Guitar with James M.

Hey there musicians to be. I'm Jamie! Guitar player for 14 years. I've played all styles, from Jewel to Lamb of God to Mozart to BB King. No matter what you want to learn, I can teach it. No polka though : ) I've had years of lessons myself that provided that push and input I needed to grow on my instrument. Not just guitar too, I've played tuba, trombone, even sang in school choir up into college. Speaking of college, I attended Macomb community for a couple years taking classes in theory and classical guitar. Also, I went to Berklee school of music in Boston for their summer sessions, I highly recommend it if you want to learn a lot real fast . It is THE guitar college, wish I had the money for it. BTW they placed me in advanced classes when I was 15 years old : ) smirk In general my specialty will always be metal and blues. Though I did learn Womanizer by Britney Spears just so I could create a death metal version. In my time as a for hire studio guitarist I had to remake a lot of different styles of music. Music is Music, pitches and rhythms. Style and technique is what gives it soul and feeling. If you're in a band already I can give you tons of advice. I joined my first major band at 19... my band mates were 29-40. Got plenty of studio and live performance advice and tricks. You can see me on stage in my photos, no I'm not passed out... my signature move was the bend backwards til I'm lying on my legs. I hate being old now - frown. *** Lesson Details *** You will have to buy some books if you're just starting out. I know most of us hate theory, it's a pain and can get very boring if you're not trying to be a classical virtuoso. In the end you can only fake your way through so much and theory doesn't need to be a set of rules like it's a private school code of conduct. It will help you through improvisation, song writing, and understanding how and why music sounds evil, beautiful, strange, happy, sad, etc... Now the other half of your lesson is whatever you want to learn. Any song, I won't judge you if it's backstreet boys (i figured out a song or two by them.) guilty. My old band was even on a rock tribute album to Motown. We played Get Ready by the Temptations. HA! If you don't practice then I won't give you the evil eye or berate you. Just know if you are in the same place as the last lesson, then there's not much I can do to further your study. I rather you have fun with me and playing guitar. Why do something you don't want to? *** Studio Equipment *** My living room set up with equipment for lessons, a computer, lil' mixer, seating for parents, outdoor porch for the warm days. WiFi access, extra guitars if your's is broke. *** Travel Equipment *** I expect them to have a guitar and amp, purchase their own books. I can print my own lessons and transcribed songs. It's best to have a blank tab book so I can write notes that you can bring home. *** Specialties *** I mainly teach pop, blues, metal, progressive metal, and classical.