Information About James - Harrogate teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

I am a guitar teacher based in Harrogate with experience teaching privately and in schools around the county. As well as this, I provide online tuition and produce music educational content.
My many years of intense practice, performing and teaching has made me the musician I am today, and I aim to inspire all of my students to push themselves to the best of their abilities as I have. I have toured and performed all over the south-west U.K working in events ranging from weddings, corporate functions to huge holiday camp weekends, as well as concerts.
My classes are tailor made for students of all ages and ability levels, with all material provided.
Technical aspects aside, having knowledge of musical theory is crucial for today's musicians - whether performers or composers. Aside from being a performing guitarist, I am also a professional composer working on a Masters degree. Theory is included in my lessons in a fun and dynamic way because knowing it will help your playing to evolve significantly.

Tutoring Experience:

I have over 10 years of teaching in schools/one-to-one and in the classroom.
For over 5 years I have worked as a composer for film.
I have a masters degree in composition/orchestration for film
Bachelors degree in jazz performance
Grade 8 Classical guitar
Grade 8 Plectrum guitar
Grade 8 music theory

Tutoring Approach:

Classes must be made to suit the student. I always assess your needs before starting, and encourage your participation in designing your syllabus. I always encourage students to learn theory and to learn how to read music as necessary
For beginners, we can start at the basics with melodic/chordal material and move quickly onto playing the songs that you love.
Advanced players can learn about improvisation, phrasing, modern techniques, scales/modes and beyond!
I teach both plectrum and classical/flamenco/folk fingerstyle guitar. I can prepare you for guitar grades 1-8 if desired.
Music theory is available as a stand-alone class, or can be combined with guitar lessons. Theory generally takes several different directions, but I specialise in traditional 'classical' and jazz theory. Lessons will begin with teaching you the basics of how music works, progressing on to harmony and form. There are two approaches that I take with this - classical theory and jazz theory. I can help you to prepare for the ABRSM/Trinity Theory grade exams 1-8.