Testimonials 917.670.9846

Pam N., Manhattan

James is AWESOME! Taking lessons with James has been one of the best decisions of my adult life—he’s patient, kind and passionate about music. He’s helped me take my guitar playing more seriously and given me the confidence to let go and jam and truly enjoy the music. He teaches you theory without you knowing it and makes it all just fun. I would recommend him to literally ANYONE!

Paulette, Brooklyn

I was brand new to guitar - had never held one before I started lessons with James a year ago. Not only did I discover (at the ripe age of 50) a passion for this instrument, but I also found immense pleasure in James' teaching style. He has made the awkwardness of learning something totally unfamiliar to me "safe" and fun. Honestly, I enjoy his company as much as I do the guitar playing. I look forward to our weekly lessons - it's a chance for me to process, feel, express, discover, and learn to play all at once. James is versatile and responds to my personal musical interests in selecting songs for us to practice. This makes the experience even more gratifying. I'm so happy I followed my intuitive lead to take guitar lessons. It was an "out of the blue" inspiration that has truly amplified my life. <3 

Happy listener, NYC

James is an exceptional teacher. Over the last several years, I’ve listened and witnessed how he has taught my young niece important technical skills necessary to play guitar, as well as provided guidance for her to express herself creatively through song. Her weekly lessons with James are always spontaneous and fun, and undoubtedly are a gift for her to help develop a lifelong passion for musical enjoyment and playing guitar!

 Ryan Forman, Brooklyn

Taking guitar lessons should be fun, not stressful. They should give the student novel information about the art of guitar without the tedium of feeling like he or she is going back to school. James delivers on all ends – his lessons are consistently entertaining, relaxed and revealing. You’re rocking out and letting go while growing organically as a player, adding new songs and genres to your repertoire in less time than you’d believe. Most importantly, James’s lessons have become something of a sanctuary– a way to cut loose once a week and just play some music. Why else would we bother?

Shannon, Manhattan

Hello, my name is Shannon and I started taking lessons from James 2 years ago when I was ten years old. Ever since my first lesson, I always look forward to the next one. We cover so many styles of music, from pop to Bossa Nova. I like many different genres, so this is really enjoyable for me. James is extraordinarily patient and funny. Every lesson I can feel myself getting better and better at guitar. I now take a couple of 2 hour long lessons during the week with James, and it never feels hard to focus because time flies when you’re having fun!

Matt Fay, Brooklyn

James Berry is a guitar learner's dream teacher: endlessly patient, kind, smart, funny, and supportive. He mitigates any anxiety about learning a new skill by making the learning experience genuinely enjoyable and exciting every step of the way, and leaves you eager for the next lesson. Working with James isn't just about learning the chords and songs, but about discovering your passion and identity as a musician. James isn't just a great teacher, he's a great friend and companion on your musical journey, and I can't recommend him enough for guitarists of all levels.

Bill K., Manhattan

James Berry makes learning the guitar exciting and fun. Each lesson brings out the beauty and the "lightness of being" that is music.

Irwin R., Brooklyn

Finding a guitar teacher with my specific music interests; and with the ability to keep me motivated, has made my sessions with James so enjoyable. He takes the time to form a relationship with his students by listening and offering positive reinforcement that makes the experience so rewarding. I truly look forward to each session.

Sabrina, mom to S.

Our 10-year-old son has been taking guitar lessons with James for 7 months now. This is a child who is not particularly musical and never expressed much interest in playing an instrument. When a friend gifted him a guitar, he said he wanted lessons. So we found James and had him start coming to our home once a week for an hour. Our son took to James immediately. He started learning chords right away and actually playing music, it felt truly miraculous. I thought for sure he would tire of it, but it is consistently one of his favorite hours every week. James is so kind and patient. He really enjoys our son's company. The two of them talk and play music and my son continues to be very earnest in his guitar lessons. It's a wonderful hour for me, to hear them talking and playing, really a lovely and calm vibe takes over the house. James is a wonderful teacher and the lessons have been a real gift to our family. Now to get him to practice more often!

917.670.9846