Testimonials
When our son, Brandon, told us he wanted to take guitar lessons, we thought “OK”, just another one of those things kids want to do and we wondered how long it would last.
Well 8 ½ years later of hour-long sessions and he is still going strong! Thanks to Jerry, our son has gone from learning the basics of guitar playing to expressing himself through music. Brandon’s dedication to his weekly sessions is a testament to Jerry Dawson as an instructor and mentor. He encourages, motivates, and challenges his students. Jerry has been an integral part of Brandon’s musical education.
Ray Ruddy taught Brandon drum set when he was in 8th grade. It did not take long to see were this was heading.
Ray’s patience and encouragement helped Brandon appreciate the beauty of all percussion instruments. To see
his performance on drum set at the June Jam was amazing !!”
- Tom and Emma Fish parents of EHGI Student
Major kudos on the Spring Recital! It was great to see so many people come out to support the kids! My son has only been taking piano lessons with Ray for a couple of months and I was so proud to see him confidently play his piece in front of the crowd! I have been so pleased with our experience at East Hill Guitar Instruction. I love the relaxed, yet hip atmosphere. Ray is great! He is patient and encouraging while implementing a great curriculum. I am amazed at the progress my son has made so far. We are looking forward to many more concerts in the future, keep up the good work!”
- Kelly Bowen
Love these guys and Gary is the best teacher ever!
- Tina Baciao Roberts
THIS is the real deal!! Get your lessons here…. my musicians love these guys!
-Susan Estares
If you are a guitarist, East Hill Guitar Instruction is for you!
-Carter S. Granat
This place is simply awesome! Great people with amazing talent and a fun attitude.
- The Renaissance Man
If you want to LEARN to play the guitar, take lessons from East Hill Guitar. You won’t regret it!!!
-Patsy Ingram Dobbs
Thanks to all of the professional teachers there, who give our kids, and adults (who are never too old to start learning a musical instrument), the “proper” tools and fundamentals each and every day. You inspire everyone who steps foot in your door, to pour out their creative energies and talents, which in turn, allows them the confidence to take it to the highest level. Thanks Easthill, my son loves it there! 
-Kerianne Mowry
I’m living proof you can teach on old dog new tricks! Thanks Gary!
- Amy Williamson
Many thanks to Raymond Ruddy for teaching my nephewDavid Jongko the ways of the Force as a strong drummer at East Hill Guitar Instruction! The concert last night in downtown Pensacola at Vinyl Music Hall was WICKED! Here’s David playing drums w. his bandmates covering John Petrucci’s, “Jaws of Life”. The lead guitarist is only 14! These young musicians did a phenomenal job playing a very complicated piece of music.
-Vladimire Yeshenko
EHGI is the best! I took drum lessons from another guy before going to Raymond Ruddy and I always felt like I was about to be sent to the principal for bad behavior. Ray never made me feel like that. He is very patient and kind, and always complementary.
- Doug Mahone
Great location in the heart of East hill, friendly and knowledgable staff. In 2 words….they rock!
- Justin Gilbert
“I would love to take a moment to tell you all about the incredible music instruction we have been receiving. I am a busy mom with three boys,and we have been taking lessons with Jerry Dawson for almost 5 years now. Jerry started my oldest on the guitar at 6 years of age and the middle one on the bass guitar at 5. The youngest is 4 and can’t wait to pick his instrument so he can take lessons as well. The boys are very different in their learning styles and Jerry works with them appropriately. They are learning correct technique but also, and most importantly to me, to love music. The older one writes music, and Jerry takes the time to encourage and praise him. They record it, and send it to me via emails which I love to keep and put on our iPods. It is something special when your little ones music comes on the radio in the car. I think that is part of the reason in 5 years he has never asked to stop taking lessons. When anyone asks who we take lessons from I never hesitate to promote the instruction we have received from Jerry. His love of music is contagious.”
-Amy Cozart
“Gary is an excellent instructor who has been key in me getting back into music and helping me shake off 25 years of rust. He is very knowledgeable, and has an uncanny ability to read where an individual stands on the journey and what different players need/want to progress; he fits the program to you, and not the other way around. He is able to do this with beginning youngsters as well as with those of us who have been around the block but in need some direction. I highly recommend Gary for anyone looking for high quality, high-value guitar/bass instruction. On top of it all, he’s a pretty cool guy!”
-Jim Nielsen
“Many thanks to Raymond Ruddy for teaching my nephew”
-David Jongko
“Gary is an extremly knowledgeable and versitile musician. He makes learning fun. He is not afraid to get into music theory or reading music if that is what the situation demands. He takes the student at their level of ability to play and encourages each student to achieve all they can.”
-Tom Condon
“Fabulous Time Last Night! Some great up and coming talent! Can’t wait for the next one!”
-Rene Schutt
“Gary is an exceptionally well trained guitarist. He has the ability to teach virtually any kind of music because of his training and because of his musical skills. Gary is pleasant to work with and he genuinely cares about the development of his students. He has acheived better than expected results for me. I think he is undoubtedly the best guitar instructor in the area.”
-Fred Bond
“What a great show last night at the Vinyl – loved seeing all of the bands – great job students and teachers!!! Lets do it again soon!”
-Facebook Friend
“Best instruction around!! Can never thank Jerry Dawson enough for all he did for our son Dusty. You have all been great and are highly recommended/ Great experiences!!”
-John sanderson
“Gary is a true professional. Beyond his musical expertise, Gary’s personality and enthusiasm for teaching music is unmatched. This shines in the students that learn the enjoyment and excitement of music from Gary. I recommend him to teach anyone interested in learning how to play.”
-Ryan Sellars
“I cannot thank you enough for quickly seeing where I was and getting me on a fast track without having to start from scratch. I have seen great improvements in my rhythm, strumming, and picking since I started guitar lessons 16 months ago!!! All, because of your guidance!! Also, you introduced and supported my desire to get with others and play along as a group. If not for you, I never would have had this opportunity. I have always thought of you as taking instruction to a whole new level for your students, really going out of your way to meet and exceed their needs/goals. No, you are not getting rid of me just yet, I still feel there is so much more I can learn from you. See you Thursday!! Thanks again Gary!! Lamar”
-Lamar Childs
“Last night was so much fun and such a great experience for the kids. Click on the link below to watch a video of the EDS band. Thank you for all your hard work”
-Gary Amy Sellars