For Nathan Smith, music has been a lifelong journey, from a six-year-old wanting a guitar to a beloved local teacher at Deloach's Music in Statesboro, GA. His passion, ignited in childhood, has shaped a remarkable career spanning decades and genres.
Born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, Nathan’s musical aspirations began early. Though formal lessons at eight didn't immediately stick, a move to Fitzgerald, Georgia, at age 10 reignited his self-taught approach. With just a beginner's book and sheer determination, he rapidly grasped the fundamentals.
"I found out that it wasn't as hard as I thought it was, 'cause at the end of the week, I was playing the last song in the book," Smith recalls.
His early influences included Bachman-Turner Overdrive and KISS, fueling his desire to emulate rockstars. Nathan's first band played Foghat's "Slow Ride" at a middle school talent show, a performance so impactful that classmates sought his autograph—a moment that solidified his musical path.
He honed his skills throughout high school, even picking up the bass in jazz band. His pursuit of music theory led him to college, though he left after two years to embrace full-time performance.
Nathan’s professional journey saw him playing in various bands across the southeastern United States. He shared stages with country legend Tom T. Hall, and notably, Foghat. Opening for Foghat was a full-circle moment, as he got to tell "Slow Ride" writer and singer "Lonesome Dave" Peverett that his song was the first he ever played live, profoundly influencing his career.
In the mid-1990s, after years of touring, Nathan decided to step away from the demanding lifestyle of a full-time musician. He found solace and purpose in faith, transitioning to playing guitar in church after moving to Statesboro in 2005. This period, alongside his wife, Sharon, marked a significant personal and professional shift.
The transition to teaching was organic. Nathan began offering private lessons and was soon recommended to the late Wendell Deloach of Deloach's Music. Since 2007, Nathan has been an independent contractor at the store, now run by Deloach's son, Wendell DeLoach Jr. He’s taught an eclectic range of styles, including bluegrass, hard rock, gospel, and acoustic, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of music theory.
Nathan's teaching philosophy is simple yet profound: "I want to teach my students how to teach themselves."
He tailors each lesson, encouraging self-analysis and using students' favorite songs as a "vehicle to start learning simple things."
Smith taps into the pure enjoyment of learning an instrument. His approach fosters a love for music and equips students with the skills to continue their musical journey independently.
"That's the last thing I wanna be, a teacher that force-feeds stuff down their throat," Smith says. "You gotta have fun."
For inquiries about guitar lessons with Nathan Smith, please call him on his cell at (912) 690-5955 or call Deloach's Music at (912) 764-2901. Deloach's is located at 1196 Northside Dr E, Statesboro, GA 30458.
