Piano with James T.

I graduated with a B.A. in Professional Music from Boston's Berklee College of Music. When I first heard about Berklee, I too thought of warm and sunny Berkeley California and not the frigid winters in Boston. Berklee however, is respected world-wide as the musicians music college. Each year, only 3% of students are able to graduate. Advanced freshman placement accelerated all Berklee core requirements by my sophomore year. An early focus on their Advanced Harmony/Theory and Ear Training electives provided the rare opportunity of experiencing Berklee's highest level courses in both departments. I graduated with Honors in 7 semesters with a cumulative music GPA of 3.6. (Magna Cum Laude). Since graduation, I've been a full-time independent professional musician with over 28 years of experience in all facets of music. Teaching private piano, guitar, and bass students however, is my first love and I consider my biggest accomplishment to be the accomplishments of my students. Since Berklee, I've amassed an extensive teaching library from over 5,000 original lesson plans tailored to meet the needs of students of all ages, levels, and musical interests. Acquiring and maintaining private students for over 28 years has been based solely through word-of-mouth referrals from students, parents, and teachers. A high percentage of students perform in bands, record professionally, and teach independently or in schools. Many letters of recommendation have provided college entry and 6 of 8 recommendations to attend Berkee have since graduated. Teaching beginning music students at any age is most important to me however. So many students never get the opportunity to ever realize their potential as was the case with me. From age 12 to 23, I was frustrated as I was only ever taught how to read music. Reading is important, but there's more to what we hear that meets the eye (pun intended I guess). I believe this is one of the reasons most people say, "If only I had stuck with lessons". Every student entering Berklee is told to forget everything they've ever learned up until now. Professional Performance: I've demonstrated over 28 years of professional diversity with a variety of genres (i.e. jazz, rock, blues, classical, etc.) facilitated through an equal proficiency with piano, guitar, and bass. Versatility has helped to provide over 9,000 solo, band, and free-lance performances at over 2,000 different venues. I've performed bass and keyboard duties simultaneously via split keyboard in original trio for over 15 years with world-respected drummer Clyde Lucas (Count Basie, Ray Charles, etc.). While attending college, I performed in Boston jazz clubs with prominent Berklee students including Smitty Smith from Jay Leno's Tonight Show Band. Other notable bands include Robert Gordan, Eddie Holman (Hey There Lonely Girl), Cab Calloway, and The Moody Blues. Long list includes prominent politicians and various jazz festivals. Recording/Composition: I've recorded 200+ original compositions and 50+ student play-a-long C.D.'s from my elaborate home studio. Advanced recording techniques implementing analog, MIDI, digital and synchronization formats has provided vast experience in both the professional and home studio. Multiple clients have hired me to transcribe, arrange, and record all instrumental parts for a variety of diverse artists and professional recording studio projects including jingles, commercials, and film. *** Lesson Details *** All students are provided a safe environment in my townhouse of 20 years located in a nice suburban townhouse development minutes from the intersection of Rt. 30 and Rt. 23 (New Holland Ave.). My 3rd floor teaching studio provides all instruments and students have the option to bring their guitar or bass to each lesson or simply use one of mine. Parents can either choose to observe the lesson, relax in my living room, or shop at the Lancaster Shopping Center 2 minutes from my house. Jim has an incredible wealth of knowledge and skills to share with students of all backgrounds, so please get in touch with us to set something up. Our rates are reasonable for the kind of expertise that Jim is available to provide. *** Studio Equipment *** Full 3rd floor dedicated for teaching: waiting area for parents on the 1st floor or they can come up to the 3rd floor. *** Specialties *** Berklee's highest freshman placement allowed me to accelerate focus through all advanced theory and ear training electives providing rare completion of highest available level course in both departments. Utilize that with equal interest and experience in all styles and genres (jazz, rock, blues, classical,etc.). Equal proficiency with piano, guitar, and bass.