About
James R. Wigginton has been coaching performing artists for over 20 years. He holds degrees in Piano Performance and Voice Performance, and has been full-time faculty at Belmont Univeristy for 14 years. JRW has presented workshops and master classes in 15+ countries in over 50 international tours. His science-based technique is well-known for delivering dramatic range expansion, vocal health and longevity, and personal style development. "Jamie" is frequently hired to conduct choral and orchestral recording sessions and is known for his dramatic arrangements and orchestrions.
Additional Experience: Certified ISSA Personal Trainer, Brazilian Ju Jitsu Black Belt, Muay Thai Orange Belt, MMA Coach.
From Opera to R&B, brand delepment to getting into the best shape of your life, James R. Wigginton's VocalEdge will show you what is possible.
What's your EDGE? Time to find out.
Highlights
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Eddie S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Quick Assessment, establish goals, introduction to techniqe to get the student excited about what the voice can do.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
2 performance degrees, a lifetime of performance experience, 20+ years teaching experience, proficient is many styles--from Opera to R&B, I teach graduate-level courses on Music Business and Career Development, and I'll kick your ass and also keep you laughing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$150 for 50-min sessions. Skype or in-person.
How did you get started teaching?
My high school had no choral program. I was involved in baseball and wrestling, but was also wanting more music opportunites (my family was a touring band). So, I taught my friends how to sing, mostly wrestling buddies and their girlfriends, wrote arrangements, my mom played the piano for us...and we won regionals and the won state for the next three years in a row. Today, my high school still has a choral program that I started. So that was my big start in performance coaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students include Florida Georgia Line, Luke Combs, John Michael Montgomery, Pam Tillis, and of course hundreds of wonderful and unknown talent.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Hosting Christmas at Belmont for the 3rd time and conducting the symphony...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxXU6_4kt_s and you can see it here.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Your teacher works for YOU and should be honored to do so. Your goals should be the priority, although you should allow your vocal coach to recommend ways of expanding your comfort zone. The cost is always a consideration. But remember that "cheaper" can often be more expensive: takes you longer to "get there," you could end up spending too much for too little.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Where are you now and where do you want to be: vocal ability and career?
2. What specifically do you need from your vocal coach?
3. Be prepared: have charts, lyrics, tracks, all ready to go for the first lesson. Get the most for your money so you're not wasting lesson time waiting for a file to download, or searching for lyrics on your phone.