Lesson Details
Piano
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
James teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- 1989
I'm currently a professor at EMMAT, a member school of the Berklee International Network. I have over a quarter-century experience teaching people of all backgrounds and styles. My education is a mix of formal and informal, and in addition, I have worked as a professional musician and singer my whole life.
I consider everybody that comes to me to be reachable and teachable, and pride myself on having accomplished what many people considered to be impossible with my students. I believe that through dedication and discipline anybody can accomplish their musical goals, no matter how hard it may seem.
In piano, I have my own custom method that borrows heavily from the exercises designed by Donhanyi. In voice, I follow closely the techniques taught by great teachers such as Seth Riggs and Brett Manning, but I have more than a few tricks of my own.
Experience
Senior Professor, Piano, Voice and Ensambles
Jan 2009 - PresentTeaching classes, running ensambles, and developing curricula.
Music Director
Aug 2003 - Aug 2008St. Augustine's is famous for integrating non-traditional styles of music into the Catholic Mass, such as gospel, salsa, merengue etc.
Education
Diploma, Piano
Jan 1981 - Jun 1989Languages
French
Italian
Portuguese
Spanish
Photos & Videos
12 Reviews
Write a ReviewIf you’re serious about learning to play piano and willing to put in the work, I honestly cannot think of a better instructor than James. His teaching methodology is creative, fun, yet challenging catapulting students to higher proficiency levels than typically possible with more traditional teaching methods. My 11 year old learning from James is quickly surpassing other kids with many more years of lessons studying other dated, traditional approaches.
James has played for some well known professional acts during his career in multiple music genres (including a presidencial election ceremony)...point being he’s been on the big stage and has reached a level most only dream about. Yet he continues to follow his true passion which is helping others learn and reach their own individual musical aspirations.
In short, James is your guy...look no further.
James has a terrific approach to teaching that my seven year old daughter responded to with enthusiasm and excitement. She learned a lot more than I thought she could in just her first lesson. We’re looking forward to next week!
He's very professional at what he does, his teaching methods are the best, and his classes are never boring
His no nonsense approach makes lessons great. You always leave with a clear goal to work for next lesson. Would recommend with eyes closed.
He's the man ! An excelent musician as well as a teacher. He deserves nothing but success. A quality over the top musician.
He is the best, I've been looking for someone like this my entire life
I enjoyed my classes with James , im a Colombian artist and i really liked the experience, it was important for my singing career and i also had good laughs and a cool , relaxed way of learning, Thank You James
I always loved music from a very young age, but I never really got involved in it because I thought that you needed a celestial touch or something like that; I believed that one was simply born a musician and that was all there was to it. This wound up making me a bit frustrated, so as an adult I started taking guitar lessons, but I felt that this wasn’t enough. Fortunately, I met James through a recommendation from a mutual friend, and started to take singing lessons with him, starting from zero at 38 years of age. I now have more than 3 years taking classes with him and it has been incredible, because today I can sing in a way that I never in my life thought I’d be able to. I still feel like a novice, but now I’m a novice who sings in tune and has great vocal technique thanks to discipline and to James’s teaching methods.
+ Read MoreHe has an extensive musical background, which let´s you explore any style. His virtuoso piano playing, and his vast repertoire, make the material you can cover in class infinite. He has a great attitude and is a patient teacher. he knows how to explain what he wants you to learn. I have been playing music and singing for 30 years, and he has been my best teacher.
+ Read MoreJames helped me to get my musical level at the 100%. After receive some tips, i was ready to reach the next level. A great musician and an awesome coach
He's the best teacher that I've ever had, he taught me a lot of techniques for singing like a real singer!!! Thanks James, you are the BEST!
I love the singing classes with this guy because he takes close care of the characteristics of each student. Is not just a fixed sript or program, but the live interactions with the student's advances or weaknesses.