JoAnne Landry received the compliment of a lifetime when the famous fingerstyle guitarist Tommy Emmanuel complimented her playing abilities.

The hometown music teacher had the chance to meet the acclaimed musician while attending a fingerstyle course at Guitar Workshop Plus in Oakville earlier this summer. Her blossoming career in music was sparked by a “leap of faith” about two years ago — following that faith has proved effective for Landry.

The local guitar player and instructor had studied at the institution before, but had opted out of classes for about a year.

“Something brought me back this year,” she said.

That “something” was realized the moment she met Emmanuel. Landry said there was an instant musical connection between the two, which only grew when the pro led a Masterclass during Landry's workshop.

When he told the class that they'd be performing one-at-a-time, Landry experienced a moment of panic before instinct took over.

“My heart kind of skipped a beat,” she said. By the time it was her turn, the nerves had been replaced by the desire to play — something Landry knows and loves.

She calls working with Emmanuel “one of the biggest highlights of my musical journey.”

When he called her “a very good guitarist,” her motivation skyrocketed. Now that she is back home, she is anxious to pass along the skills she learned to her students.

“That's what teaching is about,” she said. “It makes you a better player to teach.”

Doing what she loves helps, too.

“I'm living my passion,” she said.

For more information about Landry, visit her website at www.joannelandry.ca.

Posted by Arron Pickard