Jim Gleason Guitar and Band Lessons

Jim Gleason has worked with my family on several music related endeavors. In all cases, Jim has always been super accommodating, professional and adaptable. Jim is a phenomenal guitarist himself and is one of the rare breed that teaches as well as he plays. Deeper, he studies and understands different theories of learning, as do some of the best teachers I have worked with and known. This means he is extremely adaptable in how he works with different types of learners as well as with different levels of motivation. He is able to meet each musician at his/​her current level of interest and expertise and then move them forward from there. I can speak from experience with my own family.
First, there’s me. I was new to music at a later age. In my case, Jim was able to accommodate a busy working schedule that didn’t allow a lot of practice time. His patience and persistence helped me advance. After a year, while no Jimi Hendrix, I can see and appreciate guitar playing in a whole new light.
Second, my son who is actually a drummer. Jim brought my son into lessons to help him play with others better. Additionally, Jim worked with my son’s band and helped him play in a group in a superlative way. I think teenagers interested in playing solo or in a band are very well suited for Jim’s strengths.
Third, my daughter. In an experiment, we tried to give my very young daughter lessons. She responded but clearly wasn’t ready. Jim recommended she not continue. This episode shows he’s interested in teaching, not taking your money.
Overall, Jim is adaptable and interactive in his teaching approach. For example, he records custom videos (he’s super techie) to help students improve and evolve. With him, there’s no one size fits all. Rather, everyone gets custom tailoring.
The guitar courses he has both published in hard copy and developed online are, to put it mildly, comprehensive. In addition, he is facile with technology, which is why my kids and I were able to continue our guitar studies with him after moving to Los Angeles. This also gives you a sense of his range, as my daughter started as a twelve-​year-​old, my son as a nine­ year-​old, and me as, well, a much older adult.
Based on my experience, I can see Jim working in a range of settings, with individuals, small groups of students, and/​or groups coning together as a band and improving both individual and performance skills.
Lastly, it should be pointed out that Jim is in this for the music. He’s published a free and comprehensive online guitar course, Guitar Improv and Comping. You can see it here: