The Sound Room AVL

Creating Creators, one lesson at a time

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

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Mission Statement

At The Sound Room, we do more than teach music — we create space for growth, confidence, and self-expression.

We’re not a factory for fast, cookie-cutter results. We believe in slow-burning inspiration, human connection, and real progress that lasts. Whether a student goes on to pursue music or not, the lessons they learn here — about focus, creativity, resilience, and expression — will stay with them for life.

Our Core Values

• Depth Over Speed – We reject the “fast food” model of music education. We value meaningful progress, deep learning, and strong relationships over quick fixes or surface-level achievements.

• Confidence Through Creation – Our students don’t just learn to play — they learn to believe in themselves. Music becomes the vehicle for confidence, voice, and inner growth.

• Individualized Attention – We meet students where they are. There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum, only a commitment to nurturing each student’s unique strengths and goals.

• Life Skills Through Music – We believe music education teaches discipline, communication, problem-solving, and emotional expression — skills that impact every part of life.

• Human-First Culture – Our teachers lead with empathy, humor, honesty, and care. We build trust, connection, and creativity in every lesson.

Owner/Operator of The Sound Room, Austin Barrett, has given music lessons for over a decade, and has taught hundreds of students here in Asheville, as well as around the country AND THE WORLD over the internet.

“The Sound Room is about more than learning the guitar. In fact, for most people, it won’t end up being about that at all. In theory, anybody who knows how to play could teach how to play. But after hundreds of students over about 12 years, I realize it’s about connection. It’s about connection, discipline, and habits. So much of our youth today needs this connection and mentorship and my goal is that they’ll develop many life skills that they’ll carry with them through adulthood, and it’s not much different for the adults. They often need that outside perspective and just a little bit of structure to their goals. Either way, at any age and at any level of playing, it’s about forming that connection with somebody who understands. I took guitar lessons from age 5-11, and I’ll always remember my teacher, so I know the impact firsthand. I hope my students will remember me as well.”

- Austin Barrett, Owner Operator

The Curriculum

The Curriculum at The Sound Room was formulated over years of experience teaching multiple instruments, playing styles, genres, and age. This way of teaching has been proven effective for all age groups.

Test into the next level and show off your color. Earn achievements for writing songs, playing scales, and more.

Students at The Sound Room are encouraged to be their best selves - and that often means something different for everyone. So, the testing at The Sound Room is self-imposed and self-regulated by each student. This teaches self-confidence as well as working hard to achieve goals.

We are goal driven and inclusive of all types of people and players.