James Woolwine

6 Years Teaching on Lessonface
Background checked
Keyboard, Classical Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Fingerstyle Guitar, Rock Guitar, Pop Piano, Piano Composition, New Age Piano, Music Theory, Composition, Songwriting, Guitar
5.0
(1 lesson review)
50+ lessons booked on Lessonface
Lesson Fees
$35.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
Free trial lesson for new students
Subscriptions 25% off
Book 20+ lessons for 20% off
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About

[5.0 rating over 10 reviews from another lesson platform]

Thanks for checking out my profile! Music is my passion and I love to share it. I especially love working with beginners. Music can be challenging, but if you're ready to work hard I'll do my best to make it easier. 

I've taught 14,000+ hours of piano and guitar since beginning in 2009. My youngest student ever was 4, and my oldest was in his 80's! 

I've played music my entire life, starting with piano at age 7. I was an award-winning Classical pianist, but majored on guitar in college. I've played most styles of music, but my favorites are Classical, Rock, Pop, and Metal. (Yes, Metal; though I may not look it;)

Outside of teaching, I'm an active professional musician and solo artist.

Here are some free downloads to help you get started:

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/materials-new-guitar-students

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/buying-keyboard-here-are-some-tips

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/basic-8-guitar-chords-every-beginner-should-learn

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/simple-3-string-guitar-chords-young-beginners

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/full-piano-grand-staff-notes-and-solfege

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/how-build-triads-any-note

https://www.lessonface.com/apply/constructing-scales-and-their-chords-beginners

Reviews from Another Lesson Platform

November 23, 2018
Online Lesson
Vivian G.

I am an older student, probably James' oldest student, that initially started taking guitar lessons with James and now takes both guitar and piano lessons. Learning or re-learning to play an instrument as an adult, the case for me with the piano, there is one quality aside from the obvious that is needed and that is patience and motivation. James has both and understands the time constraints adults have versus children when it comes to finding time to practice. He keeps it interesting and allows me pick the songs I want to learn to play. Even now as I am learning bar chords, a bit challenging for me, I pick the songs and James creates the bar chords to help me learn the song. If you are an adult or older and have ever wanted to learn to play the guitar or piano or possibly re-start your lessons after an extended hiatus, James is the piano or guitar teacher for you. If you have children that want to learn the guitar or piano, I also highly recommend him. I believe I am starting my 3rd year with James so that should speaks volumes about him.

November 23, 2018
Online Lesson
Richard S.

I started piano lessons with James almost two years ago. i am a senior and did not have any knowledge of music. James has been patient , encouraging and instructive..I would recommend him heartily to anyone.

November 23, 2018
Online Lesson
Michele M.
November 23, 2018
Online Lesson
Nina B.

Mr. James is an excellent piano teacher. He is attentive, patient, and kind. At the same time, he is able to push his students so that they meet their potential. My 8-year-old daughter has been studying with him for over a year and we cannot imagine her learning from anyone else

November 23, 2018
Online Lesson
Colin K.

James taught one of my sons guitar and the other piano for over a year. He’s a great musician (buy his CD’s!) and a patient teacher. He’s methodical but fun.

June 17, 2014
Online Lesson
Arthur B.

I am 75 years old and have always wanted to sit and play a song. I called James and explained my problem. He agreed to be my teacher and I am completely pleased with my decision. After 4 months I am playing songs which I never dreamed I would be doing. Great teacher and great personality.

May 23, 2015
Online Lesson
Maura

My grandson is very excited about going to his piano lessons. He is even more excited about doing his piano homework. James takes the time to explain what is needed. He works at the child’s level.

September 17, 2014
Online Lesson
Sofya .

Mr. Woolwine is a great teacher! I am learning so much and becoming better at piano. I’m improving my skills with every lesson and I will continue taking lessons with James. I highly recommend him!

July 11, 2015
Online Lesson
Beth C.

James is an excellent guitar teacher and talented musician in his own right. His teaching style is easy to follow and the classes are enjoyable. Thank you James!

August 23, 2018
Online Lesson
J. Z.

James is a patient, respectful, kind, and very knowledgeable piano tutor. I took weekly lessons with James for over four months while we lived in the same city, and I can confidently recommend him to any person, regardless of age or skill level. He has an exceptional listening ability and knows just the right corrections and suggestions to help you improve during your individual practice. I went from a absolute beginner player without the ability to read sheet music to a slightly intermediate level with almost complete sheet music literacy. Thank you again James!

September 25, 2024
Online Lesson
Yvette R.

My son has been taking virtual piano lessons with James since 2022, and the progress he's made is incredible. Having transitioned from another school, James has truly helped him take his piano and musical skills to the next level. He is patient, knowledgeable, and knows how to engage students in a way that makes learning fun and effective. I highly recommend James to anyone looking for a great piano teacher!

September 25, 2024
Online Lesson
Michelle V.

James has been a diligent, professional, and consistent teacher for my two children. My first child started piano with him in-person and transition to virtual lessons when he was 6 years old. Over the past 7 years, his mastery of reading music and technique has grown significantly. My son decided to change to guitar now that he is a teenager, and James has remained his teacher and he has eased into the new instrument well, due to his understanding of music. My 2nd child has been taking piano lessons with James for 6 years, and he has also grown significantly. We initially placed our kids into music lessons because we wanted them to have an understanding of music. While they have no interest in learning music more formally, I have no doubt that they could audition for any magnet program with comfort because they'll be able to read and play. They have learned discipline through regular practice and they have grown in confidence because they understand what it feels like to work on progressively harder technique. James is patient and very reliable (more reliable than us, for sure). He feels like a part of the family, and we are excited for our third child to begin lessons with him when she turns 6. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!

September 25, 2024
Online Lesson
Trevoron J.

Fantastic instructor. My son always looks forward to the lessons.

September 26, 2024
Online Lesson
Jasmine

Our daughter started virtual piano lessons with James during the pandemic when she was 8 and has continued for 4 years. He's an encouraging instructor but also challenges her to play with proper technique and musicality. We aren't in the Miami area so have continued virtually. I've asked my daughter if she'd prefer to change to an in person instructor but she likes James so much she doesn't want to switch. Definitely consider him if you're looking for a piano teacher.

September 26, 2024
Online Lesson
TJ W.

James has been teaching our son for the past few years (we started around age 7). He is very patient with our son and is really invested in his success. James is great at encourages our son to practice and keeps him moving forward by gently pushing. Our son is always learning new songs, skills, and techniques that he enjoys playing and sharing. James has good communication and reasonable hours. We definitely recommend him as a piano instructor.

September 26, 2024
Online Lesson
Carolee B.

I am an adult learn who started taking guitar lessons in April 2020! Now it is September bet 2024 and I am still taking lessons from James Woolwine each week, with no plans to stop. I started as a sit around the fire and strum Girl Scout songs type player. If it had standard chords and strumming, I could play a version of it. I have advanced to an intermediate guitarist able to play short classical, blues, rock and blues solos. I now take my guitar everywhere and play with others. James is the perfect instructor for adults and youngsters alike. His patience and attention to detail have encouraged my improvement. I especially appreciate his willingness to dig in and help me to revise small passages to ensure that I understand and master the music. As a really busy person, I also appreciate that in the weeks that I haven’t practiced much, I still appreciate my classes. This is because James will help me to improve during my lesson regardless of how much progress I made during the week. Of course he is able to help me advance more quickly if I have had the chance to practice each day that week. I broke my left arm in September 2021 and couldn’t play for 8 weeks. I didn’t stop my lessons. Instead, I took advantage of James’ expertise in music theory. Taking the time to understand chord construction and keys took me to another level. I appreciate and enjoy my guitar playing infinitely more than I used to. I attribute my renewed love of the guitar to James Woolwine’s lessons.

Teaching Style

I strive to make lessons rewarding and fun, without sacrificing high standards. Every student should achieve their own potential in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. I really emphasize fundamentals. Master those, and they'll apply to any musical style.

I'm proud that many students, young and adult, have stayed with me for years. I'm also proud of helping children who had been through other teachers and were close to quitting. With patience and enthusiasm, I reviewed any skills they were lacking. Within a few weeks the parents reported their kids were finally enjoying music and making progress. 

Curriculum

There are so many method books available for piano and guitar that it can become overwhelming. Ultimately, they're all teaching the same information, but these are my favorites: (1) For children and teenage beginners on piano I prefer Faber or Bastien. (2) For adult beginners on piano I like the Alfred and Bastien methods. (3) For all guitar students I generally use the Hal Leonard method and/or Basix Tab method. FJH is also very good. For those more interested in Classical guitar I like the Christopher Parkening method. Of course, these are only starting materials, and other music will be introduced depending on a student's individual goals and progress.

Credentials & Affiliations

Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, 2004 • Bachelor of Music, cum laude • Double major in Guitar Performance and Music Business/Management