The Sound Room AVL

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

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.

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

Book a Free Consultation Now!

Ready to Sign up?

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

Testimonials

  • "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."

    Tiffany Paul

  • “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!"

    Virginia Drake

  • “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."

    Peter Savage

  • “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!"

    Bryan

  • "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!"

    TJ Turner

  • "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!!!!"

    Chaz Green

  • "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."

    Wayne Swanton

  • "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. Playing with him is super fun, and motivating too, because he is an awesome guitarist and I will forever chase that thumpy fingerstyle sound he's got. My lessons with Austin were frequently my favorite part of the week. He got me to where I wanted to be, and I got some theory along the way :)"

    Zoe Kovacs