James W.

A native of Rochester, New York, James began piano lessons at age 5, first with his mother and then at several prominent studios including the Eastman School of Music. Following high school, he entered SUNY Fredonia as an organ major, later transferring to Stetson University in Deland, Florida. While raising a young family, he briefly attended Peabody Teachers College in Nashville as a music education major, followed by a tour of duty in the Navy as a Journalist Seaman. Upon discharge, James spent 7 years in radio broadcasting, most as a classical announcer at WPLN-FM. In 1985, he completed a bachelor's degree in church music (cum laude) from Belmont College, and a few years later returned for graduate work with an emphasis in K-6 methodology. A master's in music education was conferred in 1991 from Belmont University.

James has worked for churches of every major denomination and currently holds the post of organist at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Franklin. He freelances as a wedding musician dba "Going to the Chapel" and is a member of the American Guild of Organists.

In December 2007, he finished 7 years as an instructor at Belmont Academy, a division of Belmont University, and moved his studio to Holy Cross in Franklin. In addition to teaching and playing for church and weddings, James works full-time in the Biochemistry Department at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He and his wife of 36 years, Carol, an artist, gardener and homemaker, have two grown children--Benjamin and Rebecca--and live with their two cats and poodle in Brentwood.

I cover all the bases by using the Faber books equally: Lesson, Performance, Technique & Artistry, and Theory, plus any special supplements the student may be interested in such as Jazz, Hymns, Christmas, etc.

I currently teach on an 88-key Casio Privia, which has weighted, touch-sensitive keys and sustain pedal. Organ students will learn on a 2-manual Allen electronic with full AGO pedalboard.

All styles, specializing in classical; I use the Faber Piano Adventures method exclusively. All ages and levels.

Tenn. State Univ. - education - 1998
Belmont University - music ed./organ - 88-91
Belmont College - church music - 82-85
Brighton HS - general - 66-70

Piano, organ, keyboard theory, composition, vocal coaching by special arrangement, music

"My son enjoys his piano lessons with Mr. James. He is a great motivator yet always makes it fun." - Stephanie W., physician

"Mr. James has an undeniable gift for teaching others to do what he loves so much...play the piano." - Beth M., Belmont music major

"Thanks so much for your patience, concern, wise counsel and wonderful instruction." - Betty M., adult organ student, FRA teacher

"Thank you for being so patient with Allison and Austin. You are a wonderful and inspiring piano teacher." - Janey W., lab manager at Vandy

"I found a jazz teacher. I think he's perfect for me and he says I did exactly the right thing by taking lessons with you for the past two years to get to the point where I am now..." - Gary T., attorney

"...to hear [our son] perform and to hear the response from others brings us back to reality; he is blessed and so are we. Thank you for allowing him to express his talent, thank you for your patience and your belief in him. We are grateful." - Jana W., psychiatrist

From the mother of a student just accepted into the Nashville School of the Arts: "I am very happy with how she has progressed with you. I heard her playing last night and she just played and played and played. And it all sounded great." - Rhonda E.

You may read more on my site under Testimonials