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James always meets me where I am in my pursuit of piano playing. Having him as an objective observer of what my hands are doing can make a huge difference when I am trying to learn a new piece of music. Writing out the fingering is important, but often a tough passage for me can be made so much easier after he has seen "how" I am attempting to make those fingerings work. Also, he is always eager to draw the connections in music from Bach, to jazz standards, to even Christmas carols and holiday tunes. Chords and scales are important to, but often the "feel" that James points out turns simple exercises into music.
He is an artist who shares his endless knowledge and experience wholeheartedly. He has the patience of a Saint and is always positive. Even when not totally prepared, I always leave feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Level of professionalism with an excellent and talented musician
You start with the basics. Sitting at the piano, hand position, learning the notes and their values. It's a slow process and it is never typical. Every student is unique.
I have been playing the piano for 70 years. Studied composition with Vincent Persichetti, Classical piano with Clement Pertrillo for ten years and Jazz with Dennis Sandoli. Studied orchestration with albert Harris and conducting with Frederich Zqeig.