1/2
James Holshue

James Holshue

About

I have been teaching guitar for 40 years. I specialize in beginner to advanced methods. With beginners such as children, I will have them learning to play songs in a short period of time to keep their interest. No tedious note reading or nursery rhymes. They will learn proper technique and will progress rapidly depending upon their dedication. Parental support is crucial.

My experience as a musician includes over 50 years of playing guitar. I have played in cover bands from Virginia to New York. One of my bands opened up for Pat Benatar on her first tour in Virginia Beach. I also owned my own recording studio and record label in Schenectady in 2006.

I've accompanied professional local artists in Schenectady, Harvard University, Utica and Greenwich Village for live shows. I take delight in helping my students achieve their personal goals. One student I taught thirty years ago now accompanies me in local shows.

I enjoy watching my students progress to their stated goals.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
26 years in business
Serves Duanesburg, NY
Offers online services

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 guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

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

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

    0.0
    0 reviews
    5
    0%
    4
    0%
    3
    0%
    2
    0%
    1
    0%
    Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.

    AH

    Andrea H.

    You couldn’t find a more patient instructor. Will work at your pace! 5 stars all the way
    ... Show more
    December 20, 2019

    CC

    Con C.

    Jim is a true professional and is innovative in his approach to teaching guitar. He personalizes the lessons to the interest and capability of his students and makes learning an instrument fun.
    ... Show more
    November 20, 2019
    Hired on Lessons.com

    TB

    Trevor B.

    My lessons from Jim were and excellent experience. I had lessons with him for about 5-6 years and at every lesson he taught me something new. His teaching style makes it very easy and comfortable to learn how to play from knowing nothing at all. Even if you have experience playing but would like to learn new things Jim can do that for you. Jim is highly recommend and a true professional!
    ... Show more
    November 08, 2019

    MB

    Michael B.

    From the beginning I could tell he had been playing for along time,his ability to navigate the fretboard was impressive, most of all , his patience teaching me was the main reason I have continued my lessons with him after 4 years
    ... Show more
    October 24, 2019

    D

    David

    He worked with me over a period of a few years when I was younger. He progressively taught me how to build skill at the basics and then onto more in depth material. If there is any teacher I would suggest, it would without a doubt be James. He is extremely professional and flexible. Any time I wanted to learn any specific song, he took the needed time to teach me the techniques behind it and successfully imitate said song. He is as great of a player as he is humble. No matter your skill level, he will treat you without bias. I will continue to look back on my lessons with him fondly for years.
    ... Show more
    October 22, 2019

    LE

    Leif E.

    Really benefited as a youth from James Holshues guitar lessons. He gave a me a solid foundation that allowed me to grow as a guitar player and musician.
    ... Show more
    October 22, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    Depends on student's level, novice or intermediate.

    With beginners I explain the parts of the guitar (frets, strings, etc.), the nomenclature required to establish communication. I also explain chord charts and tuning. For intermediate students I will interview them regarding their experience and goals to construct a progressive program to optimize the learning experience.

    I have had some moderate instruction from professional teachers in the past regarding music theory and technique.
    Thirty dollars per half hour lesson. Forty five dollars per hour lesson. lessons paid for
    I started playing guitar at the age of ten. By the time I was fifteen years old I progressed to the point of developing improvisational skills and play in bands. I needed to upgrade my equipment so I began teaching to supplement my income.
    Beginners, all ages from pre-teens to adults. Intermediate players who wanted to learn music theory, technique and to learn the styles of their guitar heroes.
    The last concert I attended was Thirty Eight Special at the Albany Plaza. I love Southern Rock!
    Find someone with whom you are comfortable, someone who understands your goals and most of all, HAVE FUN WITH YOUR INSTRUMENT! You should be serious about learning and dedicating yourself because it is a long journey, but don't miss out on the more important things in life like relationships with family and friends, your health, spirituality, etc.
    Only one question comes to mind. Are you ready to make that commitment?

    Services offered

    Guitar