James M. — Guitar Teacher — Dunbar–Southlands, Vancouver

Music has been an important part of my life since I was 6 years old when I began taking piano lessons at the Vancouver Academy of Music. At age 12 I began to explore the electric guitar and I was hooked. At age 20 I began to study the classical guitar at Capilano University and I fell in love with it. I am very grateful to have studied with renowned guitarists Stephen Boswell and Kevin Callahan who have both encouraged me to develop my musical skills further. I also have taken masterclasses with guitarists Vladimir Gorbach, Miodrag Zerdoner, Henry Reitan and Benjamin Verdery and among others. I feel passionate about sharing what I have learned and to passing on the knowledge that I have gained over the course of my studies to others.

I believe that people develop a desire to play music because they like songs. That is why my teaching approach to this core element. Many aspects of musical training including technique, ear training, sight reading, rhythm training, theory, and artistic expression can all be developed or refined without isolating them from the music we are playing. As everyone is unique I assess and encourage the strengths of a student. It is so important to know our strengths and to develop them further. That being said, we need to work toward improving those things that are not as familiar to us. Knowing our strengths can give us a foundation to rely upon when developing our musical skills. I also believe in encouraging students to develop musical skills that will become their own.