Jim Scarff

Areas of Specialty: Guitar    Lap Steel    Harmonica

Guitar House Workshop’s first teacher, Jim began teaching lessons at the shop about a month before it officially opened for business.  Longevity describes Jim’s student/teacher relationships as well.  College students often return for lessons during their summer and holiday breaks.  Many of Jim’s adult students have been studying with him for years.  He also works with aspiring singer/songwriters of all ages.  Though not a vocal instructor, Jim will happily integrate singing with instrumental performance, encouraging each student’s full musical development.  Lessons with Jim will be grounded in theory and full of practical music making experience.

“My musical focus is acoustic fingerstyle guitar and blues.  Chet Atkins, Doc Watson and Jerry Reed have been strong inspirations and influences for me. As a performer, I have most recently been playing jump blues and show tunes with Anna and the Consequences and accompanying singer-songwiriter Elliot Twelvetrees. In my guitar instruction, my own teachers have been my guides.  The best of them were patient and encouraging, and that’s the way that I try to be with my students.  Learning an instrument is rewarding, but it also can be intimidating and frustrating.  I know both the joys and demands of this great instrument and the problems that we players face are all very familiar to me.  I love seeing students progress from beginners to confident guitarists.  Whether they become professional musicians, as osme of my students have, or play for enjoyment and relaxation, it’s very rewarding to see their growth.”