Guitar Lessons with Justin Thompson

Over the past 27 years, I have taught students ranging from Grammy winning superstars to inner city children with learning disabilities. This has given me the experience to patiently teach all types of students to their maximum potential. Although, I am primarily a jazz guitarist, I am also comfortable teaching blues, rock, country, bluegrass and folk. Students of all levels are welcome as long as they are DEDICATED to learning the instrument and willing to spend the time practicing.

BIO

27 years of teaching experience
Berklee College of Music graduate
Author of six transcription books for Mel Bay Publications
W.O. Smith teacher of the Year -- Nashville's non-profit music school
Voted Best Jazz Musician of Nashville
Two-time winner of Nashville's Starving Artist Award
Received the top pick from the NY Times, NPR, USA Today, the Washington Post, and 4 stars from Down Beat for my work on "Django Bells -- A Very Gypsy Christmas"

REFERENCES

past clients include:

John Legend (6 time Grammy winner)
Raul Malo (frontman for The Mavericks)
David Grier (numerous winner of the best bluegrass guitarist awards)
Kenny Vaughn (Rodney Crowell, Marty Stewart, Lucinda Williams, Nashville session god)
Rick Vito (Bonnie Raitt, former of member Fleetwood Mac, LA session god)
Ranger Doug (Riders in the Sky)
Josh Ritter (singer/songwriter)
Gene Libbea (Nashville Bluegrass Band)
Kristen Ozburne (SheDaisy)
Kim Richey (writer/artist)
Butch Baldassari (Nashville Mandolin Ensemble)
Daniel Tashian (writer/artist)
and many more ...

past families I've worked for include:

Marcia Gay Harden (Oscar winning actress)
Jewel and Barry Coburn (owners of Ten Ten Music Publishing)
Pat and Wayne Halper (former Vice President of Dreamworks -- Nashville)
Roger Moutenot (producer/engineer)
David and Jeanie Durocher (Bug Music)
Bruce and Laura Lee Dobie (founder of The Nashville Scene)
and many more ...

MY APPROACH

Before our first meeting, I have the student make a list of their 10 favorite guitarists/artists/bands and a CD of 10 songs they would like to learn. I then customize the lessons to fit the student's desires. They learn the guitar fretboard and music theory while learning the style and the songs they want. The first lesson is a two hour consultation where I evaluate the student's abilities and what they wish to achieve. This lesson is $60. Then if the student wishes to continue, lessons are $60 per hour or $200 per month (4 lessons @ $50 per hour). They build a repertoire of songs while learning chords, scales, arpeggios, licks, improvisation, proper technique and ear training.

LISTEN

You can listen to my music and read more about me at ...
http://www.myspace.com/justinthompson
http://www.iamjustinthompson.com

LOCATION

I'm in Sunnyside/Woodside (Queens) 1 block from the 46th street stop on the 7 train about 10 or 15 minutes from Grand Central. If you have a car, I'm a few blocks from the BQE and the LIE and there is plenty of parking on the street.

RATES

Single Lessons
$60 an hour

Monthly Lessons
$200 per month (4 one hour lessons @ $50 per hour)