843 SC Music
843-766-8742
LESSONS
- Anne Moise---AAA Company Vice-President
Music was something I had never understood or been good at yet I wanted to fill in this blank in my life. Jim Algar carefully and thoughtfully taught me not just chords and rhythm but how to understand and appreciate music. He guided me through a variety of musicians from different eras to help me find sounds I could play and enjoy. His patience is surely unmatched and his soft-spoken but firm approach to teaching was just right for me. If one way of learning didn't seem to work he was quick to try another; when I wanted to understand more about theory he provided that too. His wide range of musical knowledge allows him to reach out to students of different levels and interests, which is extremely important to being a successful teacher and mentor. I very much appreciate the doors he has opened for me. If he can teach me he can teach anyone!
Jim is not only a talented performer, he is a uniquely talented teacher. He gets music from the ground up and is able to communicate those sometimes mysterious connections of music theory in a way that leads to practical understanding.
I had played guitar off and on for thirty years and tried several instructors before, but I was never able to achieve the foundation needed for my efforts to become self sustaining. I always ended up playing the same old songs with the same memorized chords. There was little connectivity. It was difficult to play with others. I would loose interest and quit.
After the first few lessons with Jim, the fretboard started to finally make sense. The lessons were fun and practical. Because I am busy and have limited time for practice, Jim tailored the lessons to my style of learning and covered the material I was interested in.
But as I learned, my interests grew. Jim was able to provide instruction in all genres of modern music including standard classic rock, pop music, modern folksy acoustic rock, acoustic and electric blues, bluegrass, jazz, and electric punk/grunge. We even covered Voice.
Because Jim is a multi instrumentalist, his teaching style can emphasize the connectivity of music. This became more important as I got more interested in performing with others. Jim teaches that in order to contribute your best to a band, you have to be able to understand what your band mates are trying to do with their instruments as well. We covered the basic technique of other instruments; how they differed on the scales; and how and where they all tied in together.
Especially important was Jim's instruction on percussion, keyboard, and bass. But with my newly formed foundation, basic Mandolin and Ukelele were surprisingly easy to get a start on too.
Also, because Jim is a performer, he is able give practical instruction on the mechanics of performing. I just did my first gig for fun last week.
Finally, I am not just trying to play guitar. I am making music. I still have a lot to learn, but there is no going back now.
--Bill Lee ----Full time Physician-------Weekend Musician
My concept of music instruction is based around a student's desire. I try to teach students what I call "applied knowledge". I strongly emphasize writing songs, singing and essentially empowering the "artist" that lies within any passion for a creative outlet.
People will sometimes inquire with me, " You would know who is a better musician than I would". I respond by saying, "I would know who is better technically, but the one who YOU like is the best".
I believe that, like art, all genres of music are subjective and because of this all deserve respect. Music is a life long passion for me. Music is for sharing, I love nothing more than educating someone about music. I desire only to teach those who want to learn.
Studio is located inside Mt. Pleasant Music
at 918 Lansing Dr #F
Where all lessons are taught. Music is for sharing and I hope to share some music with you soon.
Student Testimonials
Jim is a great teacher. His experience with multiple instruments and years of performing are an invaluable asset to his students. Andrew has learned a lot of guitar over the past ten years. Even more importantly, Jim has infused him with a lifelong love for music. He has taught Andrew how to understand and think about and talk about music. Jim has introduced Andrew to a world of music that we, as his parents,never could. We could not be more grateful.
---Amy Inman
Jim has taught me that you can do as many things as you want if you work hard and do your best on everything you do. ----Andrew Inman
