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TESTIMONIALS TO JAMES' TEACHING QUOTES FROM STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS |
"My son enjoys his piano lessons with Mr. James. He is a great motivator yet always makes it fun." - Stephanie W., physician"Our family appreciate your passion and humor in piano class with Jamie." - Hyung-Wook K., Vandy oncologist "Mr. James has an undeniable gift for teaching others to do what he loves so much...play the piano." - Beth M., Belmont Music Major and Graduate (shown at right) "Thanks so much for your patience, concern, wise counsel and wonderful instruction." - Betty M., adult organ student, FRA teacher "Thank you for being so patient with Allison and Austin. You are a wonderful and inspiring piano teacher." - Janey W., laboratory manager at Vandy "I found a jazz teacher. I think he's perfect for me and he says I did exactly the right thing by taking lessons with you for the past two years to get to the point where I am now..." - Gary T., adult pianist, attorney From the mother of a student just accepted into the Nashville School of the Arts: "I am very happy with how she has progressed with you. I heard her playing last night and she just played and played and played. And it all sounded great." - Rhonda E. Thank you for your patience and kindness with Elizabeth for so many years. As she goes through her life, I know her contact with you will impact her relationship with others." - Karen M., mom |
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I helped this father find a teacher for his daughter closer to home: "Throughout this long process of searching for a teacher, we have learned a lot about the music community in this area -- and believe me when I say that much of it is not flattering. It was refreshing to talk with you, who has this "unique" view that the love of music, and the individuality of the student should play a role in how the teacher should approach his/her job. It seems that many teachers view the student as a vehicle to enhance their own agenda, and it is very difficult to reveal whether any specific teacher is a good match for our child. Thanks again." - Greg H., Dept. of Economics, Vanderbilt University |
 "Thanks for all your guidance throughout the semester--see you next time!" - Rachel B., H.S. Junior (shown at left) "Andy and Ashley are really excited about learning piano from you. They are practicing on their own much more than ever." - Julie, mother of two transfer students"I just want to say again how excited I am to have Kristin with you--you are good for her. I am so glad you are correcting some of her bad piano habits. Keep it up!" - Carol M., mom of 14 year old transfer student "I want Mr. James." - 9 year old, when asked by mom if he wanted drum or piano lessons in the summer "This has been a great experience for her and you have done a wonderful job of teaching her. Thanks for everything." - Susan B., mother "Daniel enjoys lessons with you and I so appreciate your work with him. He says that you are helping him alot. He has really improved." - Mary R., mother of teen "James is a very helpful teacher...and always gives me make up lessons when I miss one." - Andy R., Vandy engineering student
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"I admire your ability to teach the kids; not only are you a gifted player, but you also have that extraordinary gift to teach
the little ones with kindness and patience." - Janet G., mother "...to hear [our son] perform and to hear the response from others brings us back to reality; he is blessed and so are we. Thank you for allowing him to express his talent, thank you for your patience and your belief in him. We are grateful." - Jana W., psychiatrist "Thank you for the wonderful report as we have seen an improvement in all three boys since placing them under your teaching. You are doing a fabulous job training them and we do appreciate you. Their excitement during practice is a joy to watch for our family." - Doug C., father of 3 "She seems to be making good progress right now. Thank you for teaching her this semester. She has enjoyed the music you have picked out for her." - Wendy F., mother "He likes you." - Elizabeth T., mom of new student, age 7, who said, "I can't wait for summer when I can come back and see you!" |
 Jeffrey and Kevin Mom's answer when I asked why her son laughs during his lesson: "He likes you. Chinese teachers are very strict--it's just our way. Jeffrey enjoys his lessons with you. We are looking forward to a fun new semester." - Yinmei, mother of new student, age 7"Congratulations on the expansion of your student list! You can tell that we (and our kids) love you!" - same mom a year later "I am very proud of Jeffrey! I want to thank you one more time for your dedicated teaching and your patience." - same mom after 12/15/07 recital "I'm happy to refer students to someone I'd send my own daughter to." - Donna Rogers, former Director of Belmont Academy, now Music Director at St. Paul's, Franklin."My father owns Steinway Piano Gallery. I live in Franklin and teach piano lessons (graduated from Furman with BM). I have read over your website and you seem like such a fun teacher. Kudos to you for building such a great studio." -- Mirandi Herrenbruck "Your website looks great! I love the FAQ section - what a helpful resource for parents and adult students!" -- Laura Jewel, Piano Teacher |
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"You never get angry!" - Indira, 8th grade girl. She also told me, "Of all my teachers, you're my favorite." "He loves you!" - mother of a new student, who added that her son practices every morning when he gets up. "Jackson will be playing once a month in church this summer, so he will keep up his practicing for that. Thanks for all you have done for them this year! You are a great teacher." - Camilla, mother of brother & sister ages 7 and 9 "We appreciate everything you do for us and your many students - you are a very caring teacher." - same mom a couple years later |
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I suggested perhaps switching teachers to a mom with a schedule conflict. Her reply:
No, I don't want to change instructors. They would be so disappointed. They really really like you and I think they are doing really well!" -- Kim S., mother of 3 "I was talking with Tracey on our way back home from the piano class tonight. She was so happy and excited about the class; also she told me she really likes to learn from you. I'm really glad she start to like the piano again." - Qiuja S., who transferred daughter from a Chinese teacher "We truly appreciate the help you have given Catherine thus far and feel confident she has a foundation on which to build for the future." -- Julie, mother of graduating H.S. senior entering college as a music major "We appreciate your time and hope to see you around. I'll bet you have a lot of happy students." - mother of a 10th grade boy who plays from lead sheets; I met with them and referred her to the Nashville Jazz Workshop. "I know that the number of people that have the patience to deal with () are few and far between, and you have been wonderful with him. Thank you so much for all of your kindness." -- Carole, mother of a special needs son |
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AFTER RECITAL...
XiuYa & Youli After a recital, I said to a father, "I couldn't play that well when I was five," to which he replied, "You didn't have as good a teacher as he does." - Dr. Hak Choy (VUMC, now at Southwestern, Dallas)"...I was proud of her. When she sat down she was nervous, took a deep breath and proceeded beautifully. She was really excited about it afterward as well." - Amy, mother of new student, age 7 "The recital was great! What talented children. Thank you for helping to make Eric's first year of piano lessons such a positive experience. He has really enjoyed his time with you. Merry Christmas to you and your family and God's blessings for a healthy and happy New Year." - April, mom "Dingding asked me if today is Friday [because] he wants to have another recital today. I can tell that he really loves playing piano. Thank you for teaching him." - Yunzhen, mother of 5 year old "My husband and I have attended many of your recitals and are very impressed with your method of teaching and the progess seen in your students." - Aunt of one of my longtime students "The recital was lovely. Good job! I also thought the ambience was very nice [in the church] with the Christmas decor. Thanks again. It was so apparent how much your students and their families love you." - Amy Hodge, Director, Belmont Academy
From my sister-in-law, excerpted from an email to a friend... 
Perhaps the highest praise I've ever received came from an adult student who, "You're like Mr. Rogers." My wife told me if I'm looking for anything more than that, I won't find it.
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"Dear Mr. James, You are doing a great job! The recital was really wonderful.
My daughters will continue learning with you this summer and fall." - Guifeng, TSU professor
