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Learn Guitar with James

⭑5.0 (10)
💰$88 weekly lessons

Please note that in-person lessons are available only for NYC residents. However, online lessons are available for anyone.*** —all ages, skill levels, and musical styles! I also encourage my in-person students to perform at events I host. ​ Lessons can be: [1] remote via Zoom [2] at my music studio (2 Prince St, Brooklyn) [3] at your home. ​ I have 20 years of experience teaching students of all levels, from beginners and group classes in school music programs to conducting jazz workshops at conservatories and teaching advanced adults regularly performing. ​ No matter the students' level, my focus is not just on WHAT to play on the guitar; I emphasize a step-by-step process regarding HOW to practice the concept, deconstruct the core issue, improve the fundamental skills, and ultimately experience a lifetime of joy that music brings. ​ Beginner students will immediately learn songs from their favorite artists while developing the correct fundamentals. Experienced students will be assisted in refining their existing techniques, understanding, and practices while still being challenged to develop new skills and update their goals. ​ Topics include: -Technique/Chops/Picking/Lead guitar/'Shred'... -Chords/Songs/Riffs/Strumming/Rhythm... -Playing genres (jazz, rock, pop, classical, metal) stylistically/blending disciplines/improvisation... -Scales/Fretboard knowledge/Reading music... -Theory/Composition/Songwriting/History... -Development of practice routines/performing and recording... ​ I am privileged to have studied and performed with some of the world's most elite musicians, with my study with late jazz guitar greats John Abercrombie and Vic Juris being experiences I am incredibly thankful for and models I emulate when helping others. Forging connections with students and assisting in their musical development is the most rewarding aspect of my work. I look forward to hearing from you!

Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Kids, Adults, Seniors
📝Master's Degree
🔥10 Lessons
✨Jazz
✨Travels to you
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Reviews

Total reviews10
Average rating
5.0
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.

Locations

These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:
1 location available
Personal Studio - Prince Street

2 Prince St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

477.8 miles away
Outdoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.

Availability

These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.
sundays
8 AM - 8 PM
mondays
8 AM - 8 PM
tuesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 8 PM
fridays
8 AM - 8 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM

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