About
My name is Will James and I'm a musician based out of Athens, Georgia. I specialize in bluegrass, classical, folk, country, and jazz styles. Some might call me Bluegrassically Trained! After receiving my degree in guitar performance from UGA in 2013 I started teaching full-time at a studio whose clients came from all walks of life, ages, and skill levels.
I have completed many contracts onboard luxury cruise liners as a sideman, soloist, and accompanist in a vast variety of styles. I have learned so much from this unique experience that I love sharing with people!
I have just returned from an extended stay in Nashville performing with world-class players and look forward to sharing advice, technique, and perhaps a little bit of wisdom with you!
You can find me on Instagram @will.james.music
It's my personal goal to share with students tips, tricks, advice, and techincal know-how that I wish I had learned earlier as I was a developing guitarist. I am personally invested in each students' musical success, and there is nothing I love more than helping people in a field that I am very passionate about! As a lover of many genres of music, it brings me great satisfaction to spread the joy of music to people around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to start with a conversation about the student's goals and ambitions as they apply to their guitar playing. Brand new and never touched one? Great! Let's start with posture, string names, and tuning. I'll use my personal experience in teaching hundreds of private lessons to give you ideas, inspiration, and tips to maximise your time and effort to get a good foundation. Played for five years and want to play Western swing? That's good too- I'm happy to share tips and ideas about pedal steel bends and double stops.
After a short conversation with the student (or parent) we can get to work! You'll need a guitar and a good attitude and we're all set!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started music at the age of 11 playing the trombone in middle School band. The next year I started guitar lessons with Mr. Alex Boskoff, who continues to be my friend and fellow guitar geek to this day. After playing in some rock and metal bands, I enrolled at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at UGA and studied classical guitar under the legendary John Sutherland. Many recitals later I got my degree and started teaching full time. I have also played countless solo sets, sight-reading gigs, and put band performances to thousands of people worldwide!