James Karna

James Karna

5.0Exceptional(5 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I'm a 2nd grade reading teacher and I teach the after school guitar program. I offer a comprehensive curriculum from beginner to advanced. I have been playing the guitar and studying music since I was 11 and love to teach as well as perform. I currently play in a band. Bellow are reviews from my students

Star rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Additional Comment: I am Facundo's father. I asked him how does he feel with his tutor and he told me he feels very comfortable and he is happy during the classes. James is a very calm teacher and doesn't make the kid feel under pressure. After three lessons Facundo has shown improvement playing the guitar.

Star rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Additional Comment: Matthew loves his tutor!

Additional Comment: Matthew fully enjoyed the time he spent with his tutor, James on his first guitar lesson. James is very professional and he is a great tutor! We are very happy that he is tutoring our son. Matthew is looking forward to his next lesson!

I love watching students learn and develop music appreciation. My instruction helps students progress quickly.


Highlights

Hired 16 times
14 years in business
Serves Houston , TX
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Specialties

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Recommendations available

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Recommendations available

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Reviews

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LS

Luralai S.

James is patient and knowledgeable
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February 12, 2022
Hired on Lessons

DG

Deb G.

Unfortunately, my son did not get the chance to work with James. We had to cancel our plans for his guitar lessons. He was extremely gracious and understanding. He worked hard to try and help find a day or time that worked for us. Once our house and schedule calms down, I will definitely contact him again. -D Green
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October 20, 2021
Hired on Lessons

JV

Julia V.

James has been great! He teaches my 10 yr old son (a beginner guitarist) and my son enjoys his lessons very much. James is organized, patient, and provides great feedback and encouragement. After every lesson he leaves my son a homework list and practice material and my son is always excited to practice and show us all the new things he is learning.
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May 08, 2021
Hired on Lessons

DS

Donald S.

He has been patient with me, I think he is a good teacher.
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March 09, 2020
Hired on Lessons

JH

Joseluis H.

James is patient with my son who has no guitar background. James makes it easy for my son to follow.
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February 20, 2019

Frequently asked questions

I teach foundational skills placing a high importance on left and right hand technique. The biggest challenge new students face is placing the left hand on the fret board properly and playing notes clearly. Coordination between the right and left hand is taught through very effective warm-ups and drills. Once technique is built then progressing through the curriculum becomes much easier. 

I've taken private lessons since I was 11 and proceeded to study music theory and jazz at the University of St. Thomas with a well-known jazz musician. It definitely opened me up to ensemble and collaborating with other musicians.

Payment is due for four lessons in advance after the first lesson if the student is satisfied and wants to move forward. If in the rare circumstance the student does not want to move forward after the first lesson a $35 payment is still required.The set price is discussed and agreed upon depending on travel, distance and whether the lesson takes place at my location or the students location.  Cancellations must be at least 24 hours in advance and the lesson must be made up within a week before the next scheduled lesson. I have a policy of no refunds after payment is received. I prefer electronic money transfer such as Zelle, cash app or Venmo. I am also open to Apple Pay. Cash is accepted although I do not accept checks. 

I developed a passion for teaching when I started out as an elementary teacher in the public school system. Afterwards I led several afterschool guitar clubs and programs that had performances for the school. I then begin to teach private lessons with several tutoring agencies until I decided to become self-employed and focus on helping my own students. Over the years I have had several students become performers at their church, as well as professional musicians that wanted to integrate guitar in their performances.

I've worked with professional musicians that wanted to switch from the bass guitar to the six string electric guitar. I've worked with all ages from 7 to 75 years of age. My students come from all backgrounds including nursing, law-enforcement, professional singing, and stage performance.

I really enjoyed seeing several different genres of performers this year including Anna Vidovic, social distortion, and the Reverend Horton Heat. 

Be consistent with your teacher and they will dedicate their time to making sure that you become best musician possible. Also if you are time flexible with your teacher they will be flexible with you. Everyone has busy schedules. 

Make sure your goals are long-term but ask questions that will help you in the short term that are practical and attainable. 


Services offered

Guitar