Beatles for breakfast: McKinney guitar guru returns to square for group lessons

Prosper resident Tish Vana enjoys living vicariously through her three daughters, Kaitlyn, Ashlyn and Madilyn, thanks to their guitar instructor John Wynn.

Sitting in his living room, he and Vana chat while the girls take turns doing homework and spending a few one-on-one moments for their musical lesson. Vana started each girl when they were six and, with the girls having just recorded their first song together with Wynn, has been very pleased with the results.

"He's a really patient guy and he enjoys helping them," Vana said. "For him this is a passion, not just a job."

Whether it's in a studio in historic downtown McKinney or out of his home, Wynn has been building a community of like-minded guitar enthusiasts for years. Wynn has mentored children like the Vana sisters, as well as novice adults. In fact, many of his students are children of pupils from years past who Wynn tutored when they were their age. Sometimes, the parents themselves even come back for more.

"It's a dream to watch them grow up," Wynn said. "The parents get involved, too. This isn't a drop your child off and go shopping thing. I'm not like that."

So with plans to reopen his studio in the works, he figured, what better way to carry on that tradition and celebrate a new chapter than with a little coffee and the classics?

People who like the Beatles and play guitar, or perhaps just want to learn more about the instrument, are encouraged to stop by Snug on the Square and join Wynn for his "Beatles for Breakfast" workshop. The workshop takes place on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. For $30, participants will receive materials for the class, as well as breakfast.

Tucked casually in the back area of the hip café off North Kentucky Street, Wynn will introduce a handful of the best of the Beatles music in a format for guitarists of all levels.

"The more we do these classes, the more I realize people are just interested in how the Beatles wrote their music," Wynn said. "I show them how they can make it a solo piece. We have people come all time who don't play who just want to learn something. We have a lot of fun."

Don't forget your acoustic guitar - but if you don't have one, Wynn said he'll more than likely have a few extra to spare.

"We'll have a great breakfast and then get right to work learning about the songs from a solo guitar perspective, and also from the accompaniment perspective," he said.

Having held these classes before at places like La Misha, Wynn said the gatherings are so much fun you don't even have to play the guitar to enjoy them.

"The plan is to invite folks to come listen, sing, play an instrument and just share the great energy that comes from this kind of event," Wynn said. "This is another way to get the artists [here] jazzed up a little bit."

Wynn started teaching in McKinney in 1999 and had a studio on the square for roughly 15 years, frequenting the coffee shops with just a song and his guitar. Three years ago he moved his lessons into his home, continuing his work with children and adults and helping them prepare for recitals throughout the city.

The Snug event marks another chapter for Wynn, as he prepares his return to the square next month with the McKinney Guitar Studio - located at 109 E. Virginia St. above Sharla's - set to open Jan. 12.

"The whole idea is to get people on the square engaged," Wynn said. "We have an interesting reason to come here, not just to shop. There's a social element on the square we want to be a part of."

For information or to reserve your spot for "Beatles for Breakfast," contact John Wynn at 972-832-1646 or em

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