Information About James - Dulwich teacher -

(9 reviews)

Personal Description:

Hello! I'm James, an improvisational pianist and tutor based in South-West London. Piano is my primary instrument, however my first love was the guitar and I've amassed fifteen years of experience between the two instruments, ten of these years based in London.

During this time, I graduated from The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance with a first class honours and I am now an active player in the live London scene, having performed at venues such as Ronnie's Bar-Ronnie Scotts, Hootananny-Brixton, The Rudolf Steiner Theatre and the Four Seasons hotel. I was also interviewed/performed live on 'Resonance FM' Radio Station.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught over 100 students privately since I began tutoring in 2015 and have had multiple students achieve music scholarships as well as a 100% pass rate for ABRSM and Trinity Grades.

Most students come on a weekly basis and others fortnightly, all making great progress. Their ages range from from 5 to 70s and abilities range from never having touched a note to beyond grade 8 level.
Lessons can be held either face to face, or online by using a professional home set up utilising multiple camera angles and a sensitive condenser microphone to pick up all subtle details.

I have been described as a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to explain ideas well and cater lessons to the learning goals of the individual.

Tutoring Approach:

I specialise in Jazz and music theory and my main areas of expertise are jazz harmony, chords/chord voicings, comping, improvisation and soloing techniques. I don’t limit my teaching just to jazz however, I’m also available to teach other genres such as pop, rock, blues and funk, and cover activities such as ear training, songwriting/composition and sight-reading.

I have a relaxed and informal teaching style and tailor my lessons to the goals and wishes of the student, whether you aim to become a full-time professional musician or simply learn how to play some of your favourite tunes. I
am a very strong believer in creativity and freedom of expression when it comes to playing, so I tend to teach the general fundamental 'rules' of music before encouraging students to break them (when appropriate!) to fully develop their own musical voice.
I use a mixture of my own material and published books.

My rates are listed below and are the same for both Piano and Music Theory classes and there is also a 25% discount included for first lessons.

30 mins - £28
45 mins - £35
60 mins - £42
90 mins - £55
120 mins - £70

** Online lessons are available post-covid, and new students of all ages and abilities welcome! I allow any additional time necessary (free of charge) for any technical issues throughout the session. Issues are extremely minimal and working remotely has not stopped or limited the progress of students. **

I look forward to hearing from you!