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Learning to play an instrument can be enough of a challenge, even with the vital senses of sound, sight and touch.

But take away one of those senses and learning the notes and chords is even harder.

Don't tell Hunter Jozwiak that blindness is a barrier to learning the guitar. Jozwiak, 9, blind since birth, is learning to play the acoustic guitar through the Strings & Things Music Program at the Boys & Girls Club of the Tomah Area.

Strings & Things was started in memory of Justin Bosworth.

Jozwiak, the son of Jackie Brunke, is learning to play guitar under the private instruction of Trent Koput.

Koput donates his time to work with Jozwiak during his weekly lesson. With the help of a friend, Koput said he taught himself how to play guitar about 10 years ago. Along with teaching Jozwiak, Koput, a member of a local band called The Bonneville Roof Riders, also provides guitar lessons at the Boys & Girls Club through the Strings & Things program.

"He has his E and E-minor (chords)," Koput said. "Now he has been working on his C-chord."

Jozwiak, who will enter third-grade at Summit Elementary School in La Crosse this fall, has been a quick study feeling the guitar frets and his sense of touch to learn the chords.

"He is catching on really fast using the frets," Koput said.

Jozwiak concedes guitar was not his first choice for an instrument to learn. He was leaning toward the drums. Hunter's goal, he wants to learn how to play an AC/DC song.

"Rock and roll rocks," Jozwiak said as his face brightened up.

After he learns how to play acoustic guitar, Jozwiak said his next goal is to learn how to play electric guitar.

Scott Hood, education director at the Boys & Girls Club - and guitar player - is excited to see Jozwiak's progress with Koput's help.

"Hunter's vision is by his touch and sound," Hood said. "He has heightened awareness and focus."

Koput is not shy about expressing his bias toward stringed instruments.

"I think every kid should learn how to play guitar, Koput said.

With Jozwiak as an example, more just may listen to Koput's advice.