James W
Instruments: Piano, Synthesizer, Mallet Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Avant-garde
James W
Instruments: Piano, Synthesizer, Mallet Percussion
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Artist Diploma, Thelonious Monk Institute - USC, Jazz Performance MM, University of New Orleans, Jazz Performance BM, Loyola University, Jazz Performance
Reader Poll Nominee: Vibraphonist of the Year - Downbeat Magazine
Critics Poll Nominee: Rising Star Vibes - Downbeat Magazine
Best of the Beat Award Nominee - Offbeat Magazine
ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Contest Finalist
Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Participant - Kennedy Center
I am a pianist and mallet percussionist. I grew up playing piano and percussion and double majored in both instruments in college. I work primarily a pianist in town but will occasionally go on the road as a jazz vibraphonist with various groups. I've toured playing various genres with several bands in over four continents. I have also taught as an adjunct professor at two different universities. As a performer my greatest accomplishments have been performing with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, and Kenny Garrett.
My experience as a teacher has been varied. I have taught private lessons to ages 8-14, taught music at the high school level for 3 years, and recently taught as an adjunct professor at the university level. At one point my wife an I owned a Music Together Franchise where we taught music to toddlers with their gaurdians. Needless to say I have taugh music to a wide range of students. It's been gratifying to see my former students out in the professional world touring and performing.
As a piano instructor I like to work beginers through a few books that have both a visual and comprehensive element which accomodates various learning styles. I continue with intermediate students teaching them scales, arpeggios, chords, jazz/pop harmony (if they wish to persue that), sonatinas (if they wish to persue that route as well), and other repertoire that they want to learn. From there we focus on the style and genre the student gets more enjoyment playing in.
Music inspires every human being in some capacity. Not everybody can appreciate all genres of music. While there are melodies and harmonies that are pivitol for creating a strong foundation as a musician, I prefer to work with the student in a genre that will inspire the student to want to practice. If there is desire to practice, the student will continue to grow musically. Therefore, I don't want to force a student to play Mozart when it might be the music of Bruce Hornsby that inspires the student to live another day and vice versa.
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