James B
5.0
(3)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, French Horn, Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Latin, Showtunes, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
James B
5.0
(3)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, French Horn, Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Blues, Latin, Showtunes, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 9-80
Bachelors Degree in Music Education: Western CT State College
Masters Degree in Music Education: Western CT State College
Concert Master (first chair clarinet) of the college Wind Ensemble which was the advanced instrumental group.
First chair tenor saxophone in the college Jazz Ensemble.
I teach piano, and voice, as well as all of the Band instruments.
I have been teaching for more than 30 years, mostly in the public schools as well as privately. I have instructed large groups and ensembles, as well as smaller musical groups in and out of the public schools. Performing in various Jazz groups throughout the state has enhanced my teaching knowledge in the field of music education. My Masters degree in music education has enabled me to develop as a well rounded instrumental music teacher, and also as a flexible individual when it comes to understanding my students' musical needs. It is this vast experience which enables me to educate people with an open minded manner.
I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. I always play my instrument along with the student so that he/she can hear how the music is supposed to be played in regards to the notes as well as the rhythm! This way, we all have fun learning!
My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. My methods used for all string instruments are the Essential Elements for Strings, as they are once again the very best books in regards to presentation of musical concepts, logical teaching sequence, and ease of comprehension for the student.
The student decides how fast he/she will progress by practicing very hard, or by working at a more moderate pace. Once again, I always participate in the learning process, as this method of teaching will enhance the private lesson, and a mutual enjoyment and respect will develop! The student must convey to me what he/she desires to focus on, and there will be a "win/win" situation which is always preferred. Of course, I am very relaxed when I teach, and as a result I can create a very informal atmosphere for the student, which encourages a comfortable learning environment!
Daniel Mathieu
Jim is a terrific instructor who tailors the way he teaches off of the student themselves rather than just a predetermined curriculum; allowing his students to determine their own learning pace while still directing them towards success. He is an extremely passionate instructor, bringing his seemingly limitless knowledge and love of music into the teaching environment while guiding the student on their musical journey. I could tell he was very experienced just from the when we first began talking and another thing is that he seriously cares for his students, allowing them to contact him and sometimes even willing to go outside of paid hours to help his students. Jim is very open, and in that way I can see a variety of students being able to succeed by his methods. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed everything he has done for me, and I don't see that changing at any point in the future! I would absolutely recommend Jim to any student seeking out an instructor!
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