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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Guitar lesson opportunities have arrived at the Chilton County Arts Council.

Instructor Russell Lawlis said he connected with the Arts Council while looking for a place to offer lessons.

Lessons will be given as one-on-one instruction for 30 minutes on a weekly basis. Cost for the lessons will be $60 a month. Lawlis said lessons will be offered for all ages, skill levels and styles — “from gospel to metal.”

The lessons are tailored to each student.

Lawlis said he enjoys teaching guitar because “I get to learn a lot of different styles … I get to meet a lot of different people and set up a practice schedule for them, tailored to what they want to learn.”

“If you can get a student fast-tracked to playing the style of music they want, there is a lot more chance of them sticking with it,” Lawlis said.

In the midst of teaching students just starting out their favorite songs, Lawlis incorporates the basics of chords, fingering and music theory.

Lawlis began playing the guitar about 29 years ago at the age of 14. He began teaching others to play the instrument when he was 17.

He started teaching beginning students and was a teacher at Capitol Music for the past 11 years.

In July 2019, Lawlis moved to Clanton and wanted to start teaching guitar.

“I had worked here years ago, and I’ve always loved Clanton,” Lawlis said.

For more information or to sign up for classes, contact Lawlis at 334-294-9234.

The Chilton County Arts Council is located at 703 Second Ave. N in Clanton.