KentSmedley.com



Music Instruction



I teach Tuesday through Friday from roughly 2:00PM-9:30PM EST, in the Lakewood area of Jacksonville,FL at my private music studio, or online via FaceTime/Skype/etc.

Lessons are usually 1/2 hour, or 1 hour, each week at a regularly scheduled time. Fees are $120 per month for a 1/2 hour lesson each week, or $200 per month for a 1 hour lesson each week. All prices are in US dollars.

I am available by phone, text and email if you have any questions or problems with the lesson material.

I would be happy to set up a free trial lesson for you to see if you feel I may be a good fit for you as an instructor. Please let me know which day/time ranges may work for you and I will do my best to schedule something convenient for you.

I teach all styles and levels of guitar, beginning to intermediate Classical Piano, and Music Theory.




TESTIMONIALS



I took Guitar lessons with Kent for about 10 years. After having read that learning an instrument is roughly the mental equivalent of exercise for your body, I decided to try learning one to both stimulate my brain and to relieve stress. My sons took Guitar lessons from Kent for over 5 years, and encouraged me to take it up myself. I was apprehensive at first, being that I had no previous musical background and was convinced that I was a lost cause, but since taking lessons with Kent I can now read sheet music, tablature, and am playing anything from Hendrix to Carcassi.

If he can teach me he can teach anyone. Kent is a man of outstanding character and offers an excellent and patient learning atmosphere. He has played with heavy metal bands, and classical quartets alike, and it shows in the versatility in his instructional ability.


Juan C. Luis-Jorge M.D.



When our daughter signed on with Kent Smedley for instruction in Guitar, she had taken lessons from several others. She was in middle school and new to the area. Her skills at that point were academic—she knew some chords and progressions but she could not play very many songs. Nor could she score the songs and lyrics that she composed. From the day of her first lesson—this is not an exaggeration—we saw immediate advancement. She always practiced constantly with no prodding, but once Kent began to work with her, she advanced light years.

By high school, under Kent’s tutelage she was the first non-music major at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts to have a song selected for their annual CD. Our daughter went on to college, working diligently on her music and studies. She obtained her AD and decided to work full-time as a self-employed singer/songwriter/performer. Marketing courses she took formally and informally in school helped as well. Her first self-released CD came out in February, 2012.

An aspiring musician willing to work hard, and fortunate enough to find an instructor as gifted as Kent, can realize a dream. I can honestly say that without Kent, our daughter’s musical journey would likely not have had the outcome she has enjoyed. I can’t say enough good things about him as a teacher or as a person. He is the very best.


Kay B. Day



Kent Smedley taught my son, Rob, guitar for almost nine years starting just before he turned eight years old. Kent is not only an excellent musician and fine teacher, but a wonderful person. He earns the respect, trust, admiration, and affection of his students with his ability to play any kind of music (often by ear) his knowledge, patience, and ability to convey technique and provide motivation for his students to learn and look forward to it and his caring and understanding nature.
I believe his students feel comfortable with him, so they are able to relax and enjoy the learning experience, because Kent has the ability to put them at ease. That is so important when trying to learn anything new. At age 23, my son now plays in a band while he’s attending college.

We have remained good friends with Kent and I would highly recommend him for anyone looking for a quality guitar instructor.

Rhonda S. Murray



As one of my favorite guitarists/teachers, Kent is one of the best in the biz! He is well versed in all forms of music from Classical to Jazz. I have known him for over 30 years and have always respected him as a guitarist and as a person with high morals and would recommend him for any musical playing situation, or the same as a teacher.

Kent would be an asset to any program or musical situation he's involved in.


Dustin Barber/guitarist for the Al Green Orchestra



Kent is not only a very talented payer, his teaching skills are exceptional. His years of experience have taught him how to get the most out of students without making beginners feel frustrated or condescended to.

I took 2 years of Classical Guitar lessons and my daughter took about 1 year - we both improved greatly!


Brian M. Rowland



We ha d a great experience with Kent for out son, Kyle, with guitar. Under Kent's guidance, Kyle learned a great deal of theory, style and technique for both Classical as well as Rock Guitar. We found Kent to be encouraging and supportive as well as a great example for a musician.

Kyle earned high grades at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts High School for Classical Guitar, and Kent certainly deserves the credit for this accomplishment. We recommend Kent for Guitar instruction!


Gene Johnson



I'm grateful for Kent! He has been a patient Music teacher over the years. His calm, clear instruction has allowed me to continue to grow in my Guitar skills, even as a 40 year old! You're never too old to start lessons. Thanks Kent!


Matt Russell



Kent Smedley is a phenomenal teacher and mentor. Not only is he great at giving his students the tools to succeed in their craft, he helps fulfill a complete understanding, and entices their will to learn.

Both of my kids, Alex Marie and Michael, studied with Kent for many years, and couldn't have found and explored their talent without him!


Monique Pappas



Our son took guitar lessons from Kent Smedley for many years, and in that time he maintained his focus, enthusiasm and love for the Guitar. We attribute our son's motivation to Kent. As a Guitar Teacher for all ages, we are sure Kent would agree that teaching children can be a challenge.

However, Kent worked with our son to challenge him to go beyond even his own expectations. While our son loves Guitar, it takes the right teacher to help the student grow and be challenged. We highly recommend Kent Smedley!


M.G. Howard