Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Winge.
Hi Dennis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a professional guitarist and music educator for over 25 years. I started out like a lot of musicians—focused heavily on technique and theory—but over time I realized that those things alone don’t necessarily lead to expressive, confident playing or meaningful performances.
As I built my career performing with a wide range of bands and teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, I began to notice a consistent pattern: many musicians had strong fundamentals but felt stuck creatively or disconnected from the music they were making. That realization pushed me to refine a more structured and practical approach to both performance and teaching—one that emphasizes creativity, rhythm, and real-world musical interaction.
Today, I run Guitar Lessons Myrtle Beach, where I help students develop confidence and originality through a clear, hands-on system, and Dennis Winge Music, where I perform weddings, corporate events, and private parties in formats ranging from solo guitar to full bands. In every setting, the focus is on creating the right musical experience for the moment. Whether I’m teaching or performing, the goal is the same: to help people connect with music in a way that feels natural, engaging, and genuinely expressive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Early on, one of the biggest challenges was simply believing that music could be a viable profession. My parents were trying to be practical and protective, but I internalized that mindset and didn’t pursue music seriously at first. It wasn’t until I was around 30, after working with a teacher who helped me get into teaching, that I fully committed—and from that point on, I never looked back.
That late start came with its own challenges. I was developing skills like jazz improvisation later than many of my peers, and at times it felt like I was way behind. But that experience shaped how I teach today. I work with a lot of adult students who feel like they’re starting too late, and I’m able to show them firsthand that progress and creativity aren’t limited by age—they’re driven by the right approach and consistent effort.
There have also been ongoing business challenges. I run both Guitar Lessons Myrtle Beach and Dennis Winge Music, along with multiple bands and performance formats, so scheduling and logistics can be a constant balancing act. On top of that, like many small business owners, I’m both working in the business and on the business at the same time—teaching, performing, organizing, and continuing to build and refine everything behind the scenes.
Over time, I’ve learned how to manage those demands more effectively, but it’s still an ongoing process. The upside is that it’s allowed me to build something that’s flexible, creative, and aligned with what I actually want to be doing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Creativity and learning have always gone hand in hand for me, and that shows up in both my performing and teaching. Professionally, I specialize in creating musical experiences that are both engaging and adaptable—whether that’s performing at weddings, corporate events, and private parties, or helping students develop confidence and originality through Guitar Lessons Myrtle Beach. I’m known for being versatile across styles and formats, but also for bringing a thoughtful, intentional approach to rhythm, phrasing, and interaction.
A big part of what sets me apart is that I don’t separate creativity from structure. In both my playing and my teaching, I focus on giving people practical ways to be expressive, rather than just building technical skill in isolation. That approach has developed over time through both real-world performance experience and ongoing study.
That mindset also carries into my creative projects. For example, my album For Music Geeks Only explores 82 different modes, with each track acting as a short musical example. It’s actually become my most popular release on Spotify. On the other hand, I created an album called What Are the Odds, which focuses on odd meters and more complex compositions. It’s a more niche project, but it pushed me creatively and deepened my understanding of rhythm and form.
More recently, I completed the Sunset Salsa album, where I arranged salsa, bachata, and merengue tunes for an instrumental guitar quartet. While we recorded it in just two days, it took nearly two years of preparation to really understand the style and bring the arrangements to life on guitar. That project is something I’m especially proud of, and it’s now led to live performances here in Myrtle Beach, with plans to continue expanding into Latin dance venues and events throughout the region.
What does success mean to you?
Defining success is a great question, and it’s something that looks different for everyone. I think it’s important not to compare yourself too much to others, especially since people tend to share only the highlights of their lives. As musicians, it can be easy to assume someone else’s career is smoother or more glamorous than it really is.
For me, success comes down to having time and freedom. Time to pursue creative ideas, make albums, perform, and create meaningful experiences for audiences. It also includes being able to teach and help others grow, which often brings me back to the fundamentals and keeps me connected to the core of what music is really about.
At the same time, success means having a balanced and sustainable life—being able to continue learning, taking lessons myself, and making space for things like reading, exercise, and staying healthy. When I have the freedom to create, the ability to help others, and a lifestyle that supports both, that’s what I consider success.
Pricing:
- Guitar Lessons Myrtle Beach (Instruction): Lessons typically range from $177–$497 per month depending on frequency (3–15 sessions per month) Most students fall into the $237–$297/month range Free introductory session available
- Dennis Winge Music (Live Performance): Solo guitar: typically starts around $300–$500 depending on event length and location Duos / small groups: generally $500–$1,200+ Full bands (weddings, corporate events, private parties): typically $1,500–$4,000+ Pricing varies based on ensemble size, duration, travel, and customization
Contact Info:
- Website: https://denniswinge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denniswingemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denniswingemusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGR2hFXs2i67vskFKWGRzw/videos
- Other: https://guitarlessonsmyrtlebeach.com/
