James W

5
5.0 (45)

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Music, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul, Punk

Where I Teach:

Online

Ages Taught: 5-80

Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT

Degrees / Training / Special Info:

Bachelor Degrees in Performance and Music Business - Berklee College of Music

Awards:

Top 3 Finalist, 2017 Enlightened Piano Radio Solo Piano Awards, (performance at Grand Ole Opry)

Semi-Finalist, 2017-2018 American Prize Competition, Solo Piano Performance

First Prize, 2016 Miami/Dade Theater & Art Lovers Community talent show

First Prize in Advanced Fingerstyle Guitar, 2014 Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest

1998 - Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

Overview:

Thanks for checking out my profile! Music is my passion and I love to share it. I especially love working with beginners. Music can be challenging, but if you're ready to work hard I'll do my best to make it easier. I've taught 14,000+ hours of piano and guitar since beginning in 2009. My youngest student ever was 4, and my oldest was in his 80's! I've played music my entire life, starting with piano at age 7. I was an award-winning Classical pianist, but majored on guitar in college. I've played most styles of music, but my favorites are Classical, Rock, Pop, and Metal. (Yes, Metal; though I may not look it;) Outside of teaching, I'm an active professional musician and solo artist.

EXPERIENCE

I began teaching in 2009, doing group and private lessons. I found individual instruction to be more effective, and have worked regularly for private studios, other online services, and as a freelance teacher. Every lesson I ever had as a student, every performance I've ever given, and every lesson I've given all add up into the experience I bring into my work as a teacher now. Some of the most important things I've learned are: 1.) Regular, daily practicing is the most crucial element to success. 2.) Take the time to address details and get them right, no matter how long it takes. If you skip them early on you'll regret it later. 3.) Every student is different, and no one structure will work for everybody. A teacher must be flexible and always keep the student's best interest in mind.

METHODS USED

There are so many method books available for piano and guitar that it can become overwhelming. Ultimately, they're all teaching the same information, but these are the ones I have settled on: 1.) For children and teenage beginners on piano I prefer Faber, and occasionally the D'Auberge method 2.) For adult beginners on piano I like the Bastien method 3.) For all guitar students I generally use the Hal Leonard method and/or Basix Tab method. For those more interested in Classical guitar I like the Christopher Parkening method (but I don't specialize in Classical instruction). Of course, these are only starting materials, and other music will be introduced depending on a student's individual goals and progress. I approach my lessons with a philosophy of "Teach a student what they want, while instilling the fundamentals they need."

LESSON STYLE

I strive to maintain a high standard of excellence, while keeping instruction rewarding and fun. I'm not a strict taskmaster who gives orders. Instead, I want to inspire my students through positive reinforcement that reveals their own capabilities. I don't focus on specific styles of music. Instead, I use established teaching methods to build strong foundations in technique and theory. Pupils can then apply these to any style of their choosing. I mold my approach to suit each individual’s needs and goals; but always with the same friendly and patient demeanor. I want every student to achieve their musical potential in a relaxed atmosphere. I'm constantly preaching "Believe in yourself, keep trying, and eventually you will be able to do it."

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

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RATING & REVIEWS

5.0 (45)

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(45)

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Richard S.

I started piano lessons with James almost two years ago. I am a senior and did not have any knowledge of music. James has been patient , encouraging and instructive..I would recommend him heartily to anyone.

Vivian Guzman

I am an older student, probably James' oldest student, that initially started taking guitar lessons with James and now takes both guitar and piano lessons. Learning or re-learning to play an instrument as an adult, the case for me with the piano, there is one quality aside from the obvious that is needed and that is patience and motivation. James has both and understands the time constraints adults have versus children when it comes to finding time to practice. He keeps it interesting and allows me pick the songs I want to learn to play. Even now as I am learning bar chords, a bit challenging for me, I pick the songs and James creates the bar chords to help me learn the song. If you are an adult or older and have ever wanted to learn to play the guitar or piano or possibly re-start your lessons after an extended hiatus, James is the piano or guitar teacher for you. If you have children that want to learn the guitar or piano, I also highly recommend him. I believe I am starting my 3rd year with James so that should speaks volumes about him.

Nina Burgos

Mr. James is an excellent piano teacher. He is attentive, patient, and kind. At the same time, he is able to push his students so that they meet their potential. My 8-year-old daughter has been studying with him for over a year and we cannot imagine her learning from anyone else

Colin Knight

James taught one of my sons guitar and the other piano for over a year. He’s a great musician (buy his CD’s!) and a patient teacher. He’s methodical but fun.

Arthur Boydon

I am 75 years old and have always wanted to sit and play a song. I called James and explained my problem. He agreed to be my teacher and I am completely pleased with my decision. After 4 months I am playing songs which I never dreamed I would be doing. Great teacher and great personality.

Maura

“My grandson is very excited about going to his piano lessons. He is even more excited about doing his piano homework. James takes the time to explain what is needed. He works at the child’s level.”

Sofya

Mr. James W is a great teacher! I am learning so much and becoming better at piano. I'm improving my skills with every lesson and I will continue taking lessons with James. I highly recommend him!!

Beth Crockett

“James is an excellent guitar teacher and talented musician in his own right. His teaching style is easy to follow and the classes are enjoyable. Thank you James!”

J.Z.

“James is a patient, respectful, kind, and very knowledgeable piano tutor. I took weekly lessons with James for over four months while we lived in the same city, and I can confidently recommend him to any person, regardless of age or skill level. He has an exceptional listening ability and knows just the right corrections and suggestions to help you improve during your individual practice. I went from a absolute beginner player without the ability to read sheet music to a slightly intermediate level with almost complete sheet music literacy. Thank you again James!” – J.Z.

Yvette Rodriguez

My son has been taking virtual piano lessons with James since 2022, and the progress he's made is incredible. Having transitioned from another school, James has truly helped him take his piano and musical skills to the next level. He is patient, knowledgeable, and knows how to engage students in a way that makes learning fun and effective. I highly recommend James to anyone looking for a great piano teacher!

Michelle Vidal

James has been a diligent, professional, and consistent teacher for my two children. My first child started piano with him in-person and transition to virtual lessons when he was 6 years old. Over the past 7 years, his mastery of reading music and technique has grown significantly. My son decided to change to guitar now that he is a teenager, and James has remained his teacher and he has eased into the new instrument well, due to his understanding of music. My 2nd child has been taking piano lessons with James for 6 years, and he has also grown significantly. We initially placed our kids into music lessons because we wanted them to have an understanding of music. While they have no interest in learning music more formally, I have no doubt that they could audition for any magnet program with comfort because they'll be able to read and play. They have learned discipline through regular practice and they have grown in confidence because they understand what it feels like to work on progressively harder technique. James is patient and very reliable (more reliable than us, for sure). He feels like a part of the family, and we are excited for our third child to begin lessons with him when she turns 6. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!

Trevor Jones

Fantastic instructor. My son always looks forward to the lessons.

Jasmine Yang

Our daughter started virtual piano lessons with James during the pandemic when she was 8 and has continued for 4 years. He's an encouraging instructor but also challenges her to play with proper technique and musicality. We aren't in the Miami area so have continued virtually. I've asked my daughter if she'd prefer to change to an in person instructor but she likes James so much she doesn't want to switch. Definitely consider him if you're looking for a piano teacher.

T.J. Whipple

James has been teaching our son for the past few years (we started around age 7). He is very patient with our son and is really invested in his success. James is great at encourages our son to practice and keeps him moving forward by gently pushing. Our son is always learning new songs, skills, and techniques that he enjoys playing and sharing. James has good communication and reasonable hours. We definitely recommend him as a piano instructor.

Carolee Bull

I am an adult learner who started taking guitar lessons in April 2020! Now it is September bet 2024 and I am still taking lessons from James W. each week, with no plans to stop. I started as a sit around the fire and strum Girl Scout songs type player. If it had standard chords and strumming, I could play a version of it. I have advanced to an intermediate guitarist able to play short classical, blues, rock and blues solos. I now take my guitar everywhere and play with others. James is the perfect instructor for adults and youngsters alike. His patience and attention to detail have encouraged my improvement. I especially appreciate his willingness to dig in and help me to revise small passages to ensure that I understand and master the music. As a really busy person, I also appreciate that in the weeks that I haven't practiced much, I still appreciate my classes. This is because James will help me to improve during my lesson regardless of how much progress I made during the week. Of course he is able to help me advance more quickly if I have had the chance to practice each day that week. I broke my left arm in September 2021 and couldn't play for 8 weeks. I didn't stop my lessons. Instead, I took advantage of James' expertise in music theory. Taking the time to understand chord construction and keys took me to another level. I appreciate and enjoy my guitar playing infinitely more than I used to. I attribute my renewed love of the guitar to James W's lessons.

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