James A
Instruments: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Gospel
James A
Instruments: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Gospel
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
Christian Business Administration with emphasis in Music Ministry
I have rehearsed with some truly seasoned musicians including my friends Mr. Don Thigpen and John (Hollywood) Bridgewater. I have also played with countless local musicians in the Kansas City area.
At a very young age I was fascinated with hearing guitar solo's and listening to guitar parts by all the legends. Eventually after working with a classical guitar that my sister had, I purchased a Harmony guitar from a friend of my dad's (John "Hollywood" Bridgewater). Whenever I would meet musicians in school that played we would get together and trade licks. That eventually turned into me teaching all my guitar playing friends licks. Now, I'm still trading licks with guitarist all the time from all over Kansas City. I enjoy teaching and seeing students faces go from perplexed to confused and then excited when they absolutely nail a lick. It's a true blessing to do what I already love doing for a living!
I like the the traditional music theory method of learning and how it utilizes a musical environment, it's not just about guitar it's about absorbing musical harmonies and finding where it is your piece will fit. Personally, I know that a good guitarist can be trained but great guitarist have a thirst for it. Everybody is going to mess up so their is no sense in talking about how bad or how good someone is. Playing guitar is all about learning and finding that niche that is different with every player.
Anybody can learn a few chords but its about how you play those chords and riffs. I'm a firm believer that as guitarists we are to internalize the music. If a guitarist doesn't feel what he's doing then why would the crowd? I'm also a positive reinforcement type of person in general. Regardless of what it is, people need to be encouraged. Playing guitar, even for somebody who is completely in love with playing, can be extremely frusterating at times. My teaching is all about customizing the lessons to fit the students strong points while developing the musical foundation that will springboard the guitarist interest in diving deeper into the theoretical aspect. Also, learning to play with other instruments is important for growth and development.
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