While his journey took him through aviation, his heart always belonged to music. Now, as the founder of The Guitar School Bloemfontein, Pieter Greyling shares his passion by teaching aspiring musicians of all ages since 2012.
“Learning any instrument requires dedication and discipline”
Pieter has always been passionate about writing music and words behind the songs, stage was the cherry on top. He knew that he had to work hard to make enough money to pursue his dream.
His early memories of music dates back to when he was just ten years old. His father took him to Nico Greyling’s (current manager at TOMS) first music shop.
“While we were there, my father asked Nico if he could play something for us on an electric guitar. I watched as he tore into a Fender Stratocaster with a star-spangled banner finish, plugged into a Marshall amplifier – or at least, that’s how I remember it. I had tears in my eyes from pure joy. I was hooked, and I’ve never looked back since,” he narrates.
Pieter finished school in 2007 and proceeded to obtain a private pilot’s license at Westline Aviation.
“I had a deep passion for aviation, but I couldn’t bring myself to turn away from the music,” he expresses.
He then continued on this musical journey by enrolling at a music college where he delved into recording and music production. “I returned to Bloemfontein and set up my recording studio, Crooked House Records. A year later, my girlfriend (now wife) suggested that I start teaching guitar as a supplementary business to the studio. I thought it was a great idea – and the rest is history!”
Pieter then founded The Guitar School in Bloemfontein where he teaches young aspiring musicians the intricacies and joys of playing the guitar. He says he has overcome a number of challenges that have inspired him to learn from his mistakes.
“I don’t think my passion for this business will ever fade. To answer your question – I play every day. I try to create something new on the guitar each time I pick it up, and believe me, with 10 fingers, 6 strings, and 24 frets, there’s a lot you can do! I write often and never compromise on being true to myself,” he shares.
Lessons are tailored to each student’s music preference. Pieter believes that it is easier to ignite passion in someone when you teach them something they truly want to learn.
“Learning any instrument requires dedication and discipline. By practising every day, students develop these two qualities within themselves. However, it’s important not to start too young or put too much pressure on a child in the beginning – it should always remain fun,” he says.
His teaching style is more relaxed to accommodate the age range. Younger students range from 6-18 with the oldest student being 73 years old. There is a seat for everyone at the Guitar School Bloemfontein.
“We joke, have fun, and when a student is having a tough day, sometimes we just sit and listen to their favourite guitarists, analysing their playing style. Like I said, it always needs to stay fun!”
Pieter remains nostalgic for days when rock, punk, alternative, and metal teenage bands were the talk of the town, but he hopes to keep the music alive one strum at a time.
“We had an incredible music culture. But for reasons unclear to me, it slowly fizzled out and faded away. If I’m blessed with good health, I’ll do this until the day I die. My biggest goal for the next ten years is to double my student count and revive rock & roll and band culture for the new generation of kids,” he concludes.
