James | Teacher #3528
About James
James offers composition, drumset, electric bass, guitar, saxophone, voice, and more lessons. He provides a comprehensive musical education experience in your home, online, or at his studio. James holds an Honours BFA in Contemporary Music from the University of Guelph-Humber, and his approach integrates practical performance with theoretical understanding. Fluent in English, he caters to a diverse student base, from children to adults, fostering a creative and motivating environment. His teaching style emphasizes ear training, rhythm, and improvisation, helping students discover their unique musical voice. Book an interview with James now to explore diverse musical paths.
Guitar Voice Saxophone Electric Bass Drumset Composition Singer-Songwriter Ear Training Music History Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Composition Music Theory (Advanced) Jazz Improvation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Jazz Country Pop Rock Rock and Roll Folk Blues Hip Hop Progressive Rock Reggae Rhythm and Blues Ska Funk Rap Punk
English
Teaching Philosophy
I like to focus on finding the joy in music and using practice to inform the theoretical. Rhythm and melody are inside of us all and finding our personal link to them is essential to both getting the most out of music and progressing as a musician. I have spent as much time working as a professional musician as I have spent teaching and this gives me insight into what is truly valuable in the learning. Ear training, rhythm, and improvisation are areas in which I drive the student to move intuitively to find their own voice.
Musical Education
I have an honours BFA in contemporary music from University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto, ON. I studied piano privately from age 7-13 and played saxophone, guitar, and voice at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, from which I graduated with honours in 2006. I have taught professionally off and on for about 12 years with some breaks to focus on my own writing and performing.
Lessons in your home
James is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Toronto, ON
Lessons in a music studio
James offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.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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