I have developed a successful curriculum for children ages 5 through 12 from a beginning through intermediate level. I use traditional piano method books as well as hundreds of pages of my own materials to enhance the lessons. I utilize melodies familiar to the child (themes from TV shows, movies, etc.) to teach them basic piano technique.
Personalized private instruction allows numerous course variations to attain the goals and emphasize the interests of the individual student, including a quick start chord/melody course which is popular with many teenage and adult students.
My complete course will train the student to be a "contemporary musician" and not merely a "piano player". Instead of just learning to play piano pieces, even my beginning level students learn how to artistically improvise melodies, creatively compose their own music and more.
Here is a sampling of what my clients are saying:
Mark James is instrumental in introducing music to my 5 year old son. His pedagogy is interesting to watch especially as he makes it so much fun for him. I'm very impressed with the way he teaches him. My son has learned so much these last 8 months. I am proud of his accomplishments, and especially to have such a love for music and the piano. He practices on his own at home and I love to hear his progress. Thank you [Mark] for being so patient, supportive and great with him. It has been a wonderful experience for my son.
- Nyly Sy, Fountain Valley, CA
After my son's first piano teacher moved to another state, we tried others, but he was only discouraged. We are so happy we found Mark, he has brought back my son's desire to learn. After last week's lesson my, 10 year old, son said, "Mark is a really good teacher, can I stay with him until I master piano?"
- Susan Budge, Huntington Beach, CA
I can't imagine a better, more positive introduction to piano than Mark James gave my daughter. He taught her quickly so she played real music almost from the beginning, instead of tedious scales. Mark taught her music theory along with a wide variety of musical genres, letting my daughter's interests guide what she studied. When she eventually took up guitar, he made the transition effortlessly.
- Virginia Warren, Chapman University Professor
My husband and three children have all studied music with Mark. His versatility of being able to teach several instruments is a big plus. I highly recommend him!
- Brandy Valdez, Corona Del Mar, CA
HELPFUL INFORMATION
A 30-minute weekly lesson is fine for beginners age 5 to 12. Some 5 year olds may not have the attention span needed for a 30-minute lesson. In that case, I recommend splitting a 60-minute appointment, giving them a 20-minute lesson and giving an older sibling or parent 40 minutes. For teens and adults, I would recommend a 45-minute lesson, especially when they reach an intermediate level.Serious musicians should plan on 4 to 6 hours of practice per week. Casual musicians, those who see their music more as a hobby, will do fine with 2 to 3 hours practice between lessons.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT INSTRUMENT
Acoustic Pianos
If you are looking for an upright piano, consider the 
Yamaha U1; it’s what I have in my studio and I highly recommend it. If you are in the market for a grand piano, I would recommend the Yamaha C3 and larger to get a full grand piano sound.
Electric Keyboards
Electric keyboards typically have “soft touch” keys, making them easier to press down; those who learn to play on “soft touch” keys and then switch to a standard piano will have to adjust to the heavier weighted keys. When purchasing an electric keyboard, be sure to get one that is "touch sensitive" (that means that it plays louder the harder you press the key). The height of the keyboard stand is adjustable, which is great for young children. You will also want to be sure it has a "sustain pedal jack" (when you press the sustain pedal you can lift your hands and the sound will continue until you lift your foot off the pedal); these are essential features; all the keyboards I recommend below have these features. Digital Pianos Digital pianos have 88 weighted keys to simulate the touch and sound of an acoustic piano. They typically come with a stand and bench; song recording capabilities, metronome and more.
Electric keyboards and digital pianos take up less floor space than acoustic pianos; they are easier to move; they have volume controls and headphone jacks which make them a good choice for those who live anywhere loud-sounding instruments need to be controlled; acoustic pianos are loud (however, the Yamaha U1 does feature an optional "mute pedal"). An electric keyboard or digital piano is a good choice for young children or anyone who wants to learn to play piano and is not ready to make a large investment; electric keyboards start at under $200.
For an electric keyboard, consider the Yamaha PSR series & Yamaha YPG series. Keyboards come in 3 sizes; 61-key; 76-key and 88-key. A 61-key model is sufficient for beginning students; an intermediate level student will feel the want of a 76-key instrument. For the casual musician, 76 keys may be all they ever need.
From the 88-key Yamaha Portable Grand series of keyboards, the YPG-525 boasts a total of 500 realistic instrument voices including 12 drum/SFX kits and 150 accompaniment styles. For a very realistic feel and sound of a piano, consider Yamaha's digital pianos: The 88 graded-hammer keys of the Yamaha YDP223 and YDP323 Digital Pianos have a real acoustic piano feel.
Keyboard Bench
The On-Stage Stands KT7800+ Keyboard Bench or the ProLine Deluxe Keyboard Bench are my recommendations. Adults will find the 3 inch thick padding very comfortable. The 12.5" x 23.5" bench allows for duets with small children.
Sustain Pedals
The Quik-Lok PS/25 Switchable Sustain Pedal is able to work with any keyboard brand and fits easily into a keyboard gig bag. However, I prefer the Yamaha FC4 Piano Style Sustain Pedal because it is designed to work and feel like the sustain pedal on an acoustic piano; it works with any Yamaha keyboard. If you have another brand of keyboard, get the M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal; it works with any brand.
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