The Sound Room AVL

Creating Creators, one lesson at a time

"Best of Asheville 2024 Distinguished Teaching" award graphic with laurel wreaths.

One on one music lessons in Guitar, Piano, Drums, Voice, Banjo, Songwriting, and more from award-winning Singer Songwriters, Berklee College of Music Graduates, and Professional Performers and Musicians.

Why the Sound Room?

Award-Winning Instructors

Berklee Masters Graduates, Songwriting Competition winners, Performers, and Career Musicians

Built for Growth

Structured Curriculum + Progress Tracking to help you achieve your goals

Fits Your Life

Simple Scheduling, and Flexible Options for all lifestyles and needs

Choose Your Path

The Core Plan

Our most popular program — weekly private lessons with a consistent teacher, reserved time slot, and structured curriculum built for long-term growth.

✅ 30 or 60-minute weekly lessons
✅ Progress tracking through The Sound Room curriculum
✅ Proven to work with constant instructor input and practice
✅ Best for students committed to consistent improvement

The Flex Plan

Ideal for busy or unpredictable schedules — book lessons when it works for you.

✅ Pay-as-you-go private lessons
✅ Flexible scheduling with no weekly commitment
✅ Great for adults, part-time learners, or trial students
✅ Lesson credits expire 90 days after purchase, or 120 days for a 6-pack

Meet the Team

  • Austin Barrett

    Advanced Guitars, Music Theory

  • Bobby Macrito

    Guitars, Banjo, Bass

  • Travis Corcoran

    Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar

  • Julian Mistretta

    Piano, Keyboards

  • Robert Creech

    Drums, Percussion

Testimonials

  • Tiffany P

    "We are so thankful to have found Austin! My neurospicy kid is thriving in lessons with him. Austin is a great guitar teacher, but what really makes him special is his kindness, patience, and supportive approach. He has a special talent for really seeing the kid and helping them through the sticky spots in such a graceful way."

  • Virginia D

    “Bobby at the Sound Room was a great help to my guitar playing. As a songwriter, I needed some advice on how to make my songs stronger instrumentally but also learn some basics to strengthen knowledge in practice and performance. Bobby listens and is creative/effective in communications and the exercises he provides. And a great player and songwriter himself. I highly recommend!"

  • Peter S

    “Austin has become more than just a music teacher to our family. He is a friend and an inspiration. We are so lucky to have him in our lives. Austin is a wonderful teacher and has brought a lot of joy and beautiful sounds into our household."

  • Bryan M

    “Austin is a great guitar teacher for both my 8 year old Son and for me. It has been almost a full year of lessons and we have both progressed from beginner (not being able to play chords or songs together) to now being able to play over a dozen full songs together. We are meeting our goals and setting new ones so that we can continue to learn and Jam On, as a family. We look forward to the lessons each week. 5 Stars! Thanks Austin!"

  • TJ

    "Austin is a great guy and better guitar teacher. I had tried learning from few other guitar instructors before finding Austin, and he is by far the most knowledgeable and experienced. I would highly recommend others consider taking lessons with Austin in his studio!"

  • Chaz G

    "I've been playing guitar and Banjo for 30+ years and can't remember being as excited to play and write music as I am after a few months of lessons with Austin. His approach to teaching theory, technique and style is approachable and fun. His sense of humor is only trumped by my own. He also loves late night texts of songs you've been working on. HIT HIM UP!!!!"

  • Wayne S

    "First of all Austin is the nicest person you would want to meet and an incredibly gifted musician. So for this to also convert into a great teacher is pretty special. I’m a total beginner so am super grateful that Austin has got me on an incredible journey, teaching me, showing me, pushing me but also giving me the confidence that it’s ok to make mistakes when learning to play, keep going. I thoroughly recommend Austin as a teacher for all levels."

  • Zoe K

    "Austin is a talented teacher and musician, and just genuinely a pleasure to be around. I'm an adult, and went to him as a self-taught beginner with the goal of learning how to figure songs out myself. I get pretty nervous playing in front of others, and he created an environment that made me feel comfortable and encouraged. "