Spencer Artist Development

Offers online services

About

Online (USA) and In Study (Long Beach, CA) Private Lessons are available in 45, 60 and 90 minute durations.

James Specializes in working with intermediate to advanced artistry level but also encourages beginners. JAMES ACCEPTS US STUDENTS 18 and Older Only.

Subjects Taught: ACTING, VOICEOVER, VOICE ACTING, DIALECTS, MODELING, MUSICAL THEATRE VOCAL, PIANO (Advanced Artists only -Classical or Jazz), MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION/SONGWRITING.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT (by successful audition)

Highlights

Hired 24 times

1 employee

40 years in business

Serves Long Beach , CA

Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Zelle

Social media

Specialties

Instrument(s)

Piano, Violin, Cello, Other, Student does not play an instrument

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Students age

14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older

Interest(s)

Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.), Harmonization, Counterpoint, Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training), Other

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Photos and videos

Reviews

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dora S.

Mr. Spencer is an excellent acting coach for me and my daughter. He has taught us via online lessons for 9 months.

But of us are beginners but we have excelled and are mastering acting quickly. Mr. Spencer is a vastly knowledgable, professional, encouraging instructor. My daughter was cast as Anne in her schools production of Diary of Anne Frank, which to me is just amazing. I have call backs myself for a role in a play at my local community theatre.

Mr. Spencer is helping us realize are dreams, and to cultivate our passions. I highly recommend him.

May 21, 2023

charles C.

Im a 74 year old retired man. I have always loved acting but have had some minor challenges due to bad eye sight and Im not that computer savvy.

Jim helped me learn how to use an I-pad my grand daughter gave me to help me expand fonts to read scripts. Though Im only doing this so far for a hobby, I can see huge improvement in my ability to memorize scripts and act convincingly.

Jim encouraged me to audition for the community senior centers drama club. I couldnt believe it I got right in and enjoying meeting new people (Im widowed). Jim has been a Godsend.

Im finding new joy and Im enjoying seeing local theatre productions. I appreciate his kind, patient, and professional matter. Acting lessons with Jim is what got me through the horrible isolation during Covid quarantine.

He is also incredibly knowledgable on health such as veganism, breathing/meditation and is encouraging me to get into a healthier lifestyle.

My voice/sinuses improved after giving up dairy. I used to get chronic sinusitis. So I feel acting has been beneficial to my overall health.

Though Jim is pricier than other teachers in the area... I believe you pay for what you get. The extra money I pay is well worth it. The two other acting coaches I used before Jim...were mediocre and treated me like an invalid. Jim continues to inspire me to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. I consider him a good friend and he is one of the best educators out there.

April 26, 2023

julia L.

Jimmy is an incredible acting coach. He is helping me to build my portfolio quickly. His huge database of scripts/monologues has saved me countless hours searching for material so I can get right into the deep acting work.

He makes method so simple and I feel I really think about my characterizations. His additional tutorial videos are so helpful through the week. He is also helping me to understand strategies for the industry such as how to focus on only specific jobs from Backstage. Im blown away that in only about 4 month of study I have already booked my first movie and I just got call backs for a play.

I have started in the University of West London grades with Jimmy and they are opening up to a new world of classic plays, Shakespeare and more. Since university degrees in the US are so expensive, Im considering doing the UWL degree program with him after I graduate high school.

Jimmy is nothing but encouraging and inspiring. I couldnt ask for a better coach.

April 26, 2023

Spencer Artist Development

Thanks Julia: It is a pleasure to teach you. Congrats on getting casted in The Clean House. Great work.

laura J.

Mr. Spencer is an incredible musical theatre vocal coach. I have studied with him for 2 years and originally came to study when I was cast in as Fiona in my high school production of Shrek. I had very little skills reading music though I have always had a good ear.

Mr. Spencer gave me the most amazing exercises to help my voice improve quickly. He stresses the importance of breathing, diction and placement. Though I was very resistant because I always found music theory complicated... he helped me with that and within about 6 months I was reading much better.

Mr. Spencer (though I was really intimidated) encouraged me to participate in a Musical Theatre Summer Camp program. And I ended up having the most amazing trip to NYC and meeting new people.

By the way Mr. S is connected on Broadway and I was shocked how many celebs he knows or has worked with.

I just got cast as the lead in Thoroughly Modern Millie and having a ball.

If you want a masterful, caring encouraging teacher. Mr. S is your guide. He always tells me See you Laura at your first Tony Award. Now I believe that might be a possibility some day. I have already applied to NYU and CSUF here in Cal. Mr. Ss alma mater.. with a fantastic musical theatre program.

Mr. S is so exceptional!

April 22, 2023

Spencer Artist Development

What a sweet and awesome review. Thanks so much Laura. You are such dedicated, incredibly versatile, talented young lady. I can't wait to see you in Thoroughly Modern Millie. It is one of my favorite musicals and of course you know I performed the role of Jimmy twice. ... . Now "Forget about the Boy" and get back to practicing LOL.

dev R.

James Spencer is by far in my opinion one of the best acting coaches and artist developers in LA Industry. He teaching acting, voiceover and musical theatre.

I came to him as a complete beginner and within only 9 months Im now professional booking roles in theatre and have down 2 movies, 3 student films and commercial work.

James is an encouraging and relaxed teacher that teaches both out of his studio (Long Beach area) and online. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at his beautiful beach front acting studio.

He stresses the business of acting from the very beginning. I have studied method, classical/Shakespeare, improv, dialects, character analysis, scene studies and more.

James has a talent for finding the right materials for his students. He took a lot of the stress out of it for me. ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED. He charges a a one time registration fee of about $50 dollars and that fee include all pdf text books, scripts, and access to his vast digital library on 1000s of plays, musical theatre scores. He makes it so easy. NO having to spend lots of money on research and books.

James stresses the business. He helped me with headshots, demo reels, designing a beautiful web portfolio for me and using his contacts to connect me to the right auditions (instead of just blindly auditioning on Backstage for anything).. and connected me with agents.

I couldnt recommend him more! He is a good friend and teacher that truly cares about the success of his students.

April 21, 2023

Spencer Artist Development

Devin: WOW I'm so honored, what a great review. It has been my pleasure to work with you . You are a dedicated, ambition and hard working student. I look forward to watching your career as a professional actor take off. And indeed I'm happy with how your acting portfolio at devinraderactor.com came out . Keep working hard.

dev R.

James Spencer is by far the a super acting coach and artist developer. I have been a student of his now for over 3 years.

I started as a beginner in acting and within only about 9 months I have performed lead roles in community theatre, booked commercials and film work.

James is the so vastly knowledgable, easy going and relaxed. I enjoy going to his comfortable, luxurious home studio for lessons. He has taught me method acting, classical acting and Shakespeare, dialects, improv and I have greatly expanded my knowledge of playwrights and best plays/roles for me.

James also stresses learning the business of acting from the beginning stages and we have worked on developing my acting portfolio. He stresses proper headshots, demo monologues reels, blue screen reels, web portfolios, and helped me feel calm and relaxed with auditions and approaching agents . He is super versatile and also teachings voiceover and musical theatre which I plan to explore more.

Most importantly he inspires his students to be disciplined in their practice and strive to be very best. It is no wonder James has alumni students that are noted actors in LA industry, Broadway stage and students that stay loyal to him.

Thanks!

April 21, 2023

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

Process

1. Complimentary 15 minute phone consultation

2. Book 45 or 60 minute orientation lesson: includes assessment, orientation to my studio or online and goal setting

3. Pay registration ($60 single, $75 family) and registration for regularly weekly time

4. Complete 2 months of weekly lessons to qualify for additional promotions.

Online (US residents): FB messaging or Zoom

In person (Long Beach, CA)

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Fellowship 2016 (University of West London)

Cl. Hynotherapy Diploma 2006 (HMI)

Master of Music 1995 (CSUF)

Bachelor of Music 1992 (CSUF)

Performance Diploma in Keyboard 1989 (Royal Academy of Music, Victoria, B.C.)

Associate of Arts in Music 1988 (OCC)

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

Pricing:

Registration: $60 ($75 family)

Tuition:

45m: $75, 60m: $90, 90m: $120

Call for Artist Development rates (by audition/portfolio submission)

Web packages: $1800-$5000

How did you get started teaching?

I have taught music and drama since I was 14. I have always had a passion for teaching acting and music.

What types of students have you worked with?

I tend to teach serious actors/musicians preparing for careers in the arts. I teach all levels, and cultural diversity.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

Excited in 2023 to have taught students that have only studied acting with me for about 6 months that have already appeared as actors in movie, television , and live theatre. I am blessed with hard working dedicated students.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

A professional acting or music coach should have the following

1. Advanced degrees

2. A website portfolio demonstrating photos of their professional level students, bio, studio policy and other products related to their field such as albums, books, digital workshop courses (jamesrspencer.com)

3. Years of BUSINESS experience in the arts aiding others to create their own successful arts businesses.

4. Connections in the industry.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

1. Are they truly comitted and serious about their artistic growth. Will they practice daily?

2. What fears might be holding you back from being unstoppable?

Services offered

Piano

Singing

Acting

Voice Acting

Violin

Life Coaching

Music Theory