Page 188 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

“Van Wilks has built an illustrious career that includes six solo
albums, one live album, and multiple globe-spanning tours with acts
such as ZZ Top, Heart, Van Halen, Journey, Aerosmith, and countless
other. His career has led him on a scorched earth path from Texas to
Moscow, the Virgin Islands to India, and everywhere in between.
Along with that, Van Wilks was featured on ZZ Top’s Live at Montreux
Jazz Festival DVD. Throughout the years, Wilks has acquired an
impressive trophy collection, winning multiple Austin Music Awards,
being voted best electric and acoustic guitarist in the Austin
Chronicle Readers Poll, and being inducted into the Texas Music Hall
of Fame”

Harley and Van Wilks strummed up a unique personal relationship
during guitar lessons. Van, a professional musician all his life, began
teaching as a reprieve from constant road trips and discovered that he
loved to teach and offer real insight from all the miles he traveled
(and continues to travel on his usual two European tours annually
promoting his worldwide record releases.)
Harley thrived in Van's “how to” method where he worked on
familiar songs. Van's theory on music training resulted in students
having more fun as they practiced chords and techniques in context of
songs they enjoyed. One goal was enabling students to play by ear
and “pick out” songs on their own—perfect for Harley's interests. Van
encouraged Harley to write his own songs and helped him focus on
his own creativity. Harley would record his licks on his cellphone and
take notes on his Braillenote as a method to define his own unique
sound.
Van Wilks created a Guitarland compound in a beautiful meadow
by Boggy Creek in South Austin. He acquired and remodeled property
that had previously been a community park. It is now site of a
remodeled cottage which was converted to a combination “country
getaway” and teaching studio. Harley would have some of his lessons
there. At the compound, Van also had his fully equipped teaching
studio where classes and lessons were sometimes held.
Van Wilks offered lessons to all ages, levels, and types of music
and skillfully passed on a vision of the “big picture” of whatever
music his students were interested in. Harley fit well into Van's

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