I can't recommend Jimmy Kershaw highly enough as a guitar teacher. He has been an absolute joy to work with and has helped me improve my guitar skills in ways I never thought possible.
First of all, Jimmy is incredibly knowledgeable about music theory and guitar technique. He has a deep understanding of different playing styles, and he is always willing to help me explore different genres and techniques to find my own unique voice on the instrument. He has a wealth of experience playing guitar professionally, and his expertise shines through in his teaching.
But what really sets Jimmy apart as a teacher
…

Jimmy has been a tremendous resource for me while learning guitar! The world of guitar is very unfamiliar and overwhelming to a new player. But thanks to Jimmy, I always found myself getting better and more confident week after week. He always told me exactly what I needed to know and what I needed to do to improve. He had me learning to play songs in just a few weeks...and did not introduce me to guitar theory until I was truly ready. I felt this was the best way to learn. I cannot thank Jimmy enough for his guidance throughout my guitar journey!

Jimmy is a fantastic teacher, musician, and friend. I was a student of Jimmy’s for 6 years and in that time I built my love for music under his mentorship. He saw something in me and constantly pushed myself and his students to be the best musician they could be. During my time with him, Jimmy was patient and taught in a professional yet down to earth manner that is hard to find in teachers today. His passion for music and teaching is shown when you talk to his students…

I started piano lessons with Jimmy in my 60's. After a number of years of classical piano  as a child, I dropped the piano almost entirely.  Then, quite by surprise, a few years ago, I was asked if I was interested in playing at a student event at the university, as part of a makeshift, faculty band.   I hadn't performed live since I was in high school at a piano recital -- over 40 years ago.  My first gig would be before 800 people. 

In my Sixties I decided to learn how to play a guitar. So I bought one. And I asked to get a teacher. There were 2 there. I was recommended to see Jimmy Kershaw . Right away he got me to relax and said let’s have fun. That is part of his teaching method. He recommended a guitar for me. I bought it. Jimmy takes his time teaching. When teaching cords he told me to think ahead. I never forgot the little sentence he told me to learn the string letters. He always asks me what song would you like to learn. He has taught me a lot. Sometimes if I cannot make a lesson date he always finds time to make my lesson on a day that I can make it. Besides being my teacher he has become a friend.

Ever since I started lessons at a young age Jimmy has been there to guide me through my musical journey. If it weren't for him I would have never been a part of the musical projects I've had the privilege of working on and all the people I've had the opportunity to work with. Jimmy has always been there for me not only as an outstanding teacher, but also as an amazing friend I can count on. He will never let you down and he'll take any opportunity he can to help you improve. As long as you have the passion and you're willing to work hard, Jimmy can make anything possible and you will find success under his wing.

Jimmy is not only a great teacher but a great person. It’s hard to find someone who has the skills but also isn’t arrogant about his playing. Jimmy is very humble but his chops are top level, and he can do many styles. He has taken me already very far in the months i’ve had lessons with him and he always pushes you. He has never discouraged me, and I have a lot of fun. If anyone is considering lessons, I can guarantee Jimmy will take you as far as you want. The lessons are fun and laid back and you will do things you actually want to do. I have only great things to say.

Jim has been my son's guitar teacher for the last 6 years. In all that time, my son has not once told me he didn't want to go to his weekly lesson. In fact, most weeks he is reminding me of his lesson so we don't miss it. Jim has been so encouraging and supportive. He has appropriately challenged my son with what he felt he could do, pushing him just enough, which has lead to amazing progress. The material he is playing is impressive! This experience has been so enriching and we are very grateful for finding such a talented teacher.

I have been taking guitar lessons for a little over a year now with Jimmy and I must say with his thorough and unique style of teaching it has made me a more confident relaxed player. I always look forward to my next lesson because he is not only a great teacher but a good friend.

I have been a student of Jimmy’s since I was just about six years old. Over the years that he has taught me guitar he was patient, kind, considerate, and committed. He is extremely passionate in seeing his students succeed which is a quality that all teachers today should have. He sees only the best in his students and uses only the best methods to ensure that his students are comfortable and are having fun while learning how to play music. I couldn’t have found a better person to learn guitar from.

At 64, I’ve consider myself a lifelong beginner. My lessons with Jimmy have enabled me to reach a “next” level, where I can finally see myself reaching my goals.

Jimmy takes the time to understand his students and is realistic when it comes to practicing.

I was a student of Jimmy Kershaw’s for 7 years. Not only is he a talented guitar player, he is an outstanding teacher. His knowledge and experience will give you the skill set required to go as far as you want to go.

P.S. He WILL know when you haven’t practiced


Tommy Harrington
Session Musician for Various Artists

With Jimmy, I was always making
progress even when I didn’t realize it. When I was frustrated, he could point out how far
I’d come.

I’ve been playing guitar for 30 years and even though I feel my overall skill and knowledge of guitar has progressed greatly over the years. I never took the time to understand music as a language so that I could communicate with other musicians better. That’s where Jimmy comes in. As a highly skilled player myself Jimmy has developed advanced lessons for me to help me put together techniques I was already playing but in a way I am now understanding what and why I am doing it. My playing has taken off now to a point where I am sight reading classic hard jazz songs and have a vastly expanding understanding of music theory and composition. I personally would not want to learn from anyone else. I was a guitar player but Jimmy is helping me become a musician.

Jimmy, I’m so glad I have you as my teacher. I am super happy with my progress and couldn’t have made it this far without your help. My only regret is not finding you 20 years ago!