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Ivy League-educated Master of Music (production, performance, theory)
James D.

5.0 (15 ratings)

23 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $65
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About James

Bio

Hi all! I'm a music producer, with a project management and international relations background as well. I've worked with children, TA'd Engineering at Brown U., and teach students of all ages in music production, theory, and performance.

I have a Master's in Production from Berklee College of Music, and 20+ years industry experience, based in NYC and New England. I've worked as a performer (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist), songwriter, composer, arranger, sound designer, studio...

Hi all! I'm a music producer, with a project management and international relations background as well. I've worked with children, TA'd Engineering at Brown U., and teach students of all ages in music production, theory, and performance.

I have a Master's in Production from Berklee College of Music, and 20+ years industry experience, based in NYC and New England. I've worked as a performer (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist), songwriter, composer, arranger, sound designer, studio manager, tour manager, promoter, agent, publicist, engineer, and producer.

I also do audio for visual media (film/TV, podcasts, interactive, audiobooks). Recent projects include campaigns ft. John Legend, Taylor Momsen, Rosanne Cash, SCI, John Oates, Drive-By Truckers, John Carter Cash, and more, demos/EPs/singles/LPs in virtually all genres.

I've shared the stage and/or studio with: Wynton Marsalis/LCJO, Herbie Hancock, Joe Lovano, Ryan Zoidis (Lettuce), Bob Mintzer, Stu Mahan (Lettuce), Dave Harrington (Darkside/ARMS), Adam Agati (Ludacris/Marcus Miller/Cory Henry), Brady Watt (Talib Kweli), Daru Jones (Talib Kweli/Jack White), Bryan Ladd, Chris Gagne (Sean Jones/George Garzone), Nick Falk (Hiss Golden Messenger/Dori Freeman/Wood Bros./Molly Tuttle/Charlie Hunter), Jeff Prystowksy (Low Anthem), Burniss Travis (Q Tip/Robert Glasper), Lyle Divinsky (The Motet), Carlos de Leon (Tito Puentes), Louis Fouche (Jon Batiste/Late Show).

I also teach a *wide* variety of other subjects. Please see descriptions and qualifications included under each subject below.

Testimonials:
"..Fantastic...musicianship, creativity, and professionalism beyond my expectations..On top of it all, a pleasure to work with..Looking forward to more projects that soar."
-Joe W, Emmy-winning director/producer

"..Phenomenal..Attention to detail, craftsmanship, and..quality is everything you'd hope for and more..a joy to work with..I can't recommend him highly enough."
-Dom F, writer/composer

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Education

Brown University
International Relat.
Berklee College of Music
Masters

Additional Languages

Spanish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $65
  • Rate details: Rates are per lesson up to one hour each. Special rates may apply for multiple-hour lessons, specific projects, and other scenarios on a case-by-case basis.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Classics

Classics

I have a BA in International Relations from Brown University. I wrote an Honors Thesis on European integration. My course of study and my thesis each drew heavily from political philosophy. I covered many of the greats in my studies - Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, etc.
Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

15+ years working in the music industry. I have composed/arranged for dozens of groups in various formats across virtually all genres, ranging from small rock groups to 20-piece big band, as with the Brown Jazz Band, featuring guest artists such as Joe Lovano and Bob Mintzer. I have composed for film/TV, interactive media, and various other visual media. I also have experience with sound design for podcasts, audiobooks, and theater.
Ear Training

Ear Training

As part of my Master's degree, we had rigorous ear training requirements. I learned how to do drills with white noise, pink noise, etc and then apply that to a sound recording in order to determine mixing choices. I have also transcribed jazz solos for 20+ years. I frequently involve interval training in my own practice for trumpet, guitar, piano, and voice.
English

English

Brown University - B.A. (nominated for best International Relations thesis)
Finance

Finance

- Brown University (political economy) - Years of experience as a trader / analyst
Guitar

Guitar

I've been trained and mentored by top Berklee professors. I have been playing guitar for 25 years. As a multi-instrumentalist performer, I have shared the stage and/or studio with: Wynton Marsalis & Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, Alice Lake (Eminem), Ryan Zoidis (Soulive), Stu Mahan (London Souls), Dave Harrington (Darkside), Adam Agati (Ludacris, Marcus Miller, Funk Apostles), Brady Watt (Talib Kweli), Daru Jones (Talib Kweli, Jack White), Jeff Prystowksy (The Low Anthem), Louis Cato (Snarky Puppy), Burniss Travis (Q Tip, Robert Glasper), Lyle Divinsky (The Motet), Carlos de Leon (Tito Puentes, Machito Grillo), Louis Fouché (Jon Batiste/The Late Show, Eddie Palmieri)
Macintosh

Macintosh

First introduced to MacOS over 30 years ago. Daily user of MacOS in professional life. I also have some developer / coding knowledge as well.
Music History

Music History

I have studied music history for over 30 years, in my capacity as a musician, producer, engineer, arranger, composer, ethnomusicologist, and general historian. At Brown University, I served as T.A. for a Jazz History course, and helped design the curriculum. I have privately tutored students of many ages on music history.
Music Production

Music Production

I have been producing music for over 20 years. I work in all genres. Expert in Logic Pro, Pro Tools, modern recording techniques, pre-production (songwriting/arranging), editing, mixing, mastering, repair/restoration/remastering. I have also formal work-sponsored, university-level project management training. Some of my teachers/mentors in production include Sean Slade (Radiohead, Hole, Warren Zevon, Pixies, Weezer), Prince Charles Alexander (Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G.), and Jonathan Wyner (James Taylor, David Bowie, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Cream, Miles Davis, Nirvana, Aimee Mann), David Bendeth (Breaking Benjamin, Of Mice and Men, Joe Cocker), and more.
Music Theory

Music Theory

- Master of Music from Berklee College of Music - Decades of real world experience as a musician, composer, arranger, engineer, producer, and other roles.
Piano

Piano

25+ years experience seriously studying music and playing music professionally. In obtaining my Master's degree, and as a music producer, keyboard skills have been paramount. Playing piano is also critical to understanding (and teaching) tonal music theory, in my experience. I play piano daily at home.
Political Science

Political Science

- B.A. International Relations from Brown University - Nominated for Garrison Prize for best International Relations Thesis at Brown University - Watson Associate (Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs) - Studied Ciències Polítiques i de l'Administració at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain) - Worked as State Director in U.S. Presidential Politics
Project Management

Project Management

As a music producer, project management is one of the most essential roles. I have served as a project manager in other industries as well. For example, I served as an estimator and Project Manager in the construction industry serving Northern New England, for over 5 years. I also completed a post-graduate professional certificate program in Project Management at the University of Southern Maine under the tutelage of noted PM guru Jim Milliken.
Proofreading

Proofreading

- Editor in Chief for Search & Restore, Inc. (live music company in NYC) - Brown University, Honors Thesis nominated for best thesis in International Relations concentration
Songwriting

Songwriting

I have 20+ years experience writing, composing, arranging in a variety of genres (jazz, soul, r&b, pop, hip hop, blues, rock, country, folk, classical, and more). I am a BMI member. As part of my recent Master's program at Berklee, I often had to dissect songs, as well as assist in the songwriting process. This mirrors what I do professionally in the studio as well.
Spanish

Spanish

- Began studying Spanish at age 9 - All AP Spanish courses in High School - Participated in Student Exchange in Costa Rica at age 16 - Advanced Spanish at Brown University - Studied Abroad in Spain - Attended Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona (took all courses — history, economics, etc — in Spanish)
Trumpet

Trumpet

As a performer, I have shared the stage and/or studio with: Wynton Marsalis & Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, Alice Lake (Eminem), Ryan Zoidis (Soulive), Stu Mahan (London Souls), Dave Harrington (Darkside), Adam Agati (Ludacris, Marcus Miller, Funk Apostles), Brady Watt (Talib Kweli), Daru Jones (Talib Kweli, Jack White), Jeff Prystowksy (The Low Anthem), Louis Cato (Snarky Puppy), Burniss Travis (Q Tip, Robert Glasper), Lyle Divinsky (The Motet), Carlos de Leon (Tito Puentes, Machito Grillo), Louis Fouché (Jon Batiste/The Late Show, Eddie Palmieri)
Voice (Music)

Voice (Music)

I first started singing professionally as part of the Boy Singers of Maine when I was 9 years old. Since that time, I have sung professionally (on recordings, and live) in a wide variety of genres, including in some of the most competitive markets in the world (NYC). As a music producer, I often offer background vocals. My Master's program at Berklee focused heavily on commercial vocal production as well. Voice is also critical for ear training (e.g. intervals), and I employ it regularly for this purpose.
Writing

Writing

- Editor in Chief at 501(c)3 organization in NYC - Brown University Honors Thesis writer
American History
European History
Geography
Government & Politics
Grammar
Macroeconomics
Reading
Social Studies
Spelling
Study Skills
Vocabulary
World History

Examples of Expertise

James has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

A Consummate Musician!

James is great! He's a multi-instrumentalist who's worked with some big producers and artists across genres, so was well suited instruct me on how I could get started on my music production journey, and how to deepen my intuition so that I can find a stronger voice in my writing. Can talk to him about almost any genre or music topic and he'll have good perspective (he's also taught at college settings so knows how to communicate his ideas well)!

Yaw, 2 lessons with James
Hourly Rate: $65
Contact James