Hi there,

My name is Jimmy Kershaw. I started playing guitar at the age of ten years old and it has been my life’s passion ever since, for more than 30 years. I grew up playing rock and metal, which helped develop my technique and theory. In high school, I took music theory classes and studied Jazz formally with a Jazz guitarist who helped me to understand that it’s all music, regardless of what style you’re playing. I also started teaching my friends (and my school bus driver) how to play. At graduation I received the N. Joseph Bisbano scholarship, which was especially notable because that scholarship was normally awarded to students who play concert band instruments, rather than guitarists.

After high school, I enrolled in the Jazz studies program at the Community College of Rhode Island, where I studied privately with Jazz guitarist David Spadazzi as well as Berklee College of Music professor Scott Free.  The Jazz curriculum was run by Dr. Steve LaJoie, an amazing Jazz pianist (and other instruments), educator, composer/arranger and author who taught me and the other students to live and breathe our music. During my time at Community College of Rhode Island, I received the Bobby Hackett Jazz Scholarship. 

Upon graduating from the Community College of Rhode Island with a Jazz Studies degree, I transferred to Rhode Island College, where I studied Classical Guitar with William Maker.  At Rhode Island College, I also continued my Jazz studies with Jazz legend Greg Abate and Jazz guitarist Jeffrey Cashen.  Here, I received a Special Talent Scholarship for Classical Guitar.    

In addition to my formal education, I have played with a number of Jazz combos and musical theater productions, including Shrek, Little Shop of Horrors, Addams Family, Godspell and others.

I have been teaching guitar in private lessons since 2000. I teach all styles of guitar, all ages, and all ability levels. I create your lessons around YOU - your personal goals and learning style, for progress and results that you will be proud of. Whether you are just starting out, looking for help learning one song, want to explore a new style, or need to tighten up your already advanced skills, I can help you get to where you want to be.