Phil Hodges

Music Coach
Composer and Arranger
Session Musician
Live Performer

Guitar, Piano, Bass, Ukulele, and Banjo Lessons in Cumming, Georgia

Since 2008, I’ve made it my mission to help musicians of all ages and skill levels achieve their desired results.

Whether you envision yourself mastering the guitar, piano, banjo, bass, ukulele, or a combination of instruments, every program we offer at Phil Hodges Music is designed with your unique goals in mind.

This is precisely what sets our music programs apart from others.

Because every person is different, has different goals, different skill levels, different ways of understanding new concepts, every person needs a unique approach.

No two learners are the same.

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Kali Athena
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I tried teaching myself guitar for months and couldn't get the hang of it on my own, attending lessons with Mr. Phil has been a game changer. He's an amazing, well knowledgeable teacher that is able to adapt teaching to my learning style in a fun and positive way. After every lesson, I'm always looking forward to the next one. He has a diverse way of teaching, setting solid foundations in theory and technique while also having freedom and fun with songs I enjoy. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional, welcoming, and positive learning environment. Thanks Mr. Phil!
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Adomah Kwantow
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We are incredibly grateful to have Phil as our children’s music teacher. He is patient, kind, and genuinely encouraging. He takes time to listen to our children, welcomes their ideas, and gently guides them in a way that builds both skill and confidence. We especially appreciate the seasonal recitals he organizes. They give students a chance to showcase their progress, see and learn from other students’ talents, and feel inspired. The recitals create a warm sense of community and belonging, which has been so meaningful for our children.
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Josiah Lovelace
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It’s great learning ukulele with Phil over FaceTime. Been taking lessons since July and am enjoying the journey! Definitely recommend him for his musical expertise and down-to-earthness!
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Ken Cooksey
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I have been to many other guitars teacher but I would say Phil is far the best. He knows how to teach and theory as well. He always amazes me on how he can hear everything I'm doing right or wrong. He is able to find ways to correct my mistakes in a fun way. I have learned more from him than any on line teacher.
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Hannah Zapletal
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I have taken lessons with Phil for a guitar, soprano, ukulele, baritone ukulele, and piano. My children have taken lessons from him also. He is very patient, very kind, and very helpful.
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Char Thibodeau
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Phil is a very talented musician and gifted teacher. Our son is blind and Phil has been teaching him how to perfect the piano by ear. Watching the two of them work together is a true gift.
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CJ Warner
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I spent a year trying to teach myself banjo. A few months of lessons and I'm twice the player I was on my own. Phil is a great teacher. I'm excited about the instrument again like when I first started playing.
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Fenris DeWolfe
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I started with Phil to learn banjo, he’s one of the only banjo teachers I could find in the area but I’m glad it was him! He’s incredibly patient, flexible, talented and immediately puts you at ease like you’ve known him for years. He gave me a great foundation to work with and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future. 5 out of 5
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Nia Mallyn
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Mr. Phil brought out not only skills in my 7 yo but confidence that she can both play ukulele and sing along. It makes a huge difference how skilled the teacher is and how they inspire children to find passion in music. I definitely recommend him as a music teacher!
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Domenic Palacios
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Our daughter has been taking lessons with Phil for 3 years now. We couldn’t recommend him enough. Very patient and accommodating to her learning style and speed. Keeps it fun and interesting for her.
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Schedule Your 30-Minute Discovery Session at No Cost!

Our programs are perfect for musicians of all levels:

  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Busy, working adults with fulltime jobs and families
  • Retired adults who love the idea of staying active with music

Phil Hodges Music is more than just a teaching studio.

We are a community of musicians.

Interested in joining our growing community?

Schedule your 30-Minute Discovery session now at no cost, or if you’d simply like to learn more about our programs, contact us here.

Music Discovery Program

Perfect for kids, teens, busy adults, retired adults, and anyone else who wants to learn to play guitar, piano, bass, banjo, or ukulele.

Discovery Program for Young Musicians

  • Perfect for kids
  • Learn songs in weekly coaching sessions designed to make playing at home fun and easy
  • Learn 30 songs in your first 3 months

Discovery Program for Next-Level Musicians

  • Ideal for teens
  • Build a repertoire of 50+ songs
  • Explore songwriting, improvisation, and music creation

Discovery Program for Lifelong Musicians

  • Designed for retired adults.
  • Fun and relaxing way to stay active post-retirement.
  • Build a repertoire of dozens of your favorite songs at your own pace.

Discovery Program for Busy Adults

  • Created for busy, working adults with careers and families.
  • Learn to play your favorite songs at your own pace without stressing over practice.

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Why Study With Me?

Insightful: Gain a Composer’s Perspective

Because I’m also an active composer, I teach music from more than just a performer’s point of view.

I help students understand music from the ground up so they can become confident and insightful musicians and artists—not just people who play notes.

Flexible: In Person or Virtual Lessons

In-person sessions provide a relaxed, encouraging environment where students can learn with direct guidance, ask questions freely, and make steady progress at their own pace.

Virtual sessions provide a flexible and effective way for students to learn music from anywhere with an internet connection. I carefully accommodate each session around the student’s goals, interests, and experience level, sticking with what sticks and setting aside the rest. Online study works well for both beginners and more advanced musicians.

Individualized: Start Where You Are and Get Where You Want to Be

No two students are exactly alike, so I customize lesson programs around each student’s goals, interests, learning style, and pace.

Whether a student wants to perform, write music, understand theory, improvise, or simply learn for enjoyment, lessons are designed to meet them where they are.

Comprehensive: Multi-Instrument Experience

Teaching multiple instruments has given me a broader and deeper understanding of the interconnections in music composition and performance.

Many concepts carry over from one instrument to another, which often helps students learn more naturally and build stronger overall musicianship.

Practical: Studio & Performance

In addition to teaching, I also perform, record, compose, and work as a session musician. That experience helps me teach music from a practical, real-world perspective—not just from a method book or with a dry, academic approach.

Piano Lessons

Guitar Lessons

Bass Guitar Lessons

Ukelele Lessons

Banjo
Lessons