Harris Music Studio: Stonington Connecticut ~ Since 1993

Certifications : Bachelors in Fine Arts and Music from “Berklee College of Music”.

Education/Training:  James Graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1992 with a Fine Arts Degree. He also studied privately with a number of Berklee’s best professors. He had intensive guitar training with John Wilkins and studied jazz improvisation with the highly regarded Jazz educator Hal Crook. He also studied performance with Chesky recording artist, songwriter and entertainer Livingston Taylor.  James has had extensive vocal training from the renowned American tenor Brian Cheney who was a protege of 3 time Grammy Award winning tenor Jerry Hadley.

Personal Statement :  My method to teaching music and guitar is always evolving and I adapt the lessons to each students particular interests and needs. I try to incorporate the types of music which the student wants to play into my lesson plan. I encourage students to learn how to read music and to have a deeper understanding of music in general. Learning to play the guitar is fun but it also requires a lot of work. I try to keep students heading forward musically while keeping them interested by learning songs that they like. Every student is different so I think it is important for a private music teacher to be able to adapt to each student but most importantly to keep it fun.

Performance Experience:  I am a guitarist and vocalist with over 20 years of experience.  While studying at Berklee College Of Music in Boston I played in many rock and jazz ensembles . I specialize in acoustic classic and modern rock and play more than 200 shows a year all over New England. For more formal events I also play classical guitar and have a large repertoire of popular, classical, and jazz songs. 

Rates: $25 per 1/2 Hour.  Most Students take a half hour lesson. Advanced students may benefit from an hour lesson.

Cancellation Policy: 48 hours must be given or lesson payment is forfeited.

References: Available On Request