How I Found Freedom and Purpose at the Galloup School

By Cooper Wentz

When I first stepped into the Galloup School in early 2020, I wasn’t exceptional. I wasn’t a prodigy, nor was I the kind of standout student you’d expect to thrive in such a competitive and specialized environment. But I was persistent, friendly, and open to self-improvement—and that, coupled with being in the right place at the right time, set me on an entirely unpredictable path.

I was a poor student of traditional schooling in every sense. I didn’t thrive academically, and I felt socially insecure because of it. I hated doing work I didn’t care about, resented the endless pressure to conform to success metrics that felt completely arbitrary, and absolutely could not stand having people—especially teachers—constantly in my business. The structure of this education seemed to stifle every bit of creativity or individuality I had. There was a lot of “don’t draw in your notes” and “why are you doing that as opposed to homework.” This made work and play feel completely opposed to one another. Every day felt like a battle to get through something I despised, and the more I struggled, the more I felt like the problem was me.

When I found Galloup, everything changed. For the first time, I was immersed in work I loved. It terrified me. I knew I couldn’t go back to the life I hated—I wouldn’t go back. That fear turned into an unyielding determination to succeed, no matter the cost. And there was a cost. Frugality became my norm. My life’s work became my singular focus. I was, and still absolutely am, willing to do anything to keep my work and play married. There is nothing I want more.

COVID-19 disrupted the world, and Galloup School wasn’t immune. Lockdowns created a shift in apprentices and instructors, leaving the school needing help. It was this fortuitous mix of circumstance and timing that opened a door for me, a door I pushed my way through with determination. I wasn’t brought onto Galloup’s team because I was an exemplary guitar builder—I wasn’t. But I was certainly willing, able, and completely committed to making it work. And it has been working; due in large part to an intense degree of self-possession I had honed over years of hating what I did, and, to be perfectly candid, resenting life. Before Galloup, I’d resigned myself to the belief that disliking work and academics was just a part of life. 

Meeting Bryan Galloup only solidified my resolve. Bryan, like me, was an individualist—an autodidactic entrepreneur who had built his life around doing what he loved. His mantra, “It’s not about guitars,” resonated deeply. I understood it immediately: It isn’t about guitars; it’s about freedom—the freedom to pursue work and a life you love. I knew I needed his mentorship. That required making myself known and indispensable. I apprenticed for two years, using my remaining college savings to stay afloat. I worked tirelessly, creating videos, running a hat-and-t-shirt side hustle, and doing whatever I could to contribute. When an instructor position opened, I seized the opportunity.

In the three years since, my career has taken off. I’ve secured a provisional patent alongside Bryan, saved and invested shrewdly, expanded the school’s social media from 4,000 to 36,000 followers, and started a rapidly growing subscription based online lutherie curriculum. I’ve helped develop calculators to solve for the fundamental material properties of wood, managed the school’s SEO, and started extracurricular classes. In short, I’ve optimized my life and focus to become a major driver at the Galloup School.

Much of this success is owed to Bryan Galloup himself. He gave, and still continues to give, the mentorship I need. Bryan himself is like a mountain—a relentless challenge that demands everything you have to give. He is unmoving, unyielding, and although he wishes success for all his students, he is entirely indifferent to whether or not you attempt the climb. He isn’t going to make it easy, nor is he going to meet you halfway. If you want to succeed, you have to push yourself every step of the way, through frustration, exhaustion, and moments of doubt. But if you have the endurance, if you can persevere and make it to the top, the view is unlike anything else. The satisfaction of having overcome such a monumental challenge is life-changing. And while he is abundantly generous, Bryan doesn’t just hand you anything; he forces you to earn it. And in the process, he shapes you into someone stronger, sharper, and more determined than you ever thought possible. His mentorship isn’t just guidance—it is a test of your will, which is the most valuable experience I could have ever asked for. 

My story is not one of natural talent or extraordinary skill—it’s one of persistence, determination, and a refusal to let go of what I love. I’ve learned that success isn’t about being exceptional—it’s about finding your passion, committing to it wholeheartedly, and being willing to climb your own mountains.

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