James A
Instruments: Piano, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, R&B, Gospel, Showtunes, Spirituals, Soul
James A
Instruments: Piano, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Country, R&B, Gospel, Showtunes, Spirituals, Soul
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 12-80
Independent Study, Michigan State University, Music Theory Independent Study, Interlochen Music Camp, Double Bass Associates Degree, Mott Community College, Piano BA, University of Michigan, Music Education MS, University of Bridgeport, Education
1968-City Of Flint, Public School Award For Outstanding Music Composition 1969-Michigan State University Scholarship for Music Composition 1975-Invitation to audition for the Juilliard School of Music, Piano & Music Composition
I started as a very motivated child in the 2 nd grade and became a student of a famous professional performer. I loved Music and the Piano, studied violin, cello, and double bass. I performed often in local concerts, theatre, and went on a tour around the State of Michigan, during High School. I was accepted as a protege at a University when I was 16; Michigan State University. I studied Music Theory & Composition and began having my own compositions played by area musicians. I can write for a full orchestra at the professional level. I preferred Piano and Double Bass and went on to study Bass Guitar. I love all styles of music and want to have fun teaching students.
My approach to teaching is to be creative, spontaneous, and use advanced psychological skills to make it fast and easy. Styles of teaching depends on what the student wants. For Classical and advanced piano, our lessons are more structured and we strive for technique that will appear in advanced situations. For those who want to relax, enjoy music and be creative, I enjoy teaching various styles of playing and improvising that makes the experience fun and adventurous. Helping students create goals is important. Teaching them techniques to master the instrument and reach those goals is a strength I have as a teacher. Music should be fun and being around the music world can be inspirational, whether it is at school, college, church, or in a local band. Music touches our spirit and can make us happy. If you are smiling and feeling satisfied, I have been a good coach!
My teaching tools include some of the well known basic instruction books and I add to that with student-specific exercises and assignments. I like to see some playing, learn technique & music theory, but like to apply everything to something useful to the student. Each instrument has challenges and their own personality. The process of learning how to enjoy and master that instrument comes from thorough understanding of its history in music and how to make it wonderful. Being creative in the lesson makes the whole experience a lot of fun for both of us!
It is important to understand what motivates a student to learn something. Understanding what is creating that relationship between the student and that instrument is important to understand. I encourage learning how to set goals and plot them against a calendar. Identifying short and long term goals helps us have a target to aim for even if it is years away. This style of planning creates a sense of time and helps you see just how it is going. It helps us reach the target more easily and you will feel like you really accomplished something!
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