This year another one of our star students has hit an amazing milestone. CarlyHafferman has been learning the guitar with us since she was just 9 years old! Now, five years down the line, she’s our most senior student! We sat down with Carly to find out what inspires her to play her instrument.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LEARN THE GUITAR?

Well, five years ago, I was in third grade, and, in the mind of a 9-year-old, playing the guitar sounded like an exciting and fun thing to learn. But what really inspired me to play the guitar was hearing some of my favorite musicians at the time and wanting to play like them.

WHAT’S CHANGED AT MNSOM SINCE YOU STARTED?

When I started to play the guitar, Eric was the only instructor at the time, and we had lessons in a room at Club Westin Blaine. There were also only a handful of other students. Many things have changed since I started, but what has remained the same is Eric’s love of music and his passion to share it with other people.

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN?

I don’t really have a favorite musician, but I like a variety of music. Some of my favorite pieces of music to play include“Friends” by Marshmallow & Anne-Marie, as well as “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE MUSIC PRACTICE WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES?

I play high school tennis and gymnastics for fun, but I usually find time to play the guitar in the late evenings before I go to bed.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME TO WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED LEARNING THE GUITAR, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF?

I would tell myself the work is worth the reward!

Thanks, Carly!

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