Student of the Month: Tina Baumgartner | Finding Joy Through Beginner Guitar Lessons

At 61 years old, Tina Baumgartner decided it was finally time to learn something she had always wanted to do: play guitar. Her journey is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to start music lessons, try something new, and rediscover the joy of learning.

Meet Tina, JAM’s Student of the Month

Tina is a beginner guitarist who has been taking guitar lessons at JAM for about four months with her teacher, Carly Cooper. While she originally signed up with a simple goal of learning a few songs she could play on her front porch, her experience has turned into something much more meaningful.

After suffering a back injury at work, Tina was unable to return to the career she had known for many years. Spending more time at home left her feeling restless and stressed so she began looking for something that could bring a renewed sense of purpose and happiness into her life.

She had always wanted to learn guitar.

So, one day, she decided to take the leap.

"What the heck?"

That decision led Tina to JAM and to a whole new chapter in her life.

More Than Just Guitar Lessons

For Tina, learning guitar has become about much more than chords, songs, and practice.

"What I found was so much more than guitar lessons. Carly has opened an entirely new world for me."

Tina credits her guitar teacher Carly with helping her feel confident and excited about learning. She describes Carly as an incredible teacher, mentor, and source of encouragement.

Every lesson gives Tina something to look forward to and leaves her feeling proud of the progress she is making."Carly has an amazing gift for building confidence, always knowing just the right words to encourage you, even when you're doubting yourself."

For a beginner learning a new instrument, having a supportive teacher can make all the difference. Tina's experience shows how personalized music lessons can help students move beyond simply learning an instrument and begin discovering what they're capable of.

It's Never Too Late to Learn Guitar

One of the things we love most about Tina's story is that she didn't let being an adult beginner stop her from pursuing something she'd always wanted to do. Whether you're 6, 16, 36, or 61, it's never too late to start music lessons. You don't need to know how to read music. You don't need years of experience. And you certainly don't have to be a "natural" musician.

You just need to be willing to start.

Tina began with the goal of learning a handful of songs to play on her front porch. Along the way, she gained something she hadn't expected: renewed confidence, joy, and a love of learning."Carly hasn't just taught me how to play the guitar. She has helped me rediscover confidence, joy, and a love of learning at a time in my life when I needed it most."

Getting to Know Tina

When Tina isn't practicing guitar, one of her favorite things to do is travel. Her adventurous spirit certainly seems to carry over into her approach to learning something new!

And there's another part of Tina's story that speaks to her incredible resilience: she has undergone brain surgery. Through life's challenges and unexpected changes, Tina continues to push forward, embrace new experiences, and find reasons to keep learning.

We couldn't be happier to celebrate her as JAM's Student of the Month.

Congratulations, Tina!

Your story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever thought, "I'd love to learn an instrument someday." Someday can be today. Whether you've always dreamed of playing guitar, singing your favorite songs, learning piano, or simply trying something new, JAM is here to help you get started. With supportive teachers and personalized music lessons, beginners can build skills, confidence, and most importantly, have fun along the way.

We're so proud of the progress you've made, Tina, and we're excited to see where your guitar journey takes you next!

Keep playing, keep learning, and keep enjoying those front-porch songs. You've got this! 🎸

Ready to Start Your Own Musical Journey?

If Tina's story inspires you to finally pick up that instrument you've always wanted to learn, there's no better time to start. JAM offers music lessons for beginners and students of all ages and experience levels. Your first song could be closer than you think.