Houston, TX Music Recording Lessons

me at school and home. My dad was a piano player and teacher so music has been a part of my life since day one and I want to share what I have learned. Everyone has a unique musical talent and I enjoy helping them find it. I believe that anyone can be an excellent musician. Playing an instrument should be a fun and creative adventure. Whether it's strumming at home, playing out in the clubs, or writing the next big hit, I will do my best to get you there!

My musical life began when I was in 5th grade and my dad bought me a saxophone, which I played for over 12 years. I quickly learned how fast I could improve if I simply kept playing with focus. When I hit my teen years I fell in love with rock music and mowed enough lawns to buy my first guitar. I jammed and wrote songs with many other musicians and several bands over the years. We played countless shows and released a few albums. Now I write and produce music and sound design daily for TV, Film and Trailers for companies like Disney, Universal, MTV, NFL and many more.

I started teaching 11 years ago and found that it is one of my favorite things to do. Helping others grow into great musicians is rewarding and fun. I've learned that from grade school to retirement, each student is a unique and special individual. My lessons reflect that fact so that we can reach all your goals together. *My personal goal is to get my students to understand and write music that will stay with them and encourage them to continue."

All lessons take place in a fully operational Digital Recording Studio and dedicated lesson room. Gaining real world playing experience with current technology is a definite advantage over traditional lessons. This also allows the student to capture ideas when songwriting and provides a unique playing experience. Imagine looking back years down the line, listening to something you wrote and hearing the improvements and your own personal music history. That's what writing and recording as you learn is all about.

*** Lesson Details ***
Everyone is different, and every lesson should be suited to fit the individual. Depending on the type of lessons (guitar, bass, music production, theory, etc.) the style teaching will be adjusted to fit. It's all about YOUR goals and needs.

Each student is going to receive lessons based on their preferences of genre and style of music they desire to play. I expect my students to practice regularly and have a good time as their abilities and knowledge grow. By working together, we can focus on goals and problem solving to get you to the next level of play. Most importantly, we are going to have a blast while we learn to play music!

*We'll start slow and build your knowledge base with each lesson.
*You can expect to understand what you are playing AND be able to write your own music is desired.
*You will be given everything you'll need to succeed including custom made drums and songs to play with so you can improve at home.

Let's start learning and improving today!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Telecaster
Fender J Bass
Schecter 7 String
Schecter 6 string Hellraiser
Italia Modena Electric gtr
Danelectro U2
Peavey T60
Seagull Acoustic
Saxophone
Tambourine
Egg shaker
Line 6 Spider amp
Vox Valvetronix amp
Novation X-station
KRK Rokit monitors
Alesis monitors
Presonus monitor station
Shure SM57
GT55 Condenser
Ableton Live Suite 9
Guitar Rig 5
Superior Drummer
Dozens of Virtual Instruments
Music stand
Guitar stands
Mic stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
I currently do not travel. My studio is the #1 advantage for learning!

*** Specialties ***
*Instruments: Guitar & Bass -Rock, Blues, Metal, Indy, Folk and Americana styles.
*Production: Ableton Live, Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Programming, Virtual Inst, MIDI, Production, Sound Design.
*General Music: Theory, Songwriting, Producing.

ng as well as listening to recordings are an integral part of the lessons from the beginning, regardless of skill level. Students will not only learn how to play their instruments correctly but will also develop an expanding appreciation of all kinds of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
music studio seating for parents
keyboard
amps

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect all students to provide their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk, World, Classical
Jazz Improvisation for ALL instruments (even if I don't play them)
Composition, Arranging, Orchestration, Counterpoint, Finale
Home & Commercial Studio Recording, Acoustics, Analog & Digital, Troubleshooting.

** For any students who are WITHIN 10 miles of my location, we can discuss lowering the price of travel. Feel free to contact me via the Ask a Question tool to discuss this

*** For any students who are OUTSIDE of my listed travel radius, we can discuss a custom travel fee, based off the time and distance to your home. Feel free to contact me via the Ask a Question tool to discuss this, as well.

nning quickly. I help students get it under their fingers fast and get it right the first time.

I believe in sharing the happiness of making music with anyone who loves music and the guitar in particular. I do my very best to get you playing the songs you love in Pop, 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.
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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
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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.

, with the Desert Cities Jazz Band) Gregory Whitmore, Band Director at Cathedral City High School, has also been a mentor to Jacob.

In 2009, he performed Ron Nelsons Danza Capriccio with the Cathedral City High School Symphonic Band and world renowned saxophonist Kenneth Tse at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. That event was followed by a performance tour of the United Kingdom with the Cathedral City High School Symphonic Band.

In 2011, he ventured off to France and Germany with the CCHS symphonic band for his second performance tour with the group. Playing at many venues including, Heidelberg Castle in Germany and Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, outside of Paris, France. He has been on national television performing at the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl in 2007 and in the Hollywood Christmas parade in 2010 with the CCHS Marching Band. He has performed with various groups within the community throughout the years.

In 2012, began studies at the Art Institute of California Inland Empire studying Audio Engineering and received his Bachelor's of Science in the subject in December of 2015. During the time of his undergraduate studies, Jacob was working with various local artists at local venues around the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. Eventually joining the band, "Eva and the Vagabonds" in 2015 and worked on the recently released EP as a recording and mastering engineer. With the band he has played at Dreamworks, SOKA university, American Parlor Songbook, and DVAC. Now, Jacob attends Cal State San Bernardino studying for a teaching credential in Career and Technical Education. As well, Jacob now works on American Parlor Songbook on NPR as an audio engineer, working with various actors, comedians, and artists from LA and all of over the United States.

*** Lesson Details ***
Beginner to intermediate for Guitar and Drum Lessons

Professional Style Studio Recording

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Stratocastor HSS
Ovation Acoustic Guitars
Epiphone EJ-200 CE
DanElectro NOS '59

Grestch Custom Set 10", 12", 14",20"
Grestch Energy 10' 12', 16', 22'
Tama Snare Artwood All Maple 14"
Sabin SR2 Crash 16"
Sabian Hi-Hats 14"
Sabian Dry Bell Ride 21"
Paiste Rock Crash 14"
Paiste Thin Crash 12" and 14"
Vator Drumsticks

SoundGear:
Alesis Multimix8/iO4
PreSonus FireStudio
ART TPS II
ART VLA II
MXL 604 Pencil Condenser
Blue Spark SSL Condenser
SM 57's
MXL A-55 Kicker Dynamic
Audio Technica ATH-M45 Headphones
M-Audio BX5 Monitars
Alto Professional PA Speakers
M-Audio 49 Venom Synth VA/Midi
Arturia MicroBrute

‹Software:
Logic Pro 9, X
Main Stage 3
Protools 10
Max MSP
Macbook Pro
IMac

*** Travel Equipment ***
Epiphone EJ-200 CE
MacBook Pro

*** Specialties ***
Recording Services!
All genres of music!

ne a goal. I'll always tell you what I think you need to work on to improve your skill and your craft.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Pro Tools 10
Digital Performer
Mac & PC

*** Specialties ***
Applied Harmony & Theory for composing, arranging, and improvising music.

Ear Training to learn what to listen for in a rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic sense.

Sight Reading to translate a composers musical ideas back into sound whether it was written earlier today or 500 years ago.

do any form of drugs.
I have taught music from grade school level to University level.
I had my background checked and I can supply that upon request.

University of Saint Thomas ………Music theory, classical guitar, classical piano, voice.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)………….Music Composition, orchestration, and music production.

Musician Institute, Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood………….Modern guitar techniques.

focus on learning cool songs and do things that few other instruments can do.

I have a lot of fun with music theory. I try to be practical in what students need to know, but can teach much more. I have a jazz background and can teach jazz theory, including comping and improvisation.