James was recently accepted into the prestigious guitar program at the University of Southern California, where he is studying
with Scott Tennant, one of the founding members of
the Grammy® winning L.A. Guitar Quartet.
For me, being a 
teacher is a great privilege.
I have always loved teaching. I first started teaching private students at the age of 14. At 17, I was invited to direct the guitar programat the public school in my home city of Kharkov, Ukraine. The following year I was offered a position at the prestigious School of Music for Talented Children in the Ukraine.
Since coming to the United States, I have taught a wide range of students: adults and children, beginners and advanced students. For beginners I provide a solid foundation in guitar, sharing with them my love of the instrument that is such an important part of my life. For more advanced students I provide intensive tutoring for those entering Master’s Degree guitar programs or those preparing for competitions. My teaching experience includes private schools and universities.
I am proud of the achievements of my students. They have been awarded scholarships as well as top prizes at local and national guitar competitions. My students have been accepted at such prestigious schools as the Peabody Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Southern California. To see my students succeed in a music career is all I as a teacher can wish for. I am truly more proud of the achievements of my students than my own.
I recommend twice a week lessons for the very beginners for a month. And then once a week lessons will be a good continuation of a learning process. Here is my lesson time recommendation for different ages: 6-10 years old 30min lessons; 8-13years old 45 min; 14 years old and up 1hour lesson.
Also it is important to choose the right size instrument. For children 6-10 years old 3/4 size classical guitar. For age 12 and older full size instrument would be appropriate. It is easier to start learning how to play guitar using the classical guitar model. It has nylon strings which are very gentle on the left hand fingers. After learning the important basics (notes, finger style right hand technique ) the student can easily explore all the guitar variety (jazz, country, folk, electric or pop).
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