Allen, Nashville Country Music Artist

45 Years of Songwriting and Teaching Guitar to Nashville’s Hit Songwriters

Gary has written songs recorded by his group, The Box Tops, and by country legends Keith Whitley and T.G. Shepard. “Flying Colors” (co-written with Kim Morrison) is the first song on Keith Whitley’s platinum-selling album “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Gary has also had his songs recorded by many other artists including Don Nix, Mac Gayden, Memphinati, Kenny Neal, Fish Heads & Rice, Carey Bell, Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass, Candi Staton, and the legendary bluesman James Cotton.

Gary created the first instructional guitar DVD for songwriters ” Guitar Playing for Songwriters” in 1999. He has taught guitar to many of Nashville’s hit songwriters and artists including Pam Tillis, Deborah Allen, Jenny Tolman, Rory Bourke, John Jarrard, Monty Powell, Tom Douglas, David Lee Murphy, Holly Lamar, Sherie Austin, Lena Paige, Abigail Rose, and many others.

Gary has done hundreds of guitar workshops ( many for the Nashville Songwriters Association International) across the USA, Canada, and Australia.

For 13 years, he wrote a column called ‘Guitar 101’ for American Songwriter magazine.