James Melton
Teaches Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Music Production & Songwriting
About James
Hi! I’m James and I’m a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. I play a variety of genres and went to school in Philadelphia to study Jazz, getting my masters degree in 2023. I play a bunch of gigs, usually supporting other vocalists and instrumentalists. Occasionally, I’ll perform my own music. I write, perform, and record jazz, blues, R&B, and pop music and feel comfortable teaching many styles of music. My teaching style is goal-oriented. I like having short-term and long-term playing and performance goals for my students. I’ve also been described as very patient, so no need to stress out!
"I like having short-term and long-term playing and performance goals for my students."
What is a musical obstacle that you remember overcoming? How did you overcome it?
I’ve had carpal tunnel surgery in both of my hands. There was a time and I thought I’d have to quit because of the condition. However, I was able to rehab back into playing and now it’s like I never had a problem (mostly).
What style(s) of music do you like to play the most? Why?
Jazz is my favorite kind of music and it’s the style I play the most. It is a challenging and rewarding vehicle for practicing and emoting music.
What other instruments, aside from the ones you teach, have you played before?
Saxophone a long, long time ago.
When did you start playing music, what brought you to it?
My dad is a musician, so music has been a part of my life from a young age. I officially started playing guitar at 13, which is later than some and earlier than others!
What are some musical goals you hope to achieve in the future?
I’m working on my second album currently and can’t wait to finish that one up. Then it’s on to the third! I’d love to teach music at a University someday.
What are some of your favorite teaching moments?
A bittersweet moment happened this past year. A student I’ve had for six years had to stop lessons to go to college. It was awesome working with them for so long as they grew up into a talented musician. They are going off to school to become a teacher, too.
What advice could you give to someone who has just begun learning music?
Never stop learning and never think you’ve learned it all. The best musicians never stop being students of music. Embrace being a student forever and you’ll always have more to learn and grow from.