Jim Funnell
About
Hello and welcome to my Lessonface profile.
I'm a Berklee College of Music (Boston) graduate with 15+ years of professional experience, I offer personalized piano lessons focused on musical growth and creative understanding. My students learn how to play but also how to listen, improvise, and think like musicians.
Lessons are available worldwide via webcam and tailored to each student’s level and objectives.
I work with beginners, intermediate players, and advanced musicians seeking deeper understanding of harmony and improvisation.
Lessons are offered in English & French.
Group Class Reviews
Inspiring
Short but informative
Great class. Teacher is enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about improvisation. The class gave me some good ideas of things that I need to start working on (I definitely need to review and study music theory !), and it motivated me to learn about modes. I’m a beginner on my instrument, so some of this class went over my head. The class is more suited for intermediate/advanced musicians.
I watched the video (couldn’t attend live). Mode discussion was interesting. Too much time was spent helping students w their Zoom audio.
Too short for such a vast subject. He was good though.
Teaching Style
My teaching style emphasizes listening, understanding, and creative engagement. I love helping students to grasp the musical ideas behind what they play.
For piano and jazz, this means:
• developing ear training and harmonic awareness
• encouraging improvisation and personal expression
• building technical foundations in service of musical ideas
• adapting lessons to each student’s pace and interests
I believe every student has a unique musical voice. My role is to help that voice emerge through structured guidance and creative exploration.
Curriculum
I design personalized curricula based on each student’s level and objectives.
For piano and jazz studies, I often incorporate:
• foundational method books (as appropriate to level)
• jazz standards and harmonic exercises
• ear training and improvisation tasks
• student-selected repertoire
Recommended texts vary by level. I provide guidance during lessons and adapt materials to each student’s progress.
Students are welcome to use their own methods and scores, and I supplement with tailored exercises and arrangements.
Credentials & Affiliations
• Berklee College of Music, Boston — Bachelor of Music (Composition & Piano), Summa Cum Laude
• 15+ years professional teaching and performance experience
• Conservatoire experience and private instruction
• Lessons delivered via webcam worldwide