Piano Lessons with James

Students will build core skills like technique, rhythmic feel and reading, and explore larger concepts like improvisation, composition, music theory, voicings and more. James specializes in genres such as jazz, R&B, Latin American music, pop, rock and contemporary styles. When working with songwriters and composers, James assists with music production, arranging, recording and notation (including notation software).

Locations Available
In James' studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY
Online
This instructor is fully booked.
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Meet the Instructor

What do you teach?

I teach piano with a focus in modern styles like jazz, pop, R&B, and more. I teach my students skills like improvisation, composing, chart reading and sight reading, piano technique, music theory, music production, arranging, performance techniques, ear training, time feel and more.

What makes you want to share your skills and knowledge?

I love being able to share the gift of music. It has brought me immense joy and has taught me so much about life. It is so rewarding to see students develop a similar excitement and appreciation of music.

What is your experience in your craft and how are you evolving?

At the age of 4 I started lessons in piano and percussion and I have been hooked ever since. Since I was 14, I have been playing gigs in New York for jazz artists, singer-songwriters, rappers, fusion bands, salsa bands, and more. I attended the well-known LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and Music and Art, where I studied vocal music. After graduating from Laguardia, I received a scholarship to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Piano Performance. I continue to play, record, and compose for artists in New York City as well as for my own artistic projects. I believe we as musicians are always learning and I am constantly practicing and learning from my peers.

What’s your style of teaching?

I believe that music should be a fun activity and my teaching style focuses on cultivating a love for music in students of all ages. I work with students to build skills by studying the music they most enjoy playing and listening to. I also encourage creative activities like improvising and composing. I believe mistakes are opportunities to learn and can often be doorways to discovery.

What keeps you creatively inspired?

I am constantly inspired by musicians around me. I try to play with others, see live music and listen to new music as much as possible. I think collaboration is the cure to creative blocks.

Testimonials

I've been taking piano lessons with James in his incredible studio, and it's been a game-changer for my jazz improvisation skills. His deep knowledge of theory, combined with practical applications, has helped me understand complex chord progressions and scales in a way I never did before. The studio's atmosphere is so inspiring, it makes every lesson feel like a jam session. James' approach is both challenging and encouraging, pushing me to explore new territories in my playing.

- Anette T.

As an electronic music producer, I was looking to refine my skills, and James' music production lessons have been invaluable. His studio in Park Slope is a treasure trove of both vintage and cutting-edge equipment. James has an amazing ear for detail and has taught me so much about mixing, sound design, and arrangement. His background in various genres brings a unique perspective to our sessions. Thanks to him, my tracks now have a professional polish I couldn't achieve before.

- Jackson W.

Taking piano lessons with James has reignited my passion for classical music. What sets James apart is his ability to blend classical techniques with modern interpretation. He's helped me approach Bach and Chopin with fresh eyes, incorporating elements of jazz phrasing that have added new life to these timeless compositions. His patience and expertise have greatly improved my sight-reading and performance skills. If you are in Brooklyn, take lessons with James!

- Sofia G.