James Holt

Fun & friendly environment for beginner to advanced students. Learn on an acoustic or electric the styles of music that inspire you. All styles taught including Rock, Pop, Blues, Fingerstyle, Jazz, Classical, Country, Metal & Fusion.

James is a professional guitar teacher and music educator who teaches from his music studio in Earley, Reading. He works with students of all ages and abilities from beginner to advanced. He is a graduate of the world-renowned Musicians Institute where he received their highest honour of a platinum achievement award. He is now dedicated to his passion of teaching guitar and inspiring musicians of all levels to attain their full potential.

The lessons are very much individually tailored around the students’ own musical goals and preferences. James aims to achieve a balance between inspiring students to play the music that they listen to and love, and providing a strong grounding in all the essential components that make up a complete musician. James is highly skilled at adapting the learning environment to suit the student, always maintaining a warm, friendly and empathetic approach.

James is very skilled at assessing the developmental needs of every player and then formulating a bespoke approach to help them develop their style. For more advanced players there is a real emphasis on learning how to translate the musical ideas we hear in our head onto the instrument so that they can become fluent improvisors. This provides a powerful link between music theory, ear training, audiation and fretboard visualisation.

All students are provided with their own course folder and notes. Lessons are usually split up into different categories of learning so that a more complete syllabus can be taught. Particular focus is given to developing repertoire, technique, theoretical knowledge, ear training and audiation, composition, transcribing and reading. James is flexible about the goals of the student; exams can be studied for if desired, however if the student wants to play only for pleasure or to learn a particular piece, this is always wholly supported.

James is very experienced at inspiring young beginners to learn and embrace the guitar, in a fun, supportive and safe environment. His most recent experience comes from teaching his own 5-year-old daughter! There are so many benefits to learning music from an early age such as improved cognitive and memory skills, improved motor skills, hand/eye co-ordination and esteem. Many older children and teens get huge enjoyment and self-confidence from playing with friends and peers either informally or in bands. However, it is never too late to begin, and James also really enjoys teaching adults who are coming to the guitar for the first time, or who already have some playing experience. James is always keen to support busy adults who take the time to learn guitar, thus carving out a small space of time for themselves. He always works with the adult learner to maximise what they can achieve within the limitations they may have.

Qualifications:

Musicians Institute Diploma – Platinum Award