
About us
### Wandering Bards – Find Your Sound. Find Your Tribe.
Wandering Bards is a beginner-friendly, guitar-led music meetup for adults who want to learn music, play together, and build real connection. While guitar is the main focus—especially for beginners—the bigger picture is learning how music works together. We explore simple ensemble elements like lead lines, singing, harmonies, rhythm, and other complementary instruments. With the goal of playing in simple ensemble settings and band-style jams.
No prior experience is required. If you’ve never touched a guitar—or if you played years ago and life got in the way then you’re welcome here.
Each meetup includes:
- Learning basic chords and simple strumming patterns
- Working on approachable songs together
- Building confidence playing with other people
- A casual group jam at the end where everyone can participate at their own level
This isn’t a performance class and it’s not about perfection. It’s about steady progress, shared momentum, and finding community through music.
If you’re curious, show up. Bring a guitar. We’ll take the next step together.
### Why Wandering Bards Is Different
A lot of people quit music not because they lack talent, but because there’s no clear sense of progress. No map. No milestones. No way to tell if they’re actually moving forward.
That’s where Wandering Bards does things differently.
### The Path of the Wandering Bard
Every hero’s story starts the same way: not with mastery, but with a quiet beginning.
Your first steps on the path,
a mythical weapon you don’t yet know how to wield,
a single, uncertain note.
Wandering Bards turns learning guitar into a fantasy-inspired hero’s journey, where you don’t just take lessons—you level up.
You don’t choose your title.
You earn it.
You begin as an Apprentice, learning your first chords and songs, building the foundation. When those skills settle into your hands, you level up to Journeyer—where rhythm locks in, confidence grows, and you start playing with others, not just for yourself. From there, you become an Instrumentalist, fluent enough to improvise, perform, and hold your own in a band setting. And yes—there is a path to Mastery, where technique, theory, and expression finally click into something that feels like your voice.
This isn't about memorizing theory to impress your professor.
It’s about making progress feel meaningful and rocking out with your friends.
People quit music because there’s no map, no milestones, no sense of forward motion. Wandering Bards fixes that. You always know where you are on the path, what you’re training next, and what “leveling up” actually looks like.
If you’ve ever wanted learning music to feel less like homework and more like a story you’re actively living… you’re in the right place.
This journey is long and winding. As my dear friend often reminds me, “The path isn’t linear, Michael.” But every step is taken alongside others who are just as eager to learn and grow with you.
Upcoming events
48

Apprentice Training: Beginner Guitar Night
Glendale Branch Library, 1375 S Concord Street (1240 W), Salt Lake City, UT, US📍 Glendale Branch Public Library
~ Meeting Room A (front desk → left → short hallway → glass doors)This is a beginner-friendly guitar group for adults who want to learn in a relaxed, encouraging environment. You can show up with zero experience—we’ll start with basic chords, simple strumming, and work toward your first songs together.
I’ll be leading the class myself. This isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about learning at your own pace, supporting each other, and building real connection through music.
Bring an acoustic guitar (or an electric with a small amp). We always end with a casual group jam so everyone gets to play, no matter where they’re at. Each session builds gently on the last, but you’re never “behind.” Drop in anytime.
In Wandering Bard terms, this is where your journey begins—as an Apprentice. Some people stay casual; others choose to go deeper. Both paths are welcome.
***
🎶 The Apprentice Song Journey
Each month, we focus on one beginner-friendly song built around just 3–4 chords.This month’s song:
👉 "Needs" - Collective Soul
Get a jumpstart on the lesson by reviewing the chords G, Em, and CYou can find the full rotating song list and printable songmaps here:
👉 Apprentice Training SongmapsMiss a month? Totally fine—this is a journey, not a locked curriculum.
***
### 💰 Cost & Commitment
$10 per session.
Pay ahead via Venmo to lock in your spot. Paying ahead helps keep the group intentional and full of people who actually plan to show up.
📲 Venmo: @michaelleavitthwbPrefer not to use Venmo? No problem. You can also do cash at the event, or Zelle in person.
If cost is genuinely a barrier, message me. We’ll figure something out.***
### 🛤️ What Comes Next (Optional)
Some Apprentices decide they want more structure, faster progress, or a smaller group setting. For those folks, I offer invite-only group classes, private lessons, and ensemble experiences where we go deeper and move faster.
I also offer a free 30-minute introductory lesson as a low-pressure way to get feedback, ask questions, and talk about your goals.
***
🎸 Ready to join the next Apprentice Training night?
👉 Register here to save your spot: Eventbrite Registration Link3 attendees
Apprentice Ensemble: Your First Band Experience
Glendale Branch Library, 1375 S Concord Street (1240 W), Salt Lake City, UT, US🎶 Apprentice Ensemble: Your First Band Experience
Ever wanted to play in a band, but felt like you weren’t ready yet?
This is your beginner-friendly on-ramp.
Think of this as your first quest-party rehearsal: low pressure, collaborative, and actually fun.### What we’ll do
In this session, we’ll learn and play one simple song together as a group.
You’ll get guided support with beginner-friendly band roles like:- rhythm guitar
- bass
- vocals
- percussion
- keys
I’ll help assign parts based on comfort level and guide the whole process step-by-step. 👉 The Monthly Song List
No auditions. No pressure. No need to be “good enough.”
### Who this is for
Adults who want a supportive first experience playing music with others.
Beginners are absolutely welcome.This event pairs well with Apprentice Training, but you can attend either one on its own.
### Bring
- Acoustic guitar (or electric + small amp)
- Any instrument you enjoy
- Vocalists welcome
Provided to share: bass, cajon, mics
### Location
Glendale Branch Public Library
Meeting Room A (front desk → left → short hallway → glass doors)### 💰 Cost & Commitment
$10 per session.
Pay ahead via Venmo to lock in your spot. Paying ahead helps keep the group intentional and full of people who actually plan to show up.
📲 Venmo: @michaelleavitthwbPrefer not to use Venmo? No problem. You can also do cash at the event, or Zelle in person.
If cost is genuinely a barrier, message me. We’ll figure something out.4 attendees
Apprentice Training: Beginner Guitar Night
Glendale Branch Library, 1375 S Concord Street (1240 W), Salt Lake City, UT, US📍 Glendale Branch Public Library
~ Meeting Room A (front desk → left → short hallway → glass doors)This is a beginner-friendly guitar group for adults who want to learn in a relaxed, encouraging environment. You can show up with zero experience—we’ll start with basic chords, simple strumming, and work toward your first songs together.
I’ll be leading the class myself. This isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about learning at your own pace, supporting each other, and building real connection through music.
Bring an acoustic guitar (or an electric with a small amp). We always end with a casual group jam so everyone gets to play, no matter where they’re at. Each session builds gently on the last, but you’re never “behind.” Drop in anytime.
In Wandering Bard terms, this is where your journey begins—as an Apprentice. Some people stay casual; others choose to go deeper. Both paths are welcome.
***
🎶 The Apprentice Song Journey
Each month, we focus on one beginner-friendly song built around just 3–4 chords.This month’s song:
👉 "Needs" - Collective Soul
Get a jumpstart on the lesson by reviewing the chords G, Em, and CYou can find the full rotating song list and printable songmaps here:
👉 Apprentice Training SongmapsMiss a month? Totally fine—this is a journey, not a locked curriculum.
***
### 💰 Cost & Commitment
$10 per session.
Pay ahead via Venmo to lock in your spot. Paying ahead helps keep the group intentional and full of people who actually plan to show up.
📲 Venmo: @michaelleavitthwbPrefer not to use Venmo? No problem. You can also do cash at the event, or Zelle in person.
If cost is genuinely a barrier, message me. We’ll figure something out.***
### 🛤️ What Comes Next (Optional)
Some Apprentices decide they want more structure, faster progress, or a smaller group setting. For those folks, I offer invite-only group classes, private lessons, and ensemble experiences where we go deeper and move faster.
I also offer a free 30-minute introductory lesson as a low-pressure way to get feedback, ask questions, and talk about your goals.
***
🎸 Ready to join the next Apprentice Training night?
👉 Register here to save your spot: Eventbrite Registration Link1 attendee
Apprentice Ensemble: Your First Band Experience
Glendale Branch Library, 1375 S Concord Street (1240 W), Salt Lake City, UT, US🎶 Apprentice Ensemble: Your First Band Experience
Ever wanted to play in a band, but felt like you weren’t ready yet?
This is your beginner-friendly on-ramp.
Think of this as your first quest-party rehearsal: low pressure, collaborative, and actually fun.### What we’ll do
In this session, we’ll learn and play one simple song together as a group.
You’ll get guided support with beginner-friendly band roles like:- rhythm guitar
- bass
- vocals
- percussion
- keys
I’ll help assign parts based on comfort level and guide the whole process step-by-step. 👉 The Monthly Song List
No auditions. No pressure. No need to be “good enough.”
### Who this is for
Adults who want a supportive first experience playing music with others.
Beginners are absolutely welcome.This event pairs well with Apprentice Training, but you can attend either one on its own.
### Bring
- Acoustic guitar (or electric + small amp)
- Any instrument you enjoy
- Vocalists welcome
Provided to share: bass, cajon, mics
### Location
Glendale Branch Public Library
Meeting Room A (front desk → left → short hallway → glass doors)### 💰 Cost & Commitment
$10 per session.
Pay ahead via Venmo to lock in your spot. Paying ahead helps keep the group intentional and full of people who actually plan to show up.
📲 Venmo: @michaelleavitthwbPrefer not to use Venmo? No problem. You can also do cash at the event, or Zelle in person.
If cost is genuinely a barrier, message me. We’ll figure something out.2 attendees
Past events
58