Private Acoustic Guitar tutoring lessons Roseville, MI.

sons as well as classes, clinics, College Prep courses and is a member of The American Guild of Music. He is a versatile teacher and motivated performer and is fluent in most every style of music.

"I can teach you everything you need to know to accomplish your musical goals!!! Music should be fun and my approach is to ensure a rewarding experience for every individual student"

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons can be scheduled for once a week or every 2 weeks, 30 min - 45 min and 1 hr available.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: a dedicated music room with a baby grand piano, electric guitars; acoustic guitars, bass, drums... full digital recording studio and rehearsal space!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide all teaching materials and personal equipment, the student needs to have their own instrument... guitar rental is available!

*** Specialties ***
I am open to any and all methods, genres and styles...

I have more availability than is shown here and try to be flexible with scheduling...

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
-----------------------------------
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.

ngs, commercials, albums, and CD's with talented artist. Learning to play from a DVD or the internet can not properly teach a beginner bass player, because there should be a student/teacher interaction, one has to already know how to play in order for a DVD to be effective, and i truly believe one will still need an instructor. i enjoy teaching and playing bass. i teach (4 to 6 string), which includes learning to read bass clef notes, scales, chords, keys signatures and time on the music staff, etc., etc., i can teach tab also. i like to teach beginners to give them the correct and formal fingering techniques, then later if they like, they can go all willy nilly. i get satisfactory results. i also love playing guitar and piano, i know these instruments very well and because i want to teach as many as i can to keep real music alive, i also teach beginner guitar and piano, all the above applies to guitar and piano lessons, and music theory and ear training. i like using small i's

*** Lesson Details ***
Depending on the student's current level of understanding music and playing your instrument, i start with the healthy way to play your instrument, traditional left hand and right hand techniques, learning exercises, scales, chords, keys, ear training for how to find the part in songs, also music theory including how to read music, and improvising, then different styles of playing bass and guitar, including thump and pluck, now known as slap bass, hammer and tap, harmonics, flamenco and more, most of all i make it fun. With practice you will know how to play your instrument very well, or if you just want to learn songs or licks, its all good i work for you. are you ready? i am, lets go

*** Travel Equipment ***
i can provide a bass, a guitar, a keyboard and amp, but i expect student to have their own instrument and amp to practice

*** Specialties ***
i teach all genres, and i teach you to understand the music on your instrument.

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! …the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: “Jimmy Page“, “Brian Setzer”, “Stevie Ray Vaughan”, “Joe Satriani”, “Lindsey Buckingham”, “Paul McCartney”, “John Mayer”, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.
Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One:
"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer;
"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

- Pro Tools (recording gear for all needs)

- Guitar Pro and Finale (to transpose music into sheet music)

-Skype (for out of town interactivity. Can do lessons via Skype)

-Basement with plenty of seating for parents, and or observers.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar; Improvisation, Songwriting, Backup Vocals, Fretboard Harmony, Music Theory, Performance, and Recording.

l, and one, in particular, has become a music professor at "Berklee School of Music". Another former student plays with the band: "Thirty Seconds To Mars." I have also been able to assist those students who have a desire to introduce vocals while playing their instrument. I am also able to provide personal assistance in songwriting when needed.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very easy to get along with during lessons, however I can provide extra encouragement and motivation the student needs based on their specific goals for taking lessons, whether it be for personal enjoyment or for the purpose of making music their career. I believe that learning music can be fun even as a serious venture, and therefore I incorporate humor when appropriate. The curriculum I use includes: "Berklee, Mel Bay, and Hal Leonard" methods for guitar. For Piano I use "Schaum and Thompson" piano methods as well as Hannon for technique. Additionally, I invite students to suggest personal favorite songs of interest of their choosing as a motivational tool to aid them learning from the music that inspires them. I find this very helpful for students in developing a good ear as well as sparking motivation to practice as they learn from their favorite musical artists in addition to learning the fundamentals of the instrument.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide music method books/sheet music etc. Students would need to own and bring their own instrument to lessons. I also provide guitar amplification.

*** Specialties ***
Berklee, Mel Bay, and Hal Leonard blues guitar method's. Schaum piano method. Hannon Technique. Pop, rock and jazz styles.

2. Aaj Unse Milna Hai..................................................from the film “Prem Ratan”

3. Aapke Pyaar Mein Hum...........................................from the film “Raaz”

4. All Izz Well...............................................................from the 2009 film “3 Idiots”

5. Ammadu Let's Do Kummudo (Telugu)....................from the 2017 film “Khaidi No 150”

6. Apurupamainadamma Aadajanman (Telugu)...........from the 1996 film “Pavitra Bandham”

7. Arikil Pathiye (Malayalam)......................................from the film “Oru Murai Vanthu
Paarthaya”

8. Aum Namah Shivaya................................................Mantra

9. Aayiram Kannumay (Malayalam)............................from the 1984 film “Nokketha Doorathu
Kannum Nattu”

10. Azhagiye (Tamil)....................................................from the 2017 film “Kaatru Veliyidai”

11. Bandish in Raag Bahaar..........................................Kaliyana Sanga Karataa Ranga-Raliyaa

12. Bandish in Raag Bhimpalasi..................................Jaa, Jaa Re Apane Mandiravaa

13. Bandish in Raag Bhupali.......................................Jaau Tore Sharana Kamal Para Vaara

14. Bandish in Raag Kedar..........................................Bola Bola Mose, Nanda Kuvaravaa

15. Bandish in Raag Yaman........................................Piyaa Ki Najariyaa Jaadu Bhari

16. Bandish ki Thurmi in Raag Kafi...........................Chaado Chaado Chelaa, Mori Biayaa

17. Banno Humari......................................................from the 2016 album “Banna Geet”

18. Bekhudi.................................................................from the film “Tera Surroor”

19. Bhaador Aashin Maashey (Bengali)

20. Bhador Ashwin Mase (Bengali) Bhoomi

21. Blockbuster (Telugu).............................................from the 2016 film “Sarrainodu”

22. Blue Eyes

23. Bolna........................................................................from the film “Kapoor and Sons”

24. Carnatic Saralivarisai Notes

25. Chaiyya Chaiyya.......................................................from the film “Dil Se”

*26. Chal Pyar Karegi....................................................from the film “Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai”

27. Chammak Challo......................................................from the film “Ra. One”

28. Chandrashekhara Astakam (Telugu).........................from the Album “Shiva Strothra Mala”

29. Channa Mereya........................................................from the 2016 film “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”

30. Chehra Hai Ya Chaand Khila Hai.............................from the film “Saagar”

31. Chura Liya Hai..........................................................from the film “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”

32. Cinema Choopistha Mama Song (Telugu)................from the film “Race Gurram”

33. Crazy Feeling (Telugu).............................................from the film “Nenu Sailaja”

34. Dheere Dheere Se Meri Zindagi (older version)......from the film “Aashiqui”

35. Dheere Se Meri Zindagi (new version)

*36. Dilli Wali Girlfriend................................................from the film “Yeh Jawaani Hai
Deewaani”

37. D.J. Waley Babu

38. Don' u Don' u Don' u (Tamil)...................................from the film “Maari”

*39. Eena Meena Teeka (Tamil)....................................from the film “Theri”

40. Ek Do Teen..............................................................from the 1988 film “Tezaab”

41. Ek Sanam Chahiye Aashiqui Ke Liye.....................from the 1990 film “Aashiqui”

*42. Fevicol Se............................................................ from the film “Dabanng”

43. Follow Follow (Telugu)..........................................from the film “Nannaku Prematho”

44. Geetham 1...............................................................Malahari Ragam

45. Geetham 6...............................................................Mohana Ragam

46. Geetham 11..............................................................Ananda Bhairavi Ragam

47. Gerua.......................................................................from the film “Diwale”

48. Govinda Namalu (Telugu).......................................Telugu Devotional Song

49. Gusa Gusa Lade......................................................from the film “Gentleman”

50. Hamsa Naava (Telugu)...........................................from the 2017 film “Bahubali 2: The Conclusion”

51. Harivaranasanam …...............................................from the Sabarimala Temple

52. How To Name It

53. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..........................................from the 1994 film “Pehla Pehla Pyar”

54. The Humma Song

55. Idhayathai Yedho Ondru (Tamil)...........................from the 2015 film “Yennai Arindhaal”

56. Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathe (Tamil)..............................from the film “Payanangal Mudivathillai”

57. Introduction to Indian Classical for Guitar.............from Jazz Guitar Online

58. Itne Shakti Hamein Dena Data................................from the film “Ankush”

59. Jag Ghoomeya Song -female version......................from the film “Sultan”

60. Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva

61. Jago Mohan Pyare...................................................from the 1956 film “Jagte Raho”

62. Jaya Jaya Jagannatha ( Bengali Bhajan)

63. Jhalli Patakha..........................................................from the film “Saala Khadoos”

64. Kala Chasma...........................................................from the 2016 film “Baar Baar Dekho”

65. Laila Main Laila......................................................from the 2017 film “Raees”

66. Lambiyaan Si Judaiyaan..........................................from the 2017 film “Raabta”

67. Learn Carnatic Music Lesson Gurukula, Jatiswara

68. Learn Carnatic Music Lesson Pillari Geetha Lambodara

69. Learn Carnatic Music Lesson Saralevarisai

70. Lingashtakam (Telugu)..........................................Telugu Chant

71. Main Hoon Hero Tera............................................from the film “Hero”

72. Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon

73. Main Shayar To Nahin...........................................from the 1973 film “Bobby”

74. Malare (Malayalam)..............................................from the 2015 film “Premam”

75. Maruvaathai (Tamil)..............................................from the 2017 film “Enai Noki Paayum
Thota”

76. Maya Nadhi Song (Tamil).....................................from the film “Kabali”

*77. Mehndi Mehndi...................................................from the film “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke”

78. Mella Mella (Tamil)...............................................from the 1984 film “Vaazhkai”

79. Minungum Minnaminuge (Malayalam).................from the 2016 film “Oppam”

80. Mira Mira Meesam (Telugu)..................................from the 2017 film “Katamarayudu”

81. Moodu Pani (Tamil)...............................................from the film “En Iniya Pon Nilavei”

82. Nazar Ke Saamne Jiigar Ke Paas...........................from the film “Aashiqui”

83. Nillayo (Tamil).......................................................from the film “Bairavaa”

84. Ninne Ninne Nammukunnanayya (Telugu)...........Christian Devotional Song

85. Oh! Butterfly (Tamil).............................................from the 1992 film “Meera”

86. Omanathinkal Kidavo (Malayalam)......................Traditional Lullaby

87. Om Jai Jagadish Hare............................................sung by Anuradha Paudwal

88. Om Jai Lakshmi Mata...........................................sung by Priya Mayekar

89. Onnam Raagam Paadi (Malayalam).....................from the 1987 film
“Thoovanathumbikal”

90. Oru Kari Mukilinu (Malayalam)...........................from the film “Charlie”

91. Pacha Bottesi (Telugu)..........................................from the film “Baahubali”

92. Papa Kehte............................................................from the film “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak”

*93. Patola

*94. Peene Ki Tamanna...............................................from the film “Loveshuda”

95. Poomaram (Malayalam)........................................from the 2017 film “Poomaram”

96.Pudhu Vellai Mazhai (Tamil)..................................from the 1992 film “Roja”

97. Punnagai Mannan Theme Music (Tamil)...............from the film Punnagai Mannan

98. Raga Bhupali...........................................................Tarana in Teentaal

99. Raga Durga..............................................................Sakhi Mori Rum Jhum

100. Raghaputi Raghav Raja Ram.................................sung by Hari Om Sharan

101. Sairat Zaala Ji (Marathi)........................................from the 2016 film “Sairat”

102. Sanam Re...............................................................from the film “Sanam Re”

*103. Saree Ke Fall Sa...................................................from the film “R...Rajkumar”

104. Selfie Pulla (Tamil)................................................from the film “Kaththi”

105. Shiva Sandhya Namam (Malayalam)....................Hindu Devotional Songs Malayalam

106. Shyam Teri Bansi Pukare.......................................from the 1975 film “Geet Gaata Chal”

107. Soch Na Sake..........................................................from the film “Airlift”

108. Sree Gananatha......................................................from the album “Ugadi Special Songs”

109. Sri Kanda Sasti Kavasam (Tamil)..........................Songs of Muruga – Devotional Songs

*110. Subha Hone Na Da...............................................from the film “Desi Boyz”

111. Tamma Tamma Again.............................................from the 2017 film “Badrinath Ki
Dulhania”

*112. Tera Chehra...........................................................from the film “Sanam Teri Kasam”

113. Thalli Pogathey (Tamil)..........................................from the film “Achcham Yenbathu
Madamaiyada”

114. Thudakkam Magalyam (Malayalam)......................from the 2015 film “Bangalore Days”

115. Tum Hi Ho..............................................................from the film “Aashiqui”

116. Uf Yeh Noor............................................................from the 2017 film “Noor”

117. Varnam

118. Vineem Vithayil (Tamil)..........................................from the film “Thegidi”

119. Violin Song (Telugu)...............................................from the 2013 film “Iddarammayilatho”

120. Why This Kolaveri Di? (Tamil/English)..................from the film “3”

121. Yashomati Maiya Se Bole Nandlala

122. You and Me (Telugu)...............................................from the film “Khaidi No 150”

updated 6/12/2017

nes follow and logical and practical guideline that will allow musicianship in it's greatest form to bloom forth from the student. Heavy emphasis on solid technique, artistry, theory, and ear training makes for a well rounded and informed player/singer! I can teach from my home, your home, online, or even from the practice rooms at Wayne State if Detroit is a good middle ground or closer for you!

Thanks for taking the time to read this :)