Meet Pat Thomas

Pat Thomas fell in love with the guitar at just six years old when his father taught him his first G chord. Although his dad only knew four chords, young Pat picked them up quickly, igniting a lifelong passion for music. Growing up in a family that loved country music, Pat spent Saturday nights sitting in the car with his dad, listening to the Grand Ole Opry on WSM Nashville, since the radio signal couldn’t be picked up inside the house. It was there that he was first introduced to legendary performers like Hank Williams, Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, and Johnny Cash. These moments not only connected Pat to the roots of country music but also laid the foundation for his musical journey.

In 1964, Pat’s musical world expanded when he watched The Beatles perform on American television for the first time. Sitting around the family’s black-and-white TV, Pat was captivated by the band's energy and their guitars, a moment that solidified his desire to become a musician. He has been playing guitar ever since, building on over 60 years of experience.

By age 12, Pat had already formed his first band and played his first gig, setting the stage for his career as a touring musician. As an adult, Pat’s band, The Pat Thomas Band, had the opportunity to open for iconic artists like George Strait, Hank Williams Jr., Ricky Skaggs, and John Prine. These years on the road were filled with incredible experiences that deeply influenced Pat’s growth as a musician.

After his time touring, Pat took a break from the road to further his education. He earned a degree in Human Training and Development, focusing on Andragogy—the principles and methods used in adult education. This specialized training equipped him to develop effective programs for adult learners, including those looking to learn guitar. During this time, Pat also pursued two years of jazz guitar studies, adding another layer to his musical expertise.

Inspired to share his love for music education, Pat co-founded the Kentucky Arts Academy alongside his wife, Julie. As the Director, Pat helped grow the academy to over 350 students taking weekly music lessons, both in person and online, with a staff of 25 dedicated instructors. Over the years, Pat has taught thousands of students, driven by his mission to spread the joy of music to as many people as possible.

Now retired from the traditional brick-and-mortar music school, Pat is focusing on songwriting and expanding his vision to reach adult learners worldwide through his online guitar courses. With a passion for teaching, decades of experience, and a unique understanding of adult education, Pat is dedicated to helping adults and seniors become confident guitarists. His goal is to inspire a love for guitar playing that can be enjoyed at any age, from anywhere.