Teaching is my passion. I have a music education degree and over 40 years experience teaching ages 5 through adult with 16 years at Vanguard University of Southern California, teaching both class and private instruction.I make use of the superior qualities of private instruction to tailor the music lessons to match the goals, interests and learning pace of the individual student. I offer 40 years worth of time-tested techniques and hundreds of pages of unique studies to help the student quickly acquire the knowledge and skills needed to play piano, electric keyboard, guitar, electric bass, clarinet or saxophone.
I strive to maintain each student's motivation to learn by providing this personalized instruction in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Business details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- Guitar, Bass, Piano, Saxophone, Keyboard, Clarinet
Services
Piano & Keyboard Lessons
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Private lessons allow me to teach what the student wants to learn - classical, pop, etc. Let me show you how much fun learning acoustic piano or electric keyboard can be. Lessons Available for Ages 5 through Adult. Guitar & Electric Bass Lessons
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Private lessons allow me to teach what the student wants to learn - classical, rock, pop or jazz. Let me show you how much fun learning acoustic guitar, classical guitar, electric guitar or electric bass can be. I incorporate relevant music theory into all of my instruction so you will fully understand everything you are playing. Clarinet & Saxophone Lessons
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My specialty is teaching children, ages 9 through 18, who play or wish to play in their school band or orchestra. My goal is to have every student of mine sit in the first chair position. Many of my students have even become section leaders. I have also developed a curriculum for children and adults who just want to play on their own. The course can be personalized to emphasize classical, pop, rock or jazz styles. 
Photos
Videos
Piano Lesson Sampler Video
Discover the wide variety of music you or your child can enjoy while learning to play piano.
Guitar Lesson Sampler Video
Discover the wide variety of music you or your child can enjoy while learning to play guitar.
Reviews (9) Cheryl Newman
Aug 10, 2022
My mid-teen grandson (NN) asked if he could have a "key board" as his Christmas gift. A few months after receiving the key board I asked NN if he would like to take lessons and he said "yes". I located Mr. James through a professional music teachers association and the rest is history. Mr. James is a dedicated and extremely patient teacher. NN has been Mr. James weekly student for 18 months and I attend each lesson and observe his teaching skill as well as the development of NN's music ability.
I think it says a lot about a teacher's skill if a 16 year old wants to continue the lessons. My judgement of the teaching skills is partially based on the fact that I have been attending music lessons (cello with various teachers) with my now 20 year old granddaughter for 10 years.
I think it says a lot about a teacher's skill if a 16 year old wants to continue the lessons. My judgement of the teaching skills is partially based on the fact that I have been attending music lessons (cello with various teachers) with my now 20 year old granddaughter for 10 years.
Leslie Barish
Aug 10, 2022
Gabriela Rubio
Aug 10, 2022
I have been taking my son to Mr. Mark for about 2 months already and all I can say is that he is wonderful. My son is 7 and has ADHD. He is a handful most of the time. His has poor attention span and is super hyper. Mr. Mark has always made him feel welcomed and has all the patience in the world to deal with him. He is very knowledgeable about music and explains everything to my son like he was an adult. Its amazing how my son understands everything! Mr. Mark has helped my son to fall in love even more with music. I totally recommend him to anyone. He is awesome!
Kevin Novokhatsky
Aug 10, 2022
Penny Selby-Newman
Aug 10, 2022
Lynn Haye
Aug 10, 2022
Robert Nguyen
Mar 10, 2021
Lynn Haye
Feb 03, 2019
Mark is a great teacher! I have learned so much about music and the guitar from him over the last 6 months. He has a college degree in music education so he knows how to teach at the appropriate level. During my lesson - he will record himself playing my guitar practice pieces - so that I am able to go home and practice my lessons correctly with his recording of the practice pieces. I would recommend him without reservation - best instruction I've ever had!
Kevin Novokhatsky
Oct 05, 2014
