At Noteway, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that connect our students with the magic of music. Last week, we were thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Paul Sidoti, longtime guitarist and vocalist for Taylor Swift, who joined us to spend an afternoon talking music, swapping stories, and encouraging our students on their own musical paths.
Our students had the rare chance to talk directly with one of the industry’s top musicians, asking questions, sharing laughs, and hearing stories from his decades on stage.
From a Toy Guitar to the World Stage
Like many of our own students, Paul’s passion started right at home. He told our group, “My parents had a great record collection… It was Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road that really got me started.” After his mom noticed him strumming a toy guitar perfectly in rhythm, she knew what to do. “She took me to a music store and said, ‘He just loves music… can we start him on lessons?’” That single step set the stage for everything that followed, from playing in local bands at age 12 to eventually touring the world with the biggest names in music.
Paul’s Advice for a Career in Music
When asked about the key to a lasting career, Paul gave a simple answer. “I would say ten to fifteen percent is your playing ability,” he said. “The other eighty-five or ninety percent is who you are as a person… your responsibility, being on time, being easy to get along with.”
He also told students that experience comes from doing. Playing with others, learning new instruments, and trying new styles all build skill and confidence. “Try different things,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to explore.” It was a reminder that musicianship grows from curiosity as much as practice and his encouragement lit up the room.
Practice, Passion, and Joy
When students asked how to stay prepared and motivated, Paul talked about the value of enjoying the process and learning through mistakes. “Don’t be afraid to fail,” he said. “Failure is such a subjective word anyway.”
He explained that his best practice years came from following his interests. “I feel like the best year spent practicing was when I was playing stuff that I was so interested in… I just sat down and worked with it.” He also spoke about preparation and time management: “Manage your time… don’t wait till the last minute to learn material. I always rehearse it ad nauseum.”
Paul’s message felt right at home with how we teach at Noteway. We believe students thrive when they play music they love, learn from mistakes, and practice with consistency and joy.
Before signing off, Paul thanked the students for a great afternoon. “Thank you for having me,” he said. “This was a lot of fun.” His kindness and genuine enthusiasm made the visit feel special for everyone. As he wrapped up, he left our students with one clear message: don’t be afraid to fail, stay curious, and keep learning through the music you love.
Check out a short clip from Paul’s visit below:
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