The Faculty · Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Taught by players.

Our instructors aren't career academics — they're working musicians who play on stages around Middle Tennessee every weekend. They teach what they live.

Forrest York holding a hand-painted electric guitar in the shop hallway

Meet Forrest

The luthier behind the bench.

Forrest York opened the shop in 2012 with a simple idea: Murfreesboro deserved a guitar store run by someone who actually plays — and actually fixes — the instruments on the wall.

Two decades of luthier experience and a lifetime of gigging across Middle Tennessee shape every lesson he teaches. He's as comfortable dressing a fret as he is sketching out a chord chart, and he brings that hands-on perspective to every student who walks through the door.

When he's not on the bench, you'll find him refinishing a beat-up Strat, coaching the Saturday Rock School ensemble, or playing out somewhere in town.

14

Years in business

20+

Years on the bench

4.6★

Google rating

FY

Forrest York

Owner & Lead Instructor

Founder of Forrest York Guitars since 2012. 20+ years of luthier work and a lifetime of playing across Middle Tennessee. Forrest teaches guitar and bass with a focus on practical, gig-ready technique — the stuff that actually matters when the lights come on.

Teaches

Guitar, Bass, Repair

T—PF

TBD — Piano Faculty

Classical & Contemporary Piano

Our piano instructor brings formal training and real-world gigging experience. From Bach to Billy Joel, students learn reading, theory, and how to comp in a band setting.

Teaches

Piano, Keyboard

T—DF

TBD — Drum Faculty

Rhythm & Percussion

Active session drummer in the Nashville area. Teaches rock, jazz, and funk foundations with an emphasis on locking in with a bassist and driving a band forward.

Teaches

Drums, Cajón

T—VF

TBD — Vocal Faculty

Voice & Performance

Singer-songwriter with regional touring experience. Teaches breath control, stage presence, mic technique, and how to front a band with confidence.

Teaches

Voice

Our Approach

Real technique from real stages.

We don't teach out of method books alone. Our instructors bring what they've learned on actual gigs — the shortcuts, the recovery tricks, the mental game of playing under pressure. Whether you're 8 or 80, you'll learn skills that translate to real musical situations.

  • All ages, all skill levels
  • Guitar, bass, piano, drums, and voice
  • Private lessons & group ensemble coaching
  • Performance-focused, not exam-focused

Want to join our faculty?

We're always looking for working musicians who love teaching. If you gig regularly and want to share your craft, reach out — we'd love to talk.

Call (615) 556-1525