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,...

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.

I have 40 years of Music Educational experience. Starting with a B.A. in Music Education and a B.S. in Music Composition & Theory. Both degrees are from Eastern Washington University.

I had the pleasure of teaching at King's Schools in Seattle, and Christ the King Academy in Poulsbo, Washington with a total of 8 years between the two. This included teaching Beginning and Intermediate Band classes for Elementary students. Band classes for the Jr. High and High School, Jazz Ensembles, Brass Ensembles, Orchestra and String Ensembles.

I also taught Choir for Elementary, Jr. High and High School, along with a special Vocal Ensemble.

Another fun thing I got to do was also coach teams in football, baseball, gymnastics, track and golf.

Since my Senior year in College I have been teaching private music lessons on many instruments. Because of my musical training, I am able to play and teach on all the Band and Orchestra instruments, including Combo instruments.

Another...

I love to teach the violin and fiddle. I really enjoy working with adult beginners to help them discover music. You are never too old to learn! My specialty is working with young children to establish a wonderful foundation for the student with the violin and musicianship with both the violin and fiddle. I am a structured teacher who is helpful, friendly and fun to work with. In working with young children I encourage the parent to be involved with the lessons...to partnership, so that the child will progress and have an enjoyable experience. I use a modern approach in the use of teaching materials; books that inspire and encourage the student at his/her level and age group. Having taught several instruments during the past 15 years...I understand the importance of passing on musical knowledge to brave beginners who are starting out on the pathway to a musical life. Music lessons can be a wonderful "corner stone" and a building block to a person's life be they young or old,...