James W
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Organ, Synthesizer, Recorder, Mallet Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul
James W
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Organ, Synthesizer, Recorder, Mallet Percussion
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BS, Syracuse University, Information Science with a focus on Electronic Music Jazz Studies from 1994 to 2006 with: Mark Bandt, www.markchristopherbrandt.com John Southard, www.johnsouthardpiano.com/ Jim Ridl, www.jimridl.com/
Awards:
1999-2002 Syracuse University Jazz Ensemble Piano Player
2004-2006 Alycat Band, Philadelphia PA
2004-2006 Steppin Razor Band, Philadelphia PA www.steppin-razor.com/
2007-Present The Heavy Pets, Fort Lauderdale FL www.theheavypets.com/
Overview:
I am a professional keyboard player from Philadelphia living in South Florida for the last 8 years. I have spent those last 8 years touring the country with The Heavy Pets and have logged over 1,0000 shows playing in front of countless audiences. My passion is focused around improvising and how it is applied to all sorts of different genres. I have played in professional bands whose styles cover rock, reggae, jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, country, electronic and pop music. Improvisation and soloing as well as jazz harmony have been a signature of my style through all of these jobs. I have studied music since childhood and the journey of knowledge continues through each day. My true passion for musical study started in 1995 when I started studying under Berklee College of Music graduate Mark Brandt. After learning about the freedom of expression found through improvising and jazz approach I was hooked for life.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching after graduating high school in 1999. I have had many levels and ages of students. I find that each student is on their own path of learning and private study is the best method of determining how to keep the students passion and motivation engaged at a successful level. I enjoy working with young children learning to read music to adults who want to hone thier craft of 'jamming in a band'. I believe the secret to improvement is playing everyday, even if it is just for 5-10 minutes. As far as studying a improvisation, listening to music is another secret that can not be overestimated. Passion for playing music must stem from a passion of listening and enjoying music. I have various lesson plans to get peoples facility on their instrument to the level of playing what they 'hear in their head'. These lesson plans alternate between melody, rhythm, and harmonic study as well as creation and composition.
METHODS USED
I create lesson plans for students based off of their passions. If a younger child has never read music before, success is usually found in working with music that they are interested in. If a student is beginning to study improvisation a similar approach is used with styles of soloists that they are very familiar with. Learning must be fun and it must improve ones understanding of the subject at the same time if it is to be rewarding. As a professional musician my schedule can be sporadic as I'm on the road. To account for this I'm available online when i'm away and am very flexible with times when I am home.
LESSON STYLE
My teaching style is always based around engagement. Letting the student select what he/she wants to learn is paramount to any style of study. I have found that my best teachers played as much as i did during lessons, and not just played but really showed their passion for playing! This is very important to show a student. You only have more and more fun the more you play.
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