Private coaching is the most efficient way to raise your guitar game for one simple reason: Feedback.
YouTube videos may teach you some things, but they cannot possibly give you this. The feedback that you get from a qualified teacher with experience and an understanding of the learning process is critical to your success.
I offer coaching on a limited basis and will be happy to give you that feedback. Honestly, I think it’s one of the best investments you can make as a guitar student, especially for someone in the first couple years of playing. Make sure to check out the STUDENT SUCCESS testimonials below so you can see what private coaching can really do to help you raise your guitar game!
______________________________________________________
IN-PERSON LESSONS
In-person private lessons are the time-honored, ideal way to learn to play the guitar. Local students get the benefit of jamming together in a collaborative way where the feedback is immediate. My guitar studio is a comfortable and inviting space to learn, and it's equipped with matching amplifiers (for my electric guitarists), a full sound system and anything else you might need - just bring yourself and your guitar!
When messaging me with lesson inquiries, feel free to give as much information as you like, but please indicate at minimum:
You might also want to include the type of guitar you have, what types of music you want to learn, your favorite artists, or any specific musical goals you may have. For example, you may want to learn to read music, expand your chord vocabulary, get started on lead guitar, etc. From there we can get a dialogue going.
ONLINE LESSONS
Although in-person private lessons are ideal, virtual coaching Is highly flexible and very effective! I offer lessons on the Zoom Video platform as well as on FaceTime (Zoom is highly preferred however). Of course, local students can also use the online option, as desired.
When messaging me with lesson inquiries, please follow the same instructions outlined above in the IN-PERSON LESSONS section. For online instruction, I accept payment via PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.
To download the free Zoom app, click HERE and select "Zoom Client for Meetings".
CONTACT me below!
Guitarist, singer, teacher. Lover of Baltimore sports. Whiskey and gin fanatic. Travel enthusiast.
I have decades of professional playing experience to pair with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Towson University. I've taught hundreds of students of all ages in private lessons, classroom settings, camps and seminars.
You can find some of my video lessons on YouTube, where I have almost 3,000,000 views. Join the 23k other JB fans and subscribe!
CONTACT me below to schedule a private lesson!
"Jim is a real music teacher who understands how to relate to all ages and abilities, which is important to me as an older adult student. Every lesson builds upon the next and, as a result, my guitar playing is light years ahead of where I was 2 years ago. He ROCKS and I am lucky to have him as my teacher.” – Karen P.
“Jim Bowley is an awesome teacher! He has been my musical mentor since 2007 and has helped me acquire skills that I never thought I would be able to reach. Beyond technique and theory, we also explore strategies to take songs to a more professional level, which is important to me as a performer.” – Piper Bateman, Nashville-based singer-songwriter and member of July Moon
"I started taking lessons from Jim after seeing incredible progress in my daughter’s guitar playing after studying under him. He has worked with me over these 3+ years to surpass my expectations and conquer the hurdles of my bad habits. Jim’s approach isn’t 'one size fits all'. He understands each individual has unique challenges to overcome. To sum it up, Jim Bowley is the BEST!” – John K.
“I have come in contact with many inspiring individuals throughout my musical journey, but none even come close to matching the pure awesome that is my friend, Jim Bowley! Somehow he has helped me stretch my musical abilities far beyond what I ever thought possible. He has not only been my most inspiring mentor in music, he has also inspired me to be a better person and teacher.” – Savannah M.
“Jim Bowley is a great teacher. When I approached him for ukulele lessons I wasn’t sure if he’d be willing to take me as a student since he is primarily a guitar teacher. Not only did he take me on as a student, he turned out to be the best choice for a ukulele teacher. His style is very intuitive and he is amazing at adapting his teaching to specifically fit the student’s wants and needs.” – Mike Rose, “The Magic Kinda Guy”
“Jim offered the best learning experience I’ve ever received from anyone on any subject. If you really want to play guitar and put in the work it takes, he will give you all the tools you need and help you build your confidence as a player. He helped me get into Berklee and put me on the path to doing what I love. Great player, great teacher, and a better person. I highly recommend!” – Jeff G.
My most popular video, with over 2,300,000 views. Here I show beginner lead players how to turn the elements of a basic pentatonic scale into short "moves" or phrases that can then be strung together into a solo.
In this lesson, I'll show you how to use a movement you already know well - flicking water from your hands - to create a smooth, fluid strum.
In this video, I'll show you how to visualize your pentatonic lines along two "pathways". Being able to do this effectively will enhance your vision of the fretboard as well as your phrasing.
For Harford Magazine article (photo credit Matt Button)