Whanganui
Guitar Lessons | Piano Lessons | Artist development, Aural Lessons, Song Writing Workshops, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, NCEA Music Tutoring, Online Lessons
Bio
James Paul is a professional guitar player and educator with a BMus (First Class Hons) in Jazz Performance from the New Zealand School of Music. After this he had a fixed term on scholarship studying at the University of North Carolina.
James has been very active member of the NZ music scene and can often be heard playing with various members of groups such as ‘The Black Seeds’, ‘Trinity Roots’, ‘The Phoenix Foundation’, and ‘Twinset’. James has also spent time on cruise ship contracts where he was the in-house guitar player. With 13 years’ teaching experience both privately and in primary and secondary schools James brings enormous energy, dedication and a fresh approach to guitar tuition.
Teaching Info
Structured and thorough lessons with a flexible and fluid teaching style. Strong emphasis on a wide range of different guitar styles as well as scales and chord knowledge.
James has instructed our family on guitar for over 3 years and we thoroughly recommend him as a teacher. He is able to adapt his instruction from working with our youngest, starting at age 6, through to novice adults. His music choice and instruction is tailored to suit capability and interests whilst also keeping it fun. One of our children had become particularly adept at guitar (thanks to James), fostering a real love of the guitar and music, and James has been able to maintain their interest, providing challenges and looking to extend them. We have regular weekly lessons but James is flexible when we need to change lesson times. We would have no hesitation in recommending James as an instructor to children or adults.
Andrew Matthews
James is an awesome guitar teacher. I’ve been learning guitar from him for 5 years. He’s great at incorporating practical and theory components into lessons. He gives useful exercises to improve in things like improvisation as well as pieces which are fun to play. He’s also very flexible and always happy to answer any questions you have.
Nina Owles
James is exceptional at explaining things and I appreciate his strategies when I want to achieve something. He's also very patient and a good listener! All these things make for excellent guitar lessons :)
Malisa Palalagi
James' approach is based on twin pillars of high competence with his guitar, and exceptional student centred tutoring skills. He identifies my next steps and helps me reinforce my progress, bolstering my confidence during those inevitable slow patches. My playing is ten times better than it would have been otherwise, because of James' tutoring. Highly recommended.
David Bradbury
I've been taking jazz guitar lessons with James for over a year now and absolutely love it! It's the best feeling to improve my playing every week while having heaps of fun with it. I especially enjoy the jamming together!! Highly recommend it!!!
Leonard Szeifert
James has been teaching our family guitar for 4 years. He is patient, diligent and great with kids. Always reliable and flexible - and he knows his stuff. Would always recommend.
Lloyd Davies
Our daughter has been learning guitar for the last year. She was 7 when she started. James has made a really big effort to get to know & build a rapport with her. She always looks forward to going to her lesson, has learnt a lot and finds the lessons fun. James is really friendly and it's evident he makes an effort to get to know his students and what they like.
