“I immediately noticed that James is very passionate about guitar and music. He does a lot of study on his own in addition to the course work he had at DCC. He is constantly reading books on music theory, finding and trying new music and attending concerts. James has a thorough knowledge of the guitar fingerboard, and he reads well.
James impressed me from the start as an individual who is willing to go above and beyond.”
REVIEWS
Performance Reviews:
5/5 stars - Wedding Ceremony Solo Guitar Music - Verified Review (WeddingWire)
Lovely ceremony guitar music!
James was a pleasure to work with and played exceptional wedding ceremony music (solo guitar). He arrived early and had a microphone handy for our officiant. He is friendly, personable, talented, professional and willing to learn new songs for your big day! I would definitely recommend James to play at your wedding or other event!
Carrie D. married on 09/21/2019
5/5 stars - Wedding Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Solo/Duo (with Harp) Guitar Music - Verified Review (WeddingWire)
Can I give 6 stars?!
What can I say? This man feels like the brother I wish I had. He was so calm, cool and skilled playing and collaborating with our harpist on our special day. I knew from day one I can put my trust in James to open his mind and let him play his heart out and boy he did not disappoint. Thank you brother for everything! You are now family so expect to get phone calls about bbq's in the near future! Ha!! But seriously....he is amazing and his skill is uncanny! True professional through and through. He is the type of guy you can fully trust with your kids and that level of trust one cannot put a dollar value on. Go James!!!
Ralph C. married on 06/01/2019
5/5 stars - Solo Musician Entertainment - Verified Review (Thumbtack)
We hired James to play instrumental guitar for our mom's 100th birthday party. Frankly, he was great!
On the day of the event he arrived on time, set up quickly, and got right to work.
He played a wide variety of music throughout the afternoon including music from the 1940's, exactly as we had requested.
In addition to being a gifted musician, James was professional, competent and gracious to all of our guests. He was a pleasure to work with.
James, thanks so much for a job well done!Bill D. corporate event on 11/14/2015
5/5 stars - Solo Musician Entertainment - Verified Review (Thumbtack)
WELL DONE. THE PEOPLE ENJOYED HIS MUSIC.
Drena C. event on 6/25/2016
5/5 stars - Wedding Ceremony Guitar Music - Verified Review (Thumbtack)
My wife and I hired James to play guitar for the processional and recessional of our wedding ceremony. We had very specific plans for the songs and arrangements we wanted to hear, and James was able to accommodate by learning and tweaking them in a very short amount of time. He communicated with us frequently throughout the process and sent us videos to make sure we were happy with the results.
On the day of the wedding, he arrived on time and with the necessary equipment, and set things up with the coordinator/officiant so that we didn't have to worry about anything ourselves. And, of course, he played the songs exactly as we'd hoped, helping to make our ceremony a perfect and memorable one. James, I'm glad you found my listing here, and thanks for everything!Michael K. married on 7/13/2016
4/5 stars - Orchestra/House Band Guitarist (Jazz/Big Band, Guest Entertainer Shows and Broadway)
James is a good guitarist and soloist and works well with everyone to have the best possible performance. He is always ready for rehearsals and works well in ensemble. James understand how his performance impacts the guests satisfaction and works to add to the success of the orchestra. James is very cordial with the guests. He easily converses with them and even gets some ''fans.'' James is very trustworthy and has a good sense of integrity. James is passionate about his music and strives to learn more skills and building on those he has. He definitely enjoys his work! James reads well and improvises well; he is very easy to work with.
Tina Marie L. - Band Master, Celebrity Millennium Cruise Ship, 9/30/2017 - January 21, 2018
5/5 stars - Private Solo Guitar Music Entertainment - Verified Review (Thumbtack)
Wanted to surprise my wife on our birthdays at a retreat in PAs poconos. Hired James and don't regret it! Came an hour early to set up. Very social and outgoing. Would definitely recommend and hire again!Alex G. event on 07/01/2018
Student Reviews:
Name: Richard C.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “James is a phenomenally talented and accomplished guitar player and a gifted instructor. He has an uncommon ability to take very complex musical concepts and make them accessible and easy to understand. He excels at teaching music theory and can handle any question you can throw at him. His knowledge of classic technique and mastery of modern techniques (tapping, sweeping, hybrid picking, economy picking, pinch harmonics, two handed tapping, whammy bar vibrato) makes him a one stop shop for guitar instruction and mastery. Best of all James is an amiable and humble guy with a passion for guitar music that is contagious and makes you want to play your guitar. I would highly recommend James to any level of potential student”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Isla R.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “James is a smart, loving, and an overall AMAZING guitar teacher. He taught me alot in our time together. He is very knowledgeable on the guitar, but that is only part of what makes him a great guitar teacher. He is very caring, kind and thoughtful. He cares about his students and is very kind to everyone. I reccomend James to every young guitarist out there, and he is one of the best guitar teachers I ever had”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Doron B.H.
Instrument(s): Bass Guitar
5/5 * - “I had a great time learning bass with James. We're gonna be good buddies, since he's a metal head like me. Really awesome teacher”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Ezra R.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “Went from Power Chords to Eruption In like 3 months.. ALL HAIL JAMES”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Lucas G.
Instrument(s): Ukulele
5/5 * - “He’s so passionate & dedicated to his profession”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Joseph S.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “James is an amazing teacher. My playing would not be where it is today. I learned so much with james and had a great time doing it”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Matthew D.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “James is the only other guitarist I knew who could teach me my genre of music I like to play. I learned songs very quickly with him, and he made sure every part of the song was right that I played. He would go over it with you until you finally get it down. James is the only teacher I would ever go to. His genre of music to teach is very wide and introduces me to music I never knew existed. If you want to learn it he knows how to teach it”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Hunter L.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “I truly feel I learned a lot of guitar wisdom from James. We started off lessons about learning a lot of different guitar effects and learning some new techniques such as tapping and legato style. James makes lessons really fun and interesting. He is always willing to send tabs and music to you via email depending on what you would want to learn. In lessons we went from topics such as sweeping to Brazilian rhythms and finger picking he knows it all! I know for a certainty if you take lessons from James you will enjoy them as much or even more than I did”!
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Shahan S.
Instrument(s): Guitar/Baritone Ukulele
5/5 * - “James was an amazing guitar teacher for my 8-year old son! His enthusiasm and energy were infectious. While he was an excellent technical teacher, he also taught my son to be passionate about music and made learning guitar fun. We would recommend him wholeheartedly”!!
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Frank Y.
Instrument(s): Guitar/Piano
5/5 * - “My four children began taking guitar lessons with James in the Spring of 2019. I immediately noticed a dramatic increase in their motivation and time spent practicing. By encouraging the kids to explore their own preferred styles and songs, James was able to move them along further and faster than any other instructor they have had. As an educator for over 20 years, I would be hard-pressed to think of another teacher who is more engaging, passionate, and dedicated!”
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Annalisa A.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “James is a passionate music teacher who understands what children require to succeed - motivation and a love of music! My 8 year old son looked forward to his lessons each week. James was excellent technically but, more importantly, he motivated my son by introducing him to styles and songs he knew would resonate with him. Lessons were engaging and James’ passion for guitar and music is now a part of my son! I would highly recommend James”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
Name: Satyaki “Suki” M.
Instrument(s): Guitar
5/5 * - “James is just excellent . He knows guitar well and is very enthusiastic about teaching”.
Would you recommend James as a Music Teacher to others?: Absolutely!
