About Adam Hager

My interest in the guitar goes back pretty far. I spent much of my preschool years strumming on a toy guitar and singing hymns I learned at church. As I grew older my desire to really learn to play the guitar grew as well. When I was six Mom and Dad decided to give guitar lessons a try, and I began taking lessons from Mary Palla, a friend from church. I started playing my Dad’s “Norma” that he had when he was a kid, but it just wouldn’t stay in tune. The following Christmas they bought me a little “Prelude.”

I stuck with it and started to progress. Soon I was playing at a few churches in the area and occasionally at special events.After a few years of lessons and a “Washburn” guitar I started studying under Robin Kessinger. Robin introduced me to many fiddle tunes and techniques that helped me begin to develop my own style. In a couple years I got up enough courage to enter my first contest. The 2003 Vandalia Gathering Flatpick Guitar Contest in Charleston, West Virginia. I didn’t place, but I knew there was always next year. In 2004 after stepping up to a “Larrivee” guitar I won my first contest in Roscoe Village.

Since then, I’ve competed in many more contests in West Virginia, and surrounding states. Although I’ve placed in many of them, and have even taken a couple state titles, competing just gives me a reason to practice. In the eleven years I’ve been playing, my primary goal is still the same: that God would use me to be a blessing to those who hear me play. I have met many new faces and made countless friends. It is a neat experience getting to connect with people through music.

I stay fairly busy playing music. I travel around competing in contests, I’ve played on the radio and on stage, appeared on TV, play gospel music in church occasionally and am currently instructing over 30 guitar students. Currently, I am in the process of recording a CD, which I hope to release soon.

Although I’m now playing a “Martin”, I still have the note that was slid under the strings of the Prelude guitar I received for Christmas. It reads, “May God bless your hands to glorify the Lord.” Ten years later, I can see that He has indeed. God has given me a unique talent that I hope to use to be a blessing to you and the many others that enjoy my music.

Mountain Music Heritage – A podcast I produced about me and my guitar.

Listen to my guest appearance on Red Barn Radio.

Adam Hager & Friends on Red Barn Radio Nov. 5, 2008
My latest appearance on the show joined by my friends Swanagan and Elijah Ray.

Contact me