Standing on center stage, Jonathan Pirrello, senior, strums his guitar alongside his band Ninevolt. Pirrello taught himself to play in seventh grade and has improved his skills ever since.
Pirrello said he never listened to guitar music until he discovered Mac Demarco’s music. He was instantly inspired and fell in love with the guitar. The first song Pirrello learned was “Blue Boy,” by Demarco, which he said was easy to learn because he had fun doing it.
“I really enjoy playing guitar because it’s really easy to be expressive without being super good,” Pirrello said. “It’s the easiest songwriting tool next to piano, and it has so much versatility.”
Pirrello said he definitely believes music is going to be his career in the future and already loves performing.
“It feels really cool to be up there,” Pirrello said. “We’re bringing all these people together, they really enjoy our shows and we’re making money off of it.”
It feels really cool to be up there. We’re bringing all these people together, they really enjoy our shows and we’re making money off of it.
— Jonathan Pirrello
Pirrello said he recommends that other people should learn by finding inspiration in the music they enjoy.
Ava Smith, junior, learned to play guitar during COVID-19 after receiving a guitar as a Christmas present in 2020. She said she learned through an app called Fender.
Smith said she was motivated to learn guitar because of all the music that she listened to.
“I wanted to be able to play and sing songs at the same time,” Smith said. “I really wanted to do guitar, and Taylor Swift has been a great inspiration for me.”
Smith said she enjoys learning songs like “A Deal With God,” by Kate Bush along with songs by Ed Sheeran and country artists.
Smith said playing guitar is very therapeutic and feels like a real blessing. She recommends others try out the instrument.
“Get a guitar, even if you’re just renting, and try it out with YouTube videos or Fender,” Smith said.
I just sat down, and I forced myself to learn that one song. By that point, my hands could do enough to make it more enjoyable.
— Sean Schierbecker
Sean Schierbecker, guitar teacher, learned how to play guitar through YouTube and was also inspired to learn from a band, Avenged Sevenfold. The first song Schierbecker learned was “Buried Alive” by Avenged Sevenfold.
“I was obsessed,” Schierbecker said. “I just sat down, and I forced myself to learn that one song. By that point, my hands could do enough to make it more enjoyable.”
Schierbecker said he also enjoys playing music from Metallica and Pink Floyd.
“Being able to create music by yourself is great and super fun. It’s really easy to collaborate with others, and you can bring a guitar anywhere,” Shierbecker said.
Schierbecker said he believes everyone can give the guitar a shot by taking two simple steps.
“One, come take the class. Second, find a song that you’re passionate about, and find YouTube videos on how to play it,” Shierbecker said. “Three learning services are endless. Just find the one that fits you.”
