Reputation
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George C
•Lessons taken: 1
Several years ago, I began my journey to play guitar at the relatively late age of 63, wondering whether I really could do this. When I became James’ student, the answer started to become clear. Yes, I could. And, I believe, so could anyone, and especially anyone fortunate enough to have James as his/her guide. I began learning in person with James, and then the pandemic forced us right away into remote teaching (moreover, I relocated out of NYC). No problem! I haven’t missed a beat (first unintended pun) being a remote student for the past nearly 3 years; James can readily see my technique, and accurately hear me play (it amazes me how he hears perfectly whether I hit the correct note or strummed the correct strings). Some may find learning guitar comes naturally, but for me it requires considerable effort. Yet, it is effort that is always fun and rewarding, never feels like work, and I credit James for helping to make it so. James will tell me that I’m the one doing the work and deserve to feel proud of what I’ve accomplished, but James is totally instrumental (second pun acknowledged) in my growth. I look forward eagerly to our weekly lessons and continue to be delighted by and grateful for what James teaches me. He is gentle, patient, encouraging and inspiring, while being very clear about what I need to do to improve and firmly guiding me. There’s a comfortable space where James will both seek my input on what to work on and take me where he knows I should and can go. He has gotten me to achieve numerous “breakthroughs” in my playing ability, and most importantly, he has greatly enhanced my enjoyment of and enthusiasm for the instrument. I recently played a repertoire of songs for family and friends, and took delight in their delight. On top of it all, James is simply a warm, engaging and terrific guy, with a big heart and love for teaching. I highly recommend James as a teacher to anyone who wants to learn and grow as a musician…no matter your level or whenever you start!
Hannah C
•Lessons taken: 1
I've been playing guitar for a few years by way of attempting to teach myself. I knew that I wanted to get past the plateau in my progress and I am so happy that I found James! I have gotten an incredible amount of value and growth out of my lessons with him. He has so much guitar knowledge and skill and teaches in a way that makes things click! For example, he has helped me begin to feel like I can play music and in front of groups of people and has helped me get in touch with a natural musical sense (as opposed to thinking a lot and trying really hard) while playing guitar. He has never missed or been late to a lesson and sends handwritten PDFs summarizing the lesson and things to practice after we meet. I feel like I found the best guitar teacher out there- highly recommend!
Heather F
•Lessons taken: 1
He's always energetic and fully present during our lessons. It's clear he's invested in his students and passionate about guitar, and in turn, it makes me more passionate about the craft. My weekly lessons are super convenient - he has a dedicated music space, fully equipped, located in a cute, central neighborhood in Brooklyn. He has superhuman patience with me and is very encouraging, which I so appreciate. He meets me where I'm at, skill wise, and works with me to improve from wherever my starting point is. He's helped me improve my strumming, dexterity, songwriting, and understanding of music theory. Also, he's taught me to embrace the PROCESS of learning guitar, and to take the pressure off myself to be perfect - playing guitar is supposed to be fun!
Steven L
•Lessons taken: 1
James has been an integral part of our three boys' musical education for more than five years. Our eldest, now 13, started with James when he was eight and our middle and youngest boys started soon after when they were just six. Whether in-person or online (online lessons were a fantastic option during COVID and even now when the boys' schedules get hectic), James not only gets the boys engaged in what they're playing, but also provides them a framework for appreciating a wide variety of musical styles. We would absolutely recommend James for folks of all ages looking to pick up the guitar for the first time as well as folks that want someone to help refine their existing skills.
Albert C
•Lessons taken: 1
I've had individual in-person, remote and ensemble sessions with James. I've been with him for over 3 years. He has expertly and patiently coached me along and helped get me out of TAB/box shapes to modes, arpeggios, etc. by introducing me to theory and making it easy to understand, as I was very intimidated by it. James has taken me from being a beginner to playing some jazz, reading music and playing in bands. We've even done a gig or two. I highly recommend James to anyone at any level, as he is a great teacher...and a great human being.
JD R
•Lessons taken: 1
James has taught our tween/teen daughter for several years. He'd done an amazing job of teaching her music theory and fundamentals but making it FUN. She's excited to play, excited to put what's she's learning to use (I don't think she knows she's learning music theory, she thinks shes just learning some new song she discovered on Tik Tok.) James also thoroughly prepared her for her music auditions for LaGuardia and Frank Sinatra High Schools (she got into Sinatra and attends). Definitely recommend James!
JW
Guitar with James W.⭑ 5.0 (10 reviews)
