I have most students improvising at their very first lesson.
About James P.
I've played keyboards and sang professionally for the last 25 years. During that time my home has been in the San Francisco Bay Area but I have performed all over the country and have toured several times in Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. I’m a two time winner of the West Coast Songwriters “Song Of The Year Award” and I write music and lyrics as well as record and produce songs for myself and others.
Over those years I've developed a wealth of knowledge and experience that I’m very excited to share with my students. I want you to tell me what your musical dreams are and we will develop a plan to reach them and I will be honored to guide you there.
*** Lesson Details ***
I see music lessons as a partnership between the instructor and the student. I like to start this partnership by helping each student clarify their goals. Then we can proceed to plan our path to the stated goals. This plan will of necessity be unique to each student.
Obviously, expectations for the lessons would depend on the student’s starting point but I would say that for a child piano student who is just beginning, it would be reasonable to expect that within 3-6 months they would be able to play songs by reading the music. These would include some songs of their own choosing as well as some that I might recommend. For adult piano students, although reading is highly encouraged, our goals might take us in a different direction.
For songwriting students, we might choose to forego working at the piano entirely and instead take our lessons into my recording studio. It all depends on our goals and the path that we choose to get there. We might spend an entire lesson on lyrics. But I really like to see a student leave each lesson with some concrete progress on their song, and preferably with it documented on a recording. Depending on the level of the student, after 3-6 months I anticipate that we would have at least a few songs written and demoed.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Room: 2 vertical pianos
*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide a piano or appropriate keyboard in a well lit room. I would also expect a bench and music stand.
I could provide a digital recorder and a metronome.
*** Specialties ***
blues, jazz, pop and rock
Reviews
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James is very easy to follow..Very relaxed. He is clearly comfortable with his instrument so I feel in good hands..I look forward to working with him to hone my piano playing!

I came away from my lesson with James feeling so happy and knowing that he will be teaching and encouraging me all the way going forward. I am actually lost for words to express what an incredibly positive experience I had today. I am also looking forward to my grand daughter taking lessons from James now too. I feel I got lucky that James is the teacher that was found for me.
MIchele

First lesson for my grandson and James was excellent, looking forward to future lessons.
Thanks James.

James is a great teacher. Patient and inspiring. I have just begun my late in life music learning experience and he is perfect for that.
Jimmy is a great teacher
I have been taking lessons once every week from Jimmy for over a year and I haven't ever been disappointed by a lesson we've had. My favorite part of the lesson is always when we do the blues together at the very end. Overall, Jimmy is a great teacher.
Wonderful Teacher
James is a wonderful, patient and talented teacher. His love of music is infectious and I leave each class feeling inspired and motivated. WOW I am making so much progress in my playing!
I highly recommend lessons with him.
Good Experience
James was a good match for my son. He pushed him to try new things and explore his abilities in a casual manner that appealed to my son's personality and learning style. He was very positive and encouraging.
Fantastic teacher
Great teacher. Very patient and knows how to keep kids into the music. Highly recommend. Can't go wrong with a name like Jimmy Page.
Student's mom
My son is really enjoying his lessons with James. He always comes home very inspired and sits down at our piano to play what he has learned that day... he has really improved. thanks James
Photos & Videos
7 Photos & VideosExperience
Instructor
Aug 2013 - PresentNapa School of Music
Private Piano instruction
Education
BA Music
Aug 1972 - May 1976Rutgers University
Languages
French
Limited Proficiency
Awards
Song Of The Year
Aug 2004West Coast Songwriters
Affiliations
TAXI
Jan 2013Broadcast Music Inc.
Jan 2004West Coast Songwriters Association
Jan 2000Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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