James Wengrow Guitar Lessons

$300/hour

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Introduction

***Please note that in-person lessons are available only for NYC residents. However, online lessons are available for anyone.*** I currently teach for the Midori and Friends Foundation and Hudson Classical Music and am booking private students for 2023 and 2024—all ages, skill levels, and musical styles! I also encourage my in-person students to perform at events I host. Lessons can be: [1] remote via Zoom [2] at my music studio (2 Prince St, Brooklyn) [3] at your home. I have 20 years of experience teaching students of all levels, from beginners and group classes in school music programs to conducting jazz workshops at conservatories and teaching advanced adults regularly performing. No matter the students' level, my focus is not just on WHAT to play on the guitar; I emphasize a step-by-step process regarding HOW to practice the concept, deconstruct the core issue, improve the fundamental skills, and ultimately experience a lifetime of joy that music brings. Beginner students will immediately learn songs from their favorite artists while developing the correct fundamentals. Experienced students will be assisted in refining their existing techniques, understanding, and practices while still being challenged to develop new skills and update their goals. Topics include: -Technique/Chops/Picking/Lead guitar/'Shred'... -Chords/Songs/Riffs/Strumming/Rhythm... -Playing genres (jazz, rock, pop, classical, metal) stylistically/blending disciplines/improvisation... -Scales/Fretboard knowledge/Reading music... -Theory/Composition/Songwriting/History... -Development of practice routines/performing and recording... I am privileged to have studied and performed with some of the world's most elite musicians, with my study with late jazz guitar greats John Abercrombie and Vic Juris being experiences I am incredibly thankful for and models I emulate when helping others. Forging connections with students and assisting in their musical development is the most rewarding aspect of my work. I look forward to hearing from you!

Overview

Hired 18 times

Serves Brooklyn, NY

Background checked

1 employee

35 years in business

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This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

20 reviews

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Katherine L.

Jun 2, 2024

James Wengrow was the guitarist, MD, and producer for the music of my wedding last fall. From the initial consultation to the very last dance, James made sure the process for hiring our wedding band was simple, seamless and made for an incredible reception. His experience and knowledge was recognizable from our the first call — we had our reception at a gorgeous, spacious museum with over 200 guests. He made multiple recommendations about the set list, the number of musicians, sound engineers, equipment, etc. throughout the process and was transparent about expectations and costs the whole time. He did a ton of research to find what would be best for us, sourced everything and kept us filled in every step of the way which was hugely reassuring. He also took into account our preferences for music genres and made sure the set list and instruments reflected our tastes. James expertly organized the band—all highly talented musicians—who played jazz standards in guitar/bass/drums format for the cocktail hour and then a full band playing pop, rock, and R&B hits from multiple decades for the main event. The singer, Leah Rich, was incredible, and James' impressive skills on the guitar were also noted by many guests - he was absolutely shredding! The music was amazing and had everyone dancing, and we had so many compliments from our family and friends about how awesome the band sounded. James also went above and beyond during two snafus—one, by keeping us on schedule for our first dance when our event coordinator dropped the ball, and second, by adjusting the setlist on the fly when there was a medical emergency AND then by keeping the mood up—his adaptability and professionalism were huge assets when things went awry. I’m not over-exaggerating when I say our night was perfect in no small part due to James & the amazing band — he was truly the best, and we would recommend him to anyone looking to book a stellar group for their wedding/any other event!!

Jeremy C.

Jan 22, 2024

I recently began lessons with James and I could not be happier! I have been aimlessly noodling on the guitar for the last 30 years or so and had become frustrated and bored with my lack of knowledge and direction. I've had 3 lessons so far and I can confidently say that my love for playing has been rekindled! James is knowledgeable, encouraging, and enthusiastic. There is a huge difference between being good at something and knowing how to TEACH that thing, and it is very apparent that James is a teacher, rather than just someone who can play. Don't get me wrong though, James can PLAY! Having a teacher with structured plans has been so much more valuable than watching random, disjointed youtube lessons, like I had been doing. James is meeting me where I am, and pacing the lessons so that I have plenty to take home and chew on without feeling lost or overwhelmed. Prior to my first lesson, I emailed him an overview of my playing history and what I wanted to learn, and we wasted no time and jumped right in. He has easily answered my barrage of questions in a way that I can truly understand, and I'm starting to wrap my mind around music theory in ways that I never thought I would be able to. Now I think about guitar all the time! I look forward to practicing and I pick up my guitar whenever I get a few minutes. Aside from his playing and teaching abilities, James is just a solid guy. I was admittedly a little intimidated demonstrating my skills in our first meeting, but all of my insecurities were immediately assuaged by his friendliness, and we clicked right off the bat. Outside of lessons, James is very communicative via text and flexible with scheduling. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone wanting to learn or improve at guitar!

Colin G.

Dec 29, 2023

I have had an incredible experience taking lessons with James! I've been taking lessons from him for the past year or so and have seen a drastic improvement in my playing. We've worked on topics ranging from jazz harmony, theory, reading, and improvisation. Taking lessons has been so beneficial for my playing because we take the time to understand what we are playing and how it can be applied across music. Before taking lessons, I'd sporadically learn songs online and forget most of them, and not really absorb much of what I was playing. Breaking down songs, understanding form, and then adding practice routines that improve specific parts of my playing has been so helpful. I've felt more comfortable joining a band, playing at shows and open mics, and feeling comfortable rather than intimidated over the guitar. James has been super flexible both in scheduling and in the content we jump into. Sometimes I hear a song/solo and I need to learn it and understand what the artist was doing. Other times we'll go back to improving speed, form, and technique. James and I initially took lessons in person, but now opt to do online lessons mostly, though we both live in NYC. Online lessons have been great, James sends me a recap of the lesson and additional resources like PDF's, links to helpful resources, and whatever else we talked through. Would totally recommend James to any guitarist, but as a guitarist working on jazz and some more intermediate/advanced topics I have seen a ton of benefit.

Hannah C.

Mar 16, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

I've been playing guitar for a few years by way of attempting to teach myself. I knew that I wanted to get past the plateau in my progress and I am so happy that I found James! I have gotten an incredible amount of value and growth out of my lessons with him. He has so much guitar knowledge and skill and teaches in a way that makes things click! For example, he has helped me begin to feel like I can play music and in front of groups of people and has helped me get in touch with a natural musical sense (as opposed to thinking a lot and trying really hard) while playing guitar. He has never missed or been late to a lesson and sends handwritten PDFs summarizing the lesson and things to practice after we meet. I feel like I found the best guitar teacher out there- highly recommend!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Justin H.

Sep 14, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

James is an incredibly talented guitarist and teacher. He took time to get to know me and my playing, and was great at figuring out a plan of action for what to work on and how to go about it. He is incredibly knowledgeable and has a great way of explaining things that make it easy for anyone to understand. I highly recommend learning from James !

Details: 18 - 25 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Jazz • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

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James Wengrow

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
SPECIAL: For new students, the first two lessons are for the price of one! RATES: 60-min: $90 per single lesson / $340 per month of weekly lessons 45-min: $75 per single lesson / $285 per month of weekly lessons 30-min: $60 per single lesson / $220 per month of weekly lessons The above discounted monthly rate applies to other appointment frequencies (bi-weekly, monthly, flexible book-as-you-go, etc.)
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
FORMAL EDUCATION: (2016) Masters of Music: Purchase College State University of New York. Jazz Studies with Vic Juris, John Abercrombie, Timothy Albright, and Jon Faddis. Recipient of Jazz Department's 'Graduate Award' and the 'E&E Merit Scholarship' for all semesters. (2012) Honors Year, Bachelor of Music Performance: Victorian College of Arts University of Melbourne Improvisation Stream. Individual study with Marc Hannaford. 'First Class Honors' result for thesis 'Toward a Technique for the Performance or Two-Part Polyrhythms on Electric Guitar.' (2011) Bachelor of Music: Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Advance Performance Major. Individual study with John Rodgers, James Sherlock, and Steve Newcomb. TEACHING EXPERIENCE IN NEW YORK (2016-2023) NYC Guitar School Individual and group guitar and bass guitar lessons to students of all ages at Upper East Side and Brooklyn locations. Adjudicator of graduation submissions. Ensemble coach for theory, songwriting, and beat-making workshops, for the adult and kids/teens rock band programs and group instructor for after-school classes at PS87 and The School at Columbia University. (2019-Present) Midori Foundation Group Instruction for an after-school program at NYC public schools. Groups consisting of 20+ kids in grades 2 to 5 for PS314M and grades 6 to 8 for MS324. (2013) Gymboree Play & Learn Early childhood (6 months to 5 years of age) classes in Music, Art, School Skills, Sports, and Play & Learn. Lessons of up to 15 children with their accompanying parent/nanny in each class. Others: (2014-2016) Harrison School of Music, (2015-2016) Douglaston Music School. IN AUSTRALIA (2020) Sessional work at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (Brisbane) Performance and workshop for the Bachelor of Music students in the Jazz department. (2021-2022) Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School (Brisbane) (2012-2013) Beaumaris North Primary School (Melbourne) Individual and group guitar lessons to students age 5 to 12. Assistance in the running of both school's concerts and events. (2009-2011) Saint Laurence’s College (Brisbane) Individual and group lessons for students from grades 5-12 based on classical guitar pedagogy. Individual and group lessons. Assistance in running the Junior Guitar Orchestra (approximately 40 ensemble members), extra-curricular concerts, and music camps/tours.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started performing in the jazz scene in Brisbane, Australia, at age 13. I was also starting to give guitar lessons at that same period to fellow school students and their siblings during lunch breaks and before/after class. Since then, I have taught in numerous schools, studios, and privately in Australia and New York, as outlined below!

James Wengrow Guitar Lessons

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