Jim Steed Music

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Introduction: Music is my passion. I teach students of all ages, but I specialize in lessons for children. I have been teaching for over 38 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

Current Top Pro

Hired 123 times

Serves Bethesda, MD

Background checked

2 employees

38 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

54 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Matt M.

4 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

Jim did an excellent job with our 13yo. He was able to come up with a plan for his skill level, and both my wife and I saw great improvement over the course of the lessons. I’d highly recommend Jim for anyone looking to start their guitar journey!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Guitar Lessons

Jerry H.

Feb 14, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Jim's lessons were amazing. He's got a wealth of talent and patience. He is super easy to understand and follow. In just the first month I was able to improve technique and increase speed as well. I was able to go from knowing a song or two to navigating the entire length of the guitar, learning scales and chords.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Rock • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Kelena D.

Jan 29, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

I found Jim while looking for a guitar instructor for my 13 year old son. My son has been teaching himself to play for a little over a year and has done amazing on his own. I just felt like he had reached a plateau and needed someone with experience to help get him to the next level. I liked Jim immediately. He’s so positive and extremely encouraging. We talked about my son for a bit and decided he would definitely benefit from some guidance. Jim was able to fit us into his schedule immediately and my son had his first lesson 3 days later. My son has severe ADHD and it’s also suspected he is on the spectrum. Jim has so much patience and is so engaging, my socially awkward child liked him immediately. This is definitely the exception and not the rule for my kid. Green flag #1. After my sons first lesson, Jim had nothing but words of encouragement and positive affirmations for my kid. He let me know immediately what other tools would help my son and he ALWAYS responds to questions and inquiries in a very timely manner. We are still new in my sons lessons, but honestly, I have nothing but positive things to say. Jim is a little more costly than some of the other people I contacted, but I absolutely believe you get what you pay for and it’s 100% worth it. I can’t wait to see how far my kid goes with Jim as his teacher.

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Electric • Blues • Rock • Folk • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Jack Z.

Aug 1, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

I have been taking weekly 30-min virtual lessons with Jim for about two years. He has been very supportive and encouraging as an instructor. The virtual lessons are pretty flexible and convenient. I hope to keep working with him and improving my skills.

Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location

Guitar Lessons

Priscilla M.

Feb 28, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Jim Steed is an amazing teacher. My daughter really enjoys working with him and he is very knowledgeable. He helped us get her started with the right equipment and each week she’s excited to learn something new. I highly recommend Jim!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

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 over 37 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 over 37 years of private teaching experience. I have taught in private studios as well as offering in home lessons for the last 14 years. 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.