James | Teacher #3085
About James
James, a dedicated music educator, offers online lessons in a variety of instruments and subjects including bass clarinet, saxophone, trombone, voice, composition, and music theory. With a Bachelor of Music and Education from the University of Ottawa, where he trained under Kymball Sykes of the NAC orchestra, James brings rich experience to his teaching. His musical journey began in a household steeped in music, studying piano, clarinet, and saxophone while singing in choirs and participating in various ensembles. He founded an a cappella choir and led it as a singer, composer, and arranger. James' extensive involvement in concert bands, choirs, and small ensembles, coupled with his 15 years of high school music teaching, ensures a comprehensive and enriching learning experience for his students. Book an interview now.
Trombone Voice Clarinet Saxophone Bass Clarinet Composition Singer-Songwriter Ear Training Music History Counterpoint Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Music Appreciation Dictation Composition Music Theory (Advanced) RCM - Analysis RCM - Counterpoint RCM - History RCM - Advanced Harmony RCM - Intermediate Harmony RCM - Basic Harmony RCM - Advanced Rudiments RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons
Classical Jazz Country Pop Rock Rock and Roll Folk Blues Broadway Musicals Celtic Christian Gospel Rhythm and Blues Ska Funk Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I am deeply passionate about music education and strongly feel that it should be an integral part of everyone's life. I see the value it has on people's lives and believe in its healing powers. Music has the potential to connect communities and bring change to so many. Having worked with a wide range of students and age groups, I see the positive effects first hand. The mental, physical and social wellbeing of the student is enhanced exponentially when performing and creating, and I am honoured to help provide a space where this can take place.
Musical Education
I have a degree in Music Education (BMus and BEd) from the University of Ottawa. It was at this school where I was trained by Kymball Sykes of the NAC orchestra in Ottawa. Before my time here, I attended York University for two years with Patricia Waite. Music has been a big part of my life as I grew up in a musical household. Growing up I sang in choir, and studied piano, clarinet and saxophone. While in University, I was a member of various concert bands, choirs and small ensembles covering all sorts of musical genres. During this time I also founded an a cappella choir for which I was also the leader, singer and composer/arranger. Currently I have been teaching high school music for 15 years. My jazz band and senior concert band have received numerous awards at the regional, national and international level. Most recently our senior band was awarded a gold at the Baldwin Wallace Invitational which took place at Carnegie Hall in New York. In the past, as a private teacher, I have instructed piano, clarinet, trombone, trumpet and theory lessons. Many of my students have advanced to University to study music, including to the University of Toronto, Western and Laurier.
Special Skills and Trainings
I grew up watching my mother teach Music For Young Children in our house. I really enjoyed listening to the development of the students week to week. From an early age I knew I wanted to teach music. While in high school I led the school choir, taught private lessons and led the local cadet marching band. When in University I involved myself in everything that I could. I joined a renaissance ensemble, formed an a cappella choir and spent a few years assisting with the recording of various singers and ensembles. Most recently, in addition to teaching high school music I spent several years conducting the local community band, taught private lessons and have spent time working on my own personal recordings and compositions.
Lessons on an online platform
James can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
James is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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