James West

I have been teaching music lessons for over 25 years and  I have been performing and producing music for a span of 40 years. From as early as 10 years old, I was introduced to a broad variety of musical genres. I was influenced by the writing styles of my parents, who wrote their own musicals. I spent many of my early years performing in country, pop, jazz and rock genres in bands. I and my brothers owned and operated a recording studio and music lesson studio for many years in Southern New Hampshire. I have continued producing music, and still create arrangements for artists in various styles of music and also perform the instrument tracks along with them. I have led worship for over 25 years. One of my primary goals is to train others and help them achieve their musical goals. I have been a music instructor at Village Music School in Cary, NC teaching piano, voice, drums and guitar since 2015 and now continue to teach lessons for VMS online from Sparta, Tennessee. Beginning in August, I will be teaching private music lessons at Peachtree Learning Center in Sparta and Cookeville, TN.

Here are some testimonials from some students I have taught;

• "I was a drum and percussion student of Jim’s for several years from elementary school through high school. Having Jim for a teacher was an excellent experience. I started out with him as a new drummer, and went on to learn everything from drum set to multiple types of percussion instruments. Jim is a very kind, caring, and patient teacher who makes the learning experience very pleasant and enjoyable. I would highly recommend Jim if you’re looking for a high quality musical education."  ~ David

• “I took in-person piano lessons with Jim a few years ago. He is a great teacher - patient, kind and knowledgeable, did I mention patient. On top of that he is talented, he sings, plays at least piano, drums and guitar. I started as a complete beginner at Piano. Jim did a great job helping me understand and play the piano. I learned a great deal from Jim and value my time learning from him. I highly recommend Jim to help you play and love music.“ ~ George

• “My son and I both took lessons from Jim and enjoyed every minute! He’s a patient, kind, knowledgeable instructor as well as a talented musician. My son took drums, and I primarily worked on keys with a few lessons on drums as well. Don’t hesitate to begin lessons with Jim. You won’t regret it!”  “I’m still playing keys in my church worship band, and I’ve definitely learned to fill the soundscape at the appropriate time and be part of the team instead of "playing it all” like I did in the traditional way of playing hymns. Jim helped me begin to understand the difference, since that was new to me.” ~ Janice

• “About 10 years ago, my mother got me to take voice lessons at the age of 11 and my teacher was Mr. Jim West. He taught me the breathing technique of singing. I took voice lessons for a year from him and then for another year I took guitar lessons. I went on further to use what he taught me and kept trying to work on it to get better. In 2022 I was hired at the Rudy Theater in Selma, North Carolina to be a singer. While that was happening, I was in a bluegrass band and in 2023 we played on “Song of the Mountains”, which was a TV show on PBS. The next year after that we did a recording session in Nashville, Tennessee with Jerry Salley. He wrote hits for Reba, John Anderson etc. Now I am steadily trying to get better at crafting this gift that God has given me and working on what Mr. Jim West has taught me. Right now I am working on a country album and I have one single out called “Same Ol’ Feeling”, which is on all streaming platforms (and my name for the project is Johnny Red) I would just like to thank Mr. Jim West for everything he taught me and the love of Music he shared with me.“ ~ Johnny

I love to help beginner and intermediate students read, play and enjoy music! It’s such a joy to see them play music that they never thought they could!  With over 25 years of teaching experience, I have developed the skill of getting young students through learning challenges, minimizing frustrations that can cause disappointment. Teaching correct posture and technique is the beginning to a much easier process of learning. I have a very structured way to help the students through this process, using specific exercises. 

Along the way I keep a balance of theory, technique and performance. I have learned over the years, which approach will keep students motivated and successful without getting overwhelmed.  How to make them knowledgeable about theory in a way that is relevant, so that they will retain it and apply it better.  There are several curriculum that I use and sometimes blend them together to fit an individual students needs.  Although structure is needed, I try to see each student as individual and unique! So, while there are certain things that every student should learn, when it comes to curriculum, one size does not fit all!