Guitar Lessons With James Clarkston
About
Guitarist James Clarkston was originally inspired to pick up the guitar by the rock group KISS and has played in several Hard Rock Bands. James studied music in college and discovered a deep love for Classical and Flamenco Guitar. Having become well known for his expressive, instrumental Classical/Flamenco Guitar Music, James Clarkston has been the opening act for the world famous guitar duo Strunz & Farah, and performed at a private party for former President George H. W. Bush. James Clarkston's original song Dos Guitarras has been played on the popular National Public Radio Show “Coast to Coast AM”. James has over 20 years of teaching experience in public, private & charter schools, and for the last three years he has taught private lessons and group workshops at La Jolla Music. Students of James Clarkston are encouraged to perform in recitals at least once a year. James takes students of all ages and experience levels, and takes great pride in creating a customized learning experience that is fun and challenging. James appears regularly in the La Jolla music scene, performing at weddings, parties, the
La Jolla Christmas Parade, and the La Jolla Open Aire Market.
It is rewarding seeing how Music helps to improve motor skills, cognetive skills, and bulids self estheem.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A phone conversation to discuss what instruments they have played before, and what their musical goals are. I ask them what they expect to get out of taking lessons with me, then set up a free first time 30 min lesson to present them with some materials on getting started and play some exercises with them. We then set up a regular weekly lesson time. Students are then expected to pay $140 for the first month (4 lessons at $35 each) of lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Started playing guitar 33 years ago, Majored in Music and then fell in love with Classical/Flamenco Guitar Music. Owened Clarkston Art, Guitars & Gifts for 7 years. 20 years experience teaching in public, private, and charter schools.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$35 per half hour lesson once a week, which is paid for on a monthlly basis in advance.
How did you get started teaching?
By sheer accident when a co-worker asked me to teach his kids how to play guitar. I ended up with so many students that I quit my job and started teaching and playing music full time.
What types of students have you worked with?
As young as 5 years old on the Ukulele and as old at 86 years old on Classical Guitar Technique.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My Guitar Orchestra performing at a local library.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Beware the teacher bios that don't include recent events and experiences beyond college education.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much do I need to practice to see improvement?
Do I need to learn to read music to play well?
What is technique? What is Music Theory?
I would also add that if the instructor seems too academic and boring, don't take lessons with them.