HAMLET — Touch of Grace Ministries will offer free guitar lessons starting in January, in hopes a few nascent musicians will feel called to play in church.
But it’s also fine if they don’t, the Rev. Timothy Watson said Thursday.
“We’re hoping to find at least 30 individuals for the classes,” Watson said. Those 30 would be divided into two groups — one taking lessons from 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays and the other, on Thursdays. Classes will start Jan. 9 and 11.
Once the initial classes reach a degree of proficiency, Watson said, the church hopes to add an accelerated “second string” group that eventually will join the “first string” players.
“Because it’s free has nothing to do with the quality of what’s being offered,” Watson said, touting instructor Mike Hall as having decades of teaching and performance experience.
The church will provide guitars, but students also may take their own to lessons.
“It really boils down to how much practice they want to put into it,” Watson said, but students should be able to perform publicly after 18 months of lessons. “We want people who are serious about it.”
Those interested in the lessons may contact Watson at 910-417-7976. Touch of Grace is at 1109 Hylan Ave., Hamlet.