Local News

Music lessons support Minot veterans

A local non-profit is providing an alternative to Minot veterans dealing with the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries by giving free guitar lessons.

Guitars for Vets uses music to restore feelings of joy and purpose many veterans can lose after enduring traumatic experiences.

"It’s amazing what music can do. It shuts everything else off," said Minot Chapter Coordinator Jason Hills. "I’m a retired veteran, and my son played guitar. I missed hearing music in the house. At the same time, I was trying to deal with everything from my military career. So, I thought 'I’m going to try this.' I found that everything’s quieter when playing."

The program is designed to enrich the lives of veterans dealing with mental and physical distress.

"Now, if I’m going through something, I just pick up the guitar," Hills said.

Graduates of the curriculum have reported better social interactions, greater feelings of personal independence and an ability to substitute music for substance abuse.

"Here in Minot, we have graduated nine students and have 11 taking lessons right now," Hills said. "Our instructors are all local, knowledgeable musicians. Not all of them have prior military experience but feel it’s their way of giving back to the military community here."

The lessons are one-on-one with the instructor, and times are flexible; however, the program is for retired service members only.

"There’s a lot of things active-duty members get that retired service members don't. I joke that I don't get my 50% off at Hardees anymore, but you know what? I can get free guitar lessons," Hills said.

Guitars for Vets is a non-profit organization with 140 chapters in 40 states.

Hills said the organization is grateful for the immense amount of support the program has received from the Minot community.