Monclova Music Lessons

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.

ate with a student will allow them to fearlessly open up to their potentials.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?:

In the winter months, my body feels tight and cold, and sometimes this causes tension during playing or singing. That's why to me it's important to work in a warm environment, do proper daily stretching, and have a healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, proper sleep).

What is your biggest musical achievement?:

Composing a fugue.

Favorite thing about teaching?:

I love sharing my passion for music with other human beings.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?:

If at first you don't succeed, try try again. Music is meant to be fun, enjoy it!

Personal music projects: i.e. bands, groups, shows, recording, etc. (if any):

In 2015, I composed the music for my sister's walk down the aisle (wedding piece). Additional compositions underway, member of American Composer's Forum, member of Contemplum (composition club at Temple), participant in the Oticons Film Score Contest.

BIO:

About Anabelle...

Anabelle has been involved with sounds and music from an early age. Her greatest forte is her hearing. When she was young, people thought she might become a voice actor, because her skill at replicating voices was quite apparent. Still, she loved to sing and had been regularly involved in choirs. She dabbled in violin in the fifth grade, but she didn't feel a "click." Without despairing, she tried her luck with piano and felt instantly in sync. She knew this was the right instrument for her. During her piano studies, she continued to work on her voice. In addition, she studied the workings of a sound board, and was head sound chief at her high school. At the college level, she began to pursue composition, while still continuing with piano and vocal studies. She holds an A.A. with a music focus (piano performance), a B.M. in music theory, and a M.M in music education from Boston University. She has been teaching music since 2006 and has worked with a wide range of ages and various group sizes. Her joy is working with people in a field that she is passionate about. Her interests include music (jazz, classical, opera, new age), ballet, composition, yoga, meditation, going to the gym, hiking and camping, scuba-diving, sailing,Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, cooking and baking, film-editing, sound engineering, poetry, reading good books, building websites, and watching documentaries.

Cyclophonics. I also produce and perform electronic music with a band called Kaplundafunk, and I do freelance sound design and music for video games.

e guitar, and explaining how it works, i.e. how to hold the guitar, how to hold the pick, some strumming tips, and explaining a bit about how the musical alphabet works, and any questions you have will be answered. If you've played before I will ask you some questions about what direction you want to take, and if you can, I will hear you play. If you are shy don't worry about that, you won't need to play for me. We will learn to find all notes on the guitar neck quickly, and will make sure your technique is proper. If you desire to learn to read music, I will also introduce that subject to you. Some other early lesson topics will include some picking exercises, and technique related issues. The lessons are geared for you, so you can let me know what you want to work on. Thank you and looking forward to our first lesson.

r is to identify what Michelangelo called the “rubbish” -- those obstacles that stand in the way of natural and free musical expression -- and devise the most effective and fun ways to bring the “David” within to the forefront.

tter.

As a pianist I do a lot of freelance work with singers and instrumentalists. Working with them for their concerts/recitals, competitions and recordings. I work also with middle/high school students as the choir accompanist for the Bowling Green City Schools in Ohio. I perform my organist duties at Olivet Lutheran Church in Sylvania, OH.

I have a small private studio that I teach from home and looking to expand it with online lessons and with you. I look forward to working with you and helping you accomplish your musical goals whether that is in classical or any other genre, I am here for you.