Teaching Education & History
James received training in music education throughout his time in school. During his undergraduate education at Furman University, James took classes in String Methods (a course designed to teach students how to guide a classroom of string students) and Violin Literature and Pedagogy. James’ first experience teaching in a classroom setting was as a graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Houston, guiding undergraduates through their required music theory courses. Additional Violin Literature and Pedagogy classes at the University of Houston were also critical in developing James’ pedagogical knowledge and experience.
James first started teaching private one-on-one music lessons in early 2016, taking a position teaching students after school at Riverwood Middle School in Kingwood, TX. Since then, James has taught over a hundred students of all grade levels in schools across the Greater Houston Area. In addition to the public education system, he has also taught at several private music studios and academies, teaching students of all ages and experience levels in violin, viola, and piano lessons.
Teaching Philosophy
1. Foster the growth of the student’s technical and musical skills on their chosen instrument, to the highest standard possible.
2. Every student is different, requiring a specialized and adaptable approach to instruction in both the short and long term.
3. Every student deserves not just to know what to do to improve, but also why they are being asked to do it. In my lessons I make sure the learning process is as understandable and transparent as possible, to both students and parents.
4. Foster critical values that will serve students throughout their lives, traits not confined to the musical world: discipline, focus, responsibility, and creativity.
Joining the Studio
Press the Contact tab at the top of the screen to get in touch with James (or “Mr. M” as his students call him) if you are interested in taking lessons, or having your child take lessons. You will then be provided with details about rates, availability, and a lesson agreement to be signed in order to start the lesson process.
