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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Music is my passion. I teach students of all ages, but I specialize in lessons for children. I have been teaching for 40 years, with the last 14 offering in home music lessons. This was a huge convenience for my clients, given the traffic in our region. We switched to all Virtual lessons in March of 2020 due to the Pandemic. We now teach students from all over the country. With over 42 years of live performance experience, and decades of experience as a session vocalist and guitarist, I can mentor my students in a way that few other instructors can offer. Many of my students study with me for years. What makes my lessons so special?
1. All my students feel like rock stars! Because I make sure each lesson is both fun and enriching.
2. I don’t overbook myself so my current clients get the full benefit of my energy.
3. I use a song based teaching system so my students are learning songs they love while they get the academic benefits of music.
4. I provide a clear lesson plan complete with goals, achievement levels, and performances.
5. Music lessons have other great benefits like: Better grades, higher self esteem, more confidence, good social skills...and more!
6. I’ve seen the benefits of music proven over and over, and I know that I’m teaching so much more than music.
I’m Exclusive.
I have an incredibly high success rate because I only work with students that are truly excited about music.
Limited lesson times available. Contact me now to reserve your lesson time!
Jim
Overview
Hired 189 times
Serves Bethesda, MD
Background checked
2 employees
41 years in business
Business hours
Sun1:00 pm - 9:00 pmMon2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
I travel to my customers
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
83 reviews
5
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Read reviews that mention:
Brendan M.
Aug 3, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I took lessons with Jim for about three and a half years, and it was an awesome experience. We did everything virtually, which made it incredibly convenient to fit lessons into my schedule—and it never took away from how effective they were.
When I first started, I was a complete beginner, just learning the basics. Over time, though, Jim really helped me grow as a musician. I became confident with the minor pentatonic, blues, and major scales. I learned how to improvise guitar solos in different lead positions and developed a solid understanding of the circle of fifths.
On top of that, I learned how to play power chords and barre chords, as well as techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, vibrato, and bends.
Now I can honestly say I've gone from a beginner to an intermediate player, and I couldn't have done it without Jim's help.
If you're thinking about learning guitar—whether electric or acoustic—I definitely recommend checking out Jim. He's a great teacher who makes learning fun.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Blues • Country • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Patrick D.
Jun 8, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jim was a fantastic guitar teacher for our son! He was patient, observant, and experienced. He also had a great way of connecting with kids and looked for ways to make sure our son was enjoying himself. Thoroughly recommended!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Ibere U.
Jul 14, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jim is an exceptional guitar teacher—attentive, fun, and genuinely engaging. I had been stuck on barre chords for years, but after just a few weeks of working with him, I made more progress than I ever thought possible. He really listens and adapts his teaching to what you need. I only paused my lessons to focus on my thesis, but I fully intend to return as soon as I can. Highly recommend giving him a try!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Karen A.
Aug 20, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jim is an excellent teacher. He makes learning the guitar fun and keeps you motivated with simple instructions you build upon with each lesson. Starting out as a true beginner, having never played an instrument, my skills and confidence have grown tremendously!
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Miranda S.
May 28, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jim is an excellent instructor and aside from his teaching, he’s extremely caring and kind. Not only has he helped me grow as a guitarist, he also has a lot of empathy, creating a safe space. I liked that he allowed me to have agency in choosing songs I wanted to learn and his patience. He doesn’t expect perfection, which takes a lot of stress off the table. I highly recommend him!
Details: 18 - 25 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Electric • Jazz • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
James Steed
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The potential student should understand the value of my varied experience both on stage and in the studio, as well as my 40 years of private teaching experience. It gives me an ability to mentor my students in a way that few other instructors can offer. Lessons are paid the month in advance.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Every student is different. Each has their own dreams and aspirations. It's my job to make the process of learning a new instrument, voice, or just improving their existing skills, as enjoyable as possible. I love what I do, and it shows in my results for my students.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 40 years of private teaching experience. I have taught in private studios as well as offering in home lessons for the last 14 years. We seamlessly transitioned to all virtual lessons in March of 2020. I have nearly 43 years of live performing experience, having opened for dozens of national acts, and have played to tens of thousands. I am also a session guitarist and vocalist. I have been featured on radio and television programs in the Washington, DC area. I have appeared on hundred's of TV, Radio, film, and other recording projects. I have two recordings that have been released and are available on CDBaby, Amazon, ITunes, as well as other music services across the world.
