Private Guitar tutoring lessons Edgewood, MD.

comfortable teaching most styles, including R&B, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Funk, Rock and Metal. I try to encourage all students to learn the basics of music theory, so you can understand the music you learn.

-I use a wide range of method books. I also use books that I have authored, which have been used in music programs in Baltimore area private schools and charter schools.

ears. His students generally range anywhere from 4-70+ years old and come from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of proficiency, from basic beginners to advanced. Some of his students have also gone on to pursue careers in music, others have just learned as a hobby, and some have been somewhere in between the two. All are welcome!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in living room with couches, chairs, cables/amps, as well as extra guitars (acoustic and electric) and a bass guitar, if needed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide amps and stands, etc if needs be. However, if they are already provided for the student's sake/in terms of the student (i.e. I'll bring the equipment needed for myself), this would be ideal.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, rock, jazz, blues, classical, metal and funk.

areas of their lives as a result. I aim to inspire every student to find their way to a rewarding life through music.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lesson plans are developed on an individual basis. I want you to learn the music that inspires your passion. If the guitar is new to you, the first lessons are devoted to basic playing skills and techniques. It is important to develop a strong understanding of music fundamentals to ensure that the student is attaining the skills they need to be a complete musician. I emphasize technique with drills designed to raise my students' skills evenly across a wide range of categories, like picking, fretting, scale patterns, chord shapes, rhythm training, and ear training. I have had success with many students using this approach and most are playing songs within a couple months. For the more serious student, music theory is an important tool to understand songwriting and music in general. I am always open to discuss what we do during a lesson. I believe it is my job to balance what you want to do with what you need to do in order to succeed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have amps, guitars, 1/4 inch cables, tuners, metronomes, paper and pens.
Would like students to have all these things but can accommodate based on need.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Pop, Blues, Country, flat-picking, finger-style

Will provide sheet music and exercises. My students should have a working instrument as well as any method book or sheet music we are working on.

*** Specialties ***
I teach all styles and genres

nning quickly. I help students get it under their fingers fast and get it right the first time.

I believe in sharing the happiness of making music with anyone who loves music and the guitar in particular. I do my very best to get you playing the songs you love in Pop, Rock, Jazz and Folk Music of your choice. Today's modern new guitars are easy to play and you will enjoy learning Guitar right away. That is how it should be.
When you study there is a basic understanding of Guitar to be learned that allows an ease of use for anyone for years to come. This will help you reach your goal and improve each week. My students learn to practice in a way that feels comfortable and makes sense. This takes all the stress out of learning and gives everyone something to smile about and look forward to each week.

The good feeling of playing along with friends and taking a solo is within every students grasp. I will show you the way there. And with a solid and straightforward approach to the theory as it applies directly to the guitar you will feel confident and unafraid of any music endeavor. We'll cover harmony and fingerboard theory and give you a road map of the guitar neck that makes it a pleasure to play. You learn the basics and much more than you thought possible retaining 90 percent of what you learn!

Having been a student myself I was deeply involved in music since age 12 and played in bands and duos for over 15 years . I can help you to be a well rounded player and performer with a smile, a laugh and a joy for music whether your in a band or a budding solo artist.

*** Lesson Details ***
Most students want to play the Guitar to play their favorite songs and I'm the same way. Music is something we carry with us in our hearts and minds. Students will learn what they wish to learn and work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Whether you are a student, “weekend warrior” or a parent whose child has expressed an interest in Guitar anyone can learn all there is to know about Harmony and Theory for the Guitar and how to play their favorite songs.

We cover theory in an easy and straightforward no nonsense way in the first half of each lesson and then apply it to the song you wish to learn. This creates an atmosphere where you understand and feel at home with the Guitar. You get an understanding right away and because it is immediately fun it allows you to feel comfortable at any level. Music is fun, and songs are the creative expression of what we feel. Combining theory and the freedom to play and sing songs allows us to express ourselves through music. 
After 6 months students will have a solid foundation in theory, and a road map of the guitar fretboard enabling them to advance to an intermediate level if they are ready to do so. Students will know enough that music as it relates to the Guitar, which is the world’s most popular instrument in contemporary music, is not a mystery but is a welcome friend. And they will be able to play songs by popular artists and advance at a pace that is satisfying and enjoyable.
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Student Comments:
What Students Are Saying About ~ James Teaching Style

“James’ patience, knowledge and under-standing made learning guitar fun. I like the lessons. He cares.”
--Rebecca L., guitar
student, Venice Beach, CA 2003

“James taught me to
play pop and rock, and
introduced me to
fingerstyle guitar. I love it!”
--Joseph E., guitar student, Vancouver, BC 2006

“I studied guitar privately with James in 2010. His style of teaching helped me to get
past my blocks. He opened new doors for me. Thanks!”
--Daniel S., guitar
student, Los Angeles, CA 2010
""James is a trustworthy man, great with answering back right away. Always ready to help with new members. I would definitely recommend him." ~ PJ Stover of PJ Stover Voices; Independent Film & Recording voice-over artist
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What James spouse says about working on songwriting with him:

"James is my husband for over 10 years now. Over the years, I have seen James give guidance and counsel to many hopeful musicians of all ages, and inspire others about how music influences and benefits our lives. I would highly recommend James to anyone who wants to learn guitar, voice, music theory, and acting. James is a great talent, and study with him would benefit anyone with the sincere desire to grow as an artist. When we married, I had fallen in love with James’ conversational style, and his vast knowledge of music. When I heard him play guitar, I knew that I wanted to write songs with him, and we released our first album, in 2012 on iTunes."

Regards,
Keri W.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ovation Glen Campbell Artist Acoustic Electric Guitar, Ovation Pacemaker 12 string Guitar, Ibanez PF 5 Acoustic Electric Guitar, Fender Telecaster 6 string Electric Guitar. Korg Mini Pandora III Amplifier/Studio EFX, Toshiba Laptop Satelite Pro with PreSonus Studio One Artist Software, PreSonusUSB Audiobox, HD7 Studio Monitor Headphones, M7 Condenser Mic, PreSonus Studio Producer software with SoundCloud integration, iBook G4 with Garageband 3 and iLife Studio. Godin Summit CT Electric Guitar is the guitar I now endorse exclusively !

*** Travel Equipment ***
Lesson Plans, Godin Summit CT Guitar, Fender and Ovation Guitars, Tuner, Android Smartphone and apps, iPads, Korg Mini Pandora Amp, Toshiba Satelite Pro Laptop. Android LG Smartphone with Tuners, Voice Recorder, and Metronome and Chord Reference Guide, and Guitar Tuner, iPod Touch Pro Studio.

*** Specialties ***
Songs in the following styles: Pop, Rock and Modern Country Music. Also Composition Analysis while learning the song.

atever your interested in...Lets make it happen!

s well as its therapeutic and experimental nature is what has drawn me to a career in music. I look forward to meeting you and passing on what I know to improve your musical skills!

teens, and special needs adults and children.

pproach to teaching and learning guitar then any of my previous teachers. This began three years of music study and friendship with Steve. After my time with Giordano I built a 1000 sq. ft. recording studio in the basement of my home and opened Genesis Recording Studio in 2001.

The early 2000’s put me on an entirely new learning curve; I study recording, mixing, and mastering. By 2010 with the advances in digital recording technology musicians / bands began making demo recordings from small computer based home studios. Many small pro-recording studios closed during this time including my own.

In summer of 2010 I was looking over Pat Metheny’s website and noticed he named the top four guitarists in NYC, in his opinion. Subsequent to reviewing each guitarist’s website and music I found Rez Abbasi’s playing and music too interesting and enticing to forget. I emailed Rez about studying jazz composition with him and now in 2018 I’m still going up to NYC few times a year to study composition and guitar.

Being exposed to musicians at the level of Rez Abbasi, Sandole, and Giordano continues to nourish my musical life. I now know what it takes to master the guitar and be successful. It is this knowledge and love of creating music which has become my life's journey.