Modena, PA Percussion Lessons

which include my S.T.O.M.P method-Slap Tone Open Muffle Palm
Rudimentary hand drumming and approaches on Conga drum
One conga drum, 2 conga drums, 3 conga drums
Styles in Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Son, Latin Jazz and Folkloric
Counting and keeping time
Stick control for timbales
Baqueteo patterns -Cascara(shell)of the timbal and cowbell patterns in clave
Abanico- 7 stroke and 9 stroke rolls
Styles on timbales-Danzon, Son, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Bolero
Reading and writing for Latin percussion
Latin Rhythm Theory
Ensemble performance
The Clave & pulse
6/8 Clave
Son Clave
Rumba Clave
The Clave today
Phrasing with the Clave
Variations on the Clave
Polyrhythms in Cuban Music

Cuban and Caribbean Rhythms taught are:

Bolero-5 variations
Caballo(Horse rhythm)-with variations
Danzon
Yambu
Guaguanco-6 variations
Rumba-with variations-columbia/abierto(open) 2Conga drums/one drum/New York street style rumba
Abakua-one drum pattern to 3 drum patterns
Plena(Puerto Rico)
Bomba
Bomba Sica
Bomba Yuba
Bambiche
Merengue(Domincan Republic)
Mozambique-old school/new school variations
Cumbia(Columbia)-with variations on one drum to 3 drums
Bembe(Afro) variations
Conga Comparsa(Carnival drumming) with variations
Changui
Calypso(Trinidad) one to 3 conga drums with variations
Bossa Nova(Brasil) with variations from one to 3 conga drums
Afro-Samba(Brasil)
Baion(Brasil)
Samba on 2 to 3 conga drums
Songo with 9 variations
Pilon on 3 congas
Iyesa with variations
6/8 basic one conga drum to 3 conga drums
Guarapachangeo with variations from 2 drums to 5
Ritmo Pa Ca
Dengue
Jala Jala
Tumbaos(basic rhythmic conga patterns for Latin Dance music) with many variations
Chaonda-
6/8 Bell patterns on conga drum with variations
Mongo Santamarias tumbaos and rhythmic approaches
Mongos Merengue
Mongos Afro Blue with variations

*** Studio Equipment ***
Congas/bongos/timbales/perc.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Congas/bongos/timbales/hand percussion

*** Specialties ***
I teach Latin percussion, conga drums, timbales, bongos and assorted African and Brazilian percussion as well.
I teach what is called the "Cuban" method of learning how to play as it is taught in Cuba today, along with my own developed methods. Yes I teach online. 

azz Festival in 1989. Won Soloist award. Played with Settlement Music School Jazz ensemble 1987 to 1989. Played at the Roam and Hass Jazz festival at Settlement Music School in 1988. Founding member of flute ensemble Flutes in a Chord. Studied with Christine Dalsey . Studied Jazz with Lovett Hines. Attended Masterclasses with Nestor Torres and David Cramer. Specialist in early childhood education, pre-school music and Ethnomusicology with a focus on Asian Music. Member of the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Flute Choir.
Flute, Jazz Flute, Flute Choir B.A. in Music, Temple University.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a teacher that can be very strict but I can also go with the flow. I base my curriculum on Orff and Kodaly for my younger students. For my older students, I work with the student's abilities and see which curriculum works for them.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Indoor studio space: drum kit, hand percussion, 88 - key fully weighted digital piano, flutes, clarinets, computers, recording gear, alto sax, recorders, piccolos

*** Specialties ***
Classical and jazz

eatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Regardless of your favorite band or style, I can help you accomplish your goals!

Piano is one of the most important instruments to learn, especially for children. The benefits are endless. For piano, I teach beginner through intermediate students. Piano is a popular choice because it has a very friendly layout with the keyboard. I use a proven 6 level method to take you from Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to Ode to Joy! I cover how to read sheet music and cover a wide variety of musical styles!

Do you like the deep, powerful sound of the bass guitar? Well, I cover that too! The bass is a FUN instrument that is very friendly to learn. If you ever want to join a band, the bass is essential instrument, because it goes well with the drums. I cover a wide range of styles from blues, funk, rock and jazz! Go for it!

As a kid did you set up pots and pans or pillows and hit them with spoons like I did? Well, then the drums may be for you! You can learn drums with a pair of sticks! Drums are a total BLAST to play, and if you are not one who wishes to read sheet music,then the drums are perfect for you! I cover a TON of different styles, and if you have a favorite drummer, you can learn to play like him or her relatively quickly!

Need academic help? Well I can help with that too! I tutor in most subjects, including: Math, Science, Reading, Writing Skills and ACT and SAT prep

Here is a breakdown of specific areas of subjects I teach and tutor with:

Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry
Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Reading: Comprehension, Analysis, Annotation and general reading improvement methods
Writing Skills: Essay Writing, Editing, Analysis
Test Prep: I can help with the GED, ACT and SAT

I offer private in-home lessons, lessons at my studio and on-line lessons!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect my lessons to focus on your goals. I cover a lot of fundamentals and basics to start, and then go through more advanced techniques as the student progress. In a short period of time, you will know chords, notes, techniques, rhythm and timings, just to name a few!

Guitar students will learn basic chords, barre chords and soloing techniques. Bass students will learn bass notes, bass lines and soloing.

Drum students will learn timing, fills, soloing and lead drumming.

Piano students will learn how to read music, fingering, chords and song performance.

For academic tutoring, I design my lessons around the specific need of the individual student. I thoroughly research each student needs and customize my tutoring around your child's strengths and weaknesses.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available:
Keyboard
6-string acoustic guitar
12-string acoustic guitar
Electric guitar
Bass Guitar
2 amplifiers
Full Drum Set

*** Travel Equipment ***
acoustic guitar, bass guitar

*** Specialties ***
I love and can play almost every style of music imaginable! Whatever style of music you like, I can help you improve and learn!

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

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.

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

some of the top teacher/players in the world.

student from the beginner level to the intermediate level in percussion/drum set (my primary instrument in high school and college).

As I begin to wind down my career as a public school teacher, I very much would love to build a solid career as a private music instructor. I believe that I have much to offer in this field, from my experiences spanning over three decades!