A holistic approach ensures that my students are encouraged and inspired to explore all aspects of music making from the very beginning.; active listening, improvisation, composition, ear training and rhythmic skills are used together to help to develop the whole musician and improve instrumental abilities. I have experience teaching a wide range of people from young beginners to older professionals, and aim to develop the confidence and skills of my students in a safe and inclusive environment. I am happy to work towards grade exams, personal musical goals, conservatoire auditions, original songs/compositions, identifying together which areas we want to develop and work on and providing the necessary tools and resources to further skills. Most of all, I provide a fun and enthusiastic learning environment to make lessons enjoyable for everyone! Lessons are available at my home in Hunslet or via Skype/Zoom. Teaching at your location will be at a higher rate based on distance and travel time. I am a Masters qualified professional musician who is currently a senior lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, and also have 10 years experience teaching a variety of younger age groups through award wining organisations such as Symphony Hall Birmingham, Make The Paint Dance (Leeds) and NOFA. Prices and subject areas are flexible - please do feel free to get in touch! TESTIMONIALS "Really friendly and patient chap. Great teacher, he went through everything thoroughly and made me feel confident in my abilities. Highly recommend :-)" "James is responsive and invested teacher who in inspires both creativity and discipline in his lessons, and always leaves me with something new to think about." "Really friendly and patient chap. Great teacher, he went through everything thoroughly and made me feel confident in my abilities. Highly recommend :-)" "James, is a wonderful teacher with an amazing and specialised understanding of the instrument. He’s reliable, friendly and open to possibilities/ideas when teaching. This makes the lessons engaging for all levels."