Welcome to my Take Lessons Page:

I'm Jim, a concert pianist, vocalist, composer-arranger as well as California music industry artist developer and agent. As the founder of J. R. Spencer Music, coaching students of all ages/levels has been my passion for over twenty-five years. Teaching in college, high school, and private school settings have also allowed me the opportunity to perfect my teaching skills and be sensitive to the needs and learning styles of my students.

As a specialist and musicologist in a plethora of musical genres, I can help you quickly become a master of any style of music you are interested in. Pianists will have the opportunity to study traditional Classical repertoire, or study a more contemporary approach focusing on reading charts and playing by ear allowing students to perfect playing jazz, pop, rock, blues, New Age, and Latin. Vocalists may also study all genres including: Classical/Opera, Musical Theatre, Acting, American Idol/Glee Pop, Rock,...

I have been teaching individual and group lessons for 12+ years. Many of my students have won trophies at the Granquist music competition and also play in local youth orchestras. My own youth string ensemble plays publicly at many popular local venues several times a year. I enjoy exposing my students to the finer points of being a professional musician such as the camaraderie, team work, creativity (creating harmonies, tailoring arrangements to fit student’s level) and of course, stage presence. I am very proud of my students. It is so gratifying to see their confidence build with each new skill they master.

I want to share with you the skills it takes to play a simple song the very first lesson! We can then take it from there down any of the wonderful musical paths you choose, from playing for your own enjoyment, for your friends & family, all the way up to a crowd of thousands! I can show you how & why music works in an easy to understand way, & make it possible for you to continue on your own musical journey well equipped. I have taught all ages & styles of music on many instruments for many decades & never tire of sharing the joy of playing & understanding a musical instrument.

My musical history would have started probably officially at 7 with piano lessons, 8 at the ukulele, 11 on guitar, & these prepared me to take on the mandolin, banjo, fiddle bass & drums as an adult. I performed professionally in & recorded 2 albums with a progressive bluegrass band, 'The Nothin' Doin' Band' from the late '70s through the mid '80s, as well as regular gigs with country rock bands &...

I have been teaching private violin for over 20 years, and private viola/cello for about 10. I have taught in Charles and St. Mary's County Public schools. I am a member of American Strings Teacher's Association, National Association for Music Educators (Maryland Music Educators Association), and the Music Teachers National Association (Music Teachers Association of Charles County). As a teacher, I'm very student oriented. We move at your pace. The more you practice, the faster we move. I do encourage learning to read music, but I use multiple ways of teaching to reach my students. Everyone learns in a different way. My primary job is to see you achieve your goals in relation to your instrument. I also encourage that you take every opportunity to perform. There are many groups in the area that allow for different ages and styles of music. I can help you understand what is going on behind the music and hopefully see what the composer was hoping to convey, if that is something you...

I have a Master's Degree (2012) in teaching English to other language speakers, and Bachelors in Music Education (2010), both from Florida Atlantic University, as well as degree in violin performance from Poland.
I studied piano in Poland for 10 years & taught both piano & violin for over 20 years. I also teach flute & cello for the past 5 years, as I studied them during my Music Education program.

I teach music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am fan of the Essential Elements 2000 for violin, viola or cello, and the Alfred's Piano Library for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially made for adult learners.

I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach competition and the annual Piano Guild.
I teach any age and any level, and always stress that learning a...

As a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and New School University in New York City, I've performed in national tours and regional theatres in AZ, IN, OH, NY, NJ, TX, SC, and VA. Workshops and readings in NYC have given me different tools that are useful in today's quickly changing artistic world. My violin and I have also traveled the world with performances in France as well as touring the United States.

Zachary is a multi-talented teacher and performer. He teaches violin, piano, guitar, voice, mandolin, banjo and more. As a singer/ songwriter, he has released 3 cds, tours nationally with over 100 dates per year and has shared the stage with multiple multi-Grammy award winners. He is an inspirational and motivational based teacher; he will make you or your child LOVE making music rather than dreading their weekly lesson. He has a BA in music performance and has taught for 10 years. He is an exceptionally talented and in-demand teacher and performer.

Noted violinist and gifted educator. Studied with H. Harutyunyan and V. Khachatryan, students of the great violinist L. Kogan. Tigran N. has been teaching Violin and Viola to students of all ages for over 15 years. He received his Master's degree in Music Performance from The Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia and his Bachelor of Music from Babajanyan State Music College. In addition to teaching, he has performed and recorded with several orchestras, has composed and arranged several pieces including his own album. He is a highly educated individual who enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with students interested in learning.

Been playing the violin for over 40 yrs. Started in elementary school and held the coveted "Concert Master" designation all through high school. Been playing fiddle since 1985. Twenty years experience as a dance fiddler, and the last several years studying swing and traditional Irish. I play in three bands, all different genres.
I consider myself so lucky to be blessed to be playing an instrument. It is one of the best kept secrets to life. This is a point I like to stress to my students. It enhances your mind, you can make wonderful friendships with like minded people, and constantly learn new tunes and genres. It just keeps you young at heart. I love spreading the Gospel of music.I consider myself so lucky to be blessed to be playing an instrument. It is one of the best kept secrets to life. This is a point I like to stress to my students. It enhances your mind, you can make wonderful friendships with like minded people, and constantly learn new tunes and genres. It just keeps...

My journey with the guitar began 25 years ago and what a joy it has been! I play rock, celtic, and bluegrass guitar and especially appreciate finger style and classical guitar. Guitar is an integral part of almost all contemporary and popular music and it is a great instrument to bring the joy of playing music into your life! Rhythm is essential to my instruction and in just a few lessons students will be playing familiar songs and danceable rhythms.

I have been teaching violin, viola, cello, and piano for 12 years. I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio for Music Composition. I studied with Dr. Eugene Dowdy at UTSA for String Project. I have also taught for NISD, Boerne ISD, YOSA, and St. Philip's College.

A professional musician and music instructor for over 30 years, Mike has established himself as not only a world class player but also an excellent teacher of all ages and skill levels. He teaches for several area conservatories and hosts master classes on composition, performance, guitar and bass improvisation. Mike now offers lessons in his professional home studio.