Edenbrooke Music: A Message from a Guitar Student's Mom

A Message from a Guitar Student's Mom

"Do we not love the children our dear Lord has blessed us with? For this very reason I choose to home-school my children. I heard once that our children are like spiritual arrows that we are sending out and we get such a short time to see sure they are aimed steady, high and sure for the battle ahead, the spiritual battle that is.

"I personally have only one out of three children left at home. When it dawned on me that this child was interested in learning how to play a guitar, I was set to drive wherever and whenever to get this child there. What a "God thing" I thought when I found out that this wonderful young man, who fears the Lord, would drive to my home and teach my child for the exact same price to drive to Franklin. I immediately canceled the Franklin teacher and scheduled Marty at once to come to our home.

"Marty was able to fit us in his already busy schedule, and when he came, I could tell there were no worries. He conducts himself as professional as you could ask. He is always on time and ready and willing. And when I hear my precious little man and Marty playing music in a nearby room, I get a warm fuzzy and it doesn't matter if my little man becomes a famous musician. What matters is my little man is getting spiritually mentored and he doesn't even really know this. I don't know if Marty considers himself a mentor, but I certainly do!

"So while my son is learning guitar, I know the good Lord who answers every sweet prayer for my children has without a doubt brought Marty to us. You can't put a price on good spiritual influences for your child.

"Thank-You God for Marty, and thank-you Marty for doing Kingdom work with every child-family you touch. May the Lord bless you richly.

Dawn Elledge, RN, CM"

Marty Keith

Marty Keith began taking guitar lessons at the age of 4. He was the youngest student of his teacher, Herb Chapman. Herb is the father of GRAMMY and Dove Award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman. Of course, Steve wasn't that Steve back then, but he and Marty both learned their art from the best.

After more than a decade of refining his skill, Marty took his guitar playing to the stage. From talent shows as a teen to touring with a band and as a solo artist, Marty stopped only for more music education. He studied music at Ozark Christian College and went on to lead worship at youth camps, conferences and churches.

If you're interested in guitar lessons for yourself or your child, contact Marty at johnmartinkeith at hotmail.com. In-person lessons are best and are available in the Nashville/Brentwood/Franklin area of Tennessee. Marty does offer lessons via webcam to those out of the area.

Parent Reference

Our teenage son wanted to learn to play the guitar, so we researched teachers and discovered Marty Keith. He was highly recommended as a skilled teaching professional with a heart for God and worship as well. Our son loves his weekly hour with Marty. He is learning so fast! Marty is patient, and tailors his instruction to the aptitude and interest of our son. He is so skilled as a performer himself that he offers abundantly more that we had hoped for. He not only teaches technique, but cultivates in our boy a real love for music! We are very grateful!

Beverly, Franklin, TN

Parent Reference

Kaylee really wanted to take guitar for a long time, so when I heard about Marty and his lessons I was thrilled to sign her up. She was a beginner and needed someone with patience, since she knew nothing about music.

Marty helps her so much!! He is wonderful and I know that because she loves learning guitar! She says Marty is so kind and so patient and makes her love to practice. She is learning so much (I am amazed how much!) and I love hearing her new songs and notes each week.

I think the sign of a good teacher is when the student wants to practice on their own and really enjoys what they are doing. Marty helps us with everything, even picking out her guitar, which is perfect for a beginner. We will be taking lessons from Marty as long as he is willing to teach her!

Allison, Franklin, TN

Guitar Student

Student Reference

I have had a guitar since I was about 7 and never had the chance to learn to play it. When I was finally able to get lessons at the age of 17, Mr. Keith was very convenient, and affordable. He was extremely patient with me, as I was a slow learner, but in the few months I had Mr. Keith as my teacher, I learned so much more than I thought I would. He is a very talented musician, as well as a great teacher. If you are considering furthering your guitar knowledge with lessons, I would very highly recommend Mr. Keith, he won't disappoint.

-John, Nashville 18

Guitar Student

When I started guitar lessons with Mr. Marty a few months ago, I didn't even know what a fret was. But he is always patient with me. He is a top-notch instructor, and knows more about the guitar than anyone else I've ever met. In a couple of weeks, he teaches me music that I thought would take me years to play! If I like a song, Mr. Marty translates it into easier components that a beginner like me can work with. I always have fun in the lessons. Mr. Marty is an awesome guitar teacher!

David, 16

Parent/Student Reference

"Sam and I look forward to our guitar lesson every week. I'm 36 and Sam is 9, but we're both learning to play. Marty has taught us a lot in a short time, and he always manages to keep us challenged just enough for it to be fun. Sam has even asked for an electric guitar for Christmas. (Uh, no.) But I do consider learning to play a musical instrument a critical part of Sam's education. My husband thinks it will help the boy with the ladies in the future. Do with that information what you will. If you're considering learning to play the guitar at all, I encourage you to take lessons from Marty. He's been a blessing to our family."

Jennifer, Homeschooling Mother of Three