My greatest thrill is to listen to students perform and watch their skills grow.
I use the techniques and experience of my classical and jazz training to perform within the realms of big band, blues, country, bluegrass, rockabilly and acoustic finger-picking.
I formally studied Music Performance, Composition and Theory at Ohlone College and Cal State Hayward. I actually have a Masters in Human Resources Administration, as I enjoy creating productive work environments within companies. Creating and conducting training programs is another thing I enjoy.
Teaching Method
I have taught private lessons for 30 years and after school wind ensemble and jazz band programs for Junior and High School students. I utilize several published lesson book series along with my own written materials, so I can fit the lessons to the individual. I do this because students do not learn equally with the same method. My purpose as an instructor is to help the student master their instrument and enjoy the music they perform with it.
Studio Work and Performance History
I have performed in several bands for solo artists and the Oakland Temple Hill Orchestra and community theatres. I have enjoyed traveling with bands and exploring the many music venues between California and Nashville. I would love to perform in New Orleans and New York.
I have also provided lead and rhythm guitar parts for studio recordings of solo artists. This is another venue I enjoy performing in. The creative process that goes into creating parts for a composer and hearing how they fit in the puzzle that is the song is exciting.
I was attracted to the guitar after listening to several of the Chet Atkins albums my parents played throughout my early childhood. My mother was a piano and organ player and her mother played guitar, slack key guitar, accordion, piano and organ. My grandfather was a saxophone player. I grew up playing and listening to all kinds of music. I studied classical guitar technique through the Matteo Carcassi guitar method from the ages of five to 13. After hearing a formidable jazz instructor at the age of 13, I studied jazz with him into my late teens and continued to study music into college.
Jim Barnes Music 