San Antonio, TX Music Recording Lessons

eory, and ear training to students of all ages, levels, and musical backgrounds, including students with special needs. 
 
I am currently completing my Masters degree at University of California, Irvine. Prior to my graduate studies, I was based in New York City, where I ran a private music studio, performed throughout the city with my jazz quintet, and worked as an accompanist and musical director. I graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with degrees in Performance and Audio Engineering.



Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about lessons or scheduling!

working together to turn musical fantasies into realities.

From grade school to high school I took rigorous classical piano lessons. In 2006-07 I attended two summer programs at Berklee College of Music where I studied jazz/rock performance, and continued to study jazz piano at Washington University.

At Boston University, I studied classical music composition/theory, and was accepted to for a dual degree in Music Composition, Psychology, but decided to pursue music as a minor in order to allow more time for gigging. Since relocating to Boston, I have performed 250+ shows in various ensembles around the greater Boston area.

*** Lesson Details ***
As your private instructor, I am here to give you the most rewarding, interesting, and enjoyable lessons in the UNIVERSE. My lessons are are catered to your specific goals and where you are at, beginner to advance, 5-1000 years old. I am here to get you to where you want to go, whether that's taking up a new hobby or becoming a virtuoso. Together, we will do it!

In our lessons we will work on:

- Your favorite songs, any style
- Writing your own music
- How to learn music by ear
- How to read music notation and chord sheets.
- How to record/produce yourself
- really, seriously, ANYTHING YOU WANT!

I know what it's like to have a teacher that is uninspiring, or to be told that a certain kind of music is the "right kind to learn," when all you want to do is jam out to your favorite songs on the radio. I've been there. That's not what I'm about. I'll teach you how to play whatever it is you want to learn, whether that's the complete works of Bach or the latest One Direction song. Let's do it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Digital Piano, Synthesizer, Digital Audio Workstation, Recording Equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Piano and voice students must provide piano/keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
My experience is primarily with pop/rock/jazz/classical music, but we can do any genre/style you'd like!

love, and continues to be an endless fascination for me.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe the pursuit of musical knowledge and skill should be a fun adventure and therefore, in each and every lesson with me I hope that there is laughter. I like to start off finding out what you are interested in learning, then I will create a curriculum based on those interests. I like to get students going right away playing songs so they don't get bored. By the end of three months you should have a nice little repertoire of 6 or so songs in different keys and a beginning knowledge of your instrument and by six months we will have moved into scales, solos and a bit of theory based on your progression.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room, street parking. I have plenty of guitars, amps, pedals and tuners here. I also have audio recording software so we can record your lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have guitar and tuner, student should also have a guitar.

*** Specialties ***
I would say I am best a teaching rock and blues guitar. I have also studied theory and flamenco guitar and would be able to teach beginners.

become a consummate professional.

I teach beginner to advanced students of any age. I also can provide pro and amateur electric guitarists an in-depth study of correct hand postures and left-hand/right-hand technique which can help to refine their overall technique and stylistic approach. I can also advise professional electric guitarists on their electronics, effects pedals, and amplifiers to achieve their own individual sound. I also teach Bass, and reading the Bass clef.

My teaching specialties include: Solfeggio, Sight Reading, Music Theory, Scales and Modes, Left and Right Hand Technique, Blues Progressions, Jazz Standards the Classical Repertoire, Flamenco styles, techniques and repertoire, DADGAD and other alternate tunings, and the works of Sor, Giuliani, and Carcassi, Brouwer, Aguado, Villa-Lobos, Sabicas, Paco de Lucia, Pat Martino, and Davey Graham.

I have an in-depth knowledge of the stylistic approaches and techniques of such guitarists as Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, and SRV to name a few, and I can teach you the components they use to build their signature licks.

As a rule I only transcribe to give the students examples for lessons. I intend for all of my students to grow as musicians, so my lessons do not consist solely of transcribed solos and riffs.

I have a vast library of music, so I can draw from my own resources to teach you, or from a method of your choosing.

My schedule has a few openings right now. I do teach outside of my stated teaching radius, but ONLY at the 60 minute rate.

I teach people of all ages, from children to adults. I believe everyone is on an even keel, if they are willing and eager to learn.

*** Lesson Details ***
Emphasis on classical posture and technique.
Emphasis on sight-reading.
All students learn to play basic blues and jam
Technique varies depending on the particular style the student wishes to learn.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At my Archie's location, we have guitars of all kinds, cables and amps available

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a limited number of learning materials such as exercises, listening or practicing CD on occasion. However, I feel that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own guitars, and the bulk of their own learning materials and necessary electronic equipment. This can include footstools, music stands, method books, amps, cables, pedals, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I've been playing guitar for 25 years, and this has given me the time to study, perform, and perfect many styles of guitar playing.

I studied classical and flamenco guitar with Robert Guthrie for 4 years before and after my studies in the SMU program. I've also played in jazz and rock ensembles since the age of 14. I studied with Chuck Pangburn, pro jazz cat, and Brad McLemore, an indie rock songwriter, early on in my studies as an adolescent.

I encourage most students to learn to play on a classical or nylon-string guitar early on in order to develop proper technique, posture, sensitivity, and sensibility. I also encourage all students to learn to sight-read at a very early point in their studies. Once, this hurdle is cleared many other challenges are easily surpassed.

Presently, I am developing a new method which incorporates solfeggio, blues and popular music forms, and improvisational playing. I also am exploring the vanguard of new guitar technology such as the Vo-96, analog effects, and various guitar synthesizers.

I try to introduce an understanding of music theory early on so that students develop a full comprehension of not only the written language of music, but also, the sonic language of music.

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.

only get a Great Lessons but you'll also get the experience of working and being recorded in a Professional Recording Studio. You will learn a lot in a very short period of time, but you will also have a lot fun doing it as well. For The person interested in learning Guitar I'll teach you to Understand that you'll Develop Correctly, and Much Faster By always practicing on the Acoustic Guitar, and then if you'd like to go and play or perform on the Electric Guitar, you'll be 100% Better as a Musician then if you just played only on the Electric Guitar. That is a Key element to what all the Professionals Musicians like myself do. I no longer accept every other week lessons, only weekly lessons.
I have a 24 hour Cancellation policy, if I'm not notified within 24 hours of your lesson I will accept payment.
Thank you and I Look forward Helping you reach your goals.