Our Story

Family-owned and operated, Bojangles Music School has connected Houstonians to music lessons and other events since 2007. We offer one-on-one instruction on rock-and-roll instruments, as well as full-band lessons for students ready to begin collaborating with other players. An emphasis on industry-leading pay for teachers and the ideal blend of joy and fundamentals for students sets Bojangles apart. 

Founded by Shawn Parks, Bojangles began as a one-man guitar school, traveling from home to home in Houston, specializing in lessons for beginners. As Shawn’s client roster grew, he welcomed additional instructors, whom he recruited from Houston’s rich local music scene. Top players and performers including Will Van Horn, Paul Beebe, John Egan, Matt Harlan, and others have all served as Bojangles teachers, creating a unique ecosystem that connects the city’s professional and aspiring artists. 

Bojangles found its own home at the legendary Rockin’ Robin Guitars & Music in November 2014. There, Shawn continued to build upon his vision of a community music school, which prioritizes recruiting top teachers and paying them well, along with customized lesson plans for students. The Bojangles pedagogy chooses fun over excellence, without forsaking the techniques, habits, and broader theoretical understandings that create a skilled player’s foundation. 

Over the last several years, Bojangles’ scope has expanded. Bojangles Presents is the arm of the company that produces beloved events such as A Night for Guy, Houston’s annual celebration of the life and songs of Guy Clark. The first annual A Day for Guy, featuring performances by Bojangles students at the Continental Club, debuted in the fall of 2022.

Today, Shawn operates Bojangles with the help of his wife, Liz Parks. A Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 nod recognized Shawn as a top Houston entrepreneur in 2020, while he also remains an active and in-demand teacher, primarily focused on acoustic guitar for beginners.

In August of 2022, Shawn and Liz launched Bojangles Heights, the school’s new flagship location. Red-letter instructors joined the team, including Hunter Perrin, Nick Zamora, Katie Rushing, Willy T. Golden, Chapman Welch, Darion Waddler, and more. The art-filled space pays tribute to musical heroes and Houston itself, while providing all ages and skill levels the best instruction in the city.

Bojangles Students Sound Off

  • "If you're looking for a music teacher in Houston, this is the way to go. I am so glad I decided to pick guitar back up in my 30's, and no way I would have gone anywhere else. The staff is so knowledgable and lessons are personalized to the student. Plus, it's a Houston institution."

    Grace G.

  • "We are super happy with Bojangles Music School––particularly Shawn! My son started guitar lessons 1 year ago through school. His previous instructor used a guitar lesson book which was fine but he seemed more concerned about moving through the book versus teaching good fundamentals and technique. We switched over to Bojangles in September, and I have already seen a huge improvement with my son––not only from a technical perspective, but his engagement level is much higher as well."

    Reagan W.

  • "So happy and satisfied to have met Shawn Parks and Bojangles Music School. He is great teacher who took me from never touching a guitar to playing "Blackbird" in no time at all. Couldn't be more patient and makes the whole learning process fun and exciting!"

    Brad N.