I was born, brought up, and received all my formal education in Emporia, KS. When I was 7, I begged my parents to let me play violin. Though they were not musical at all, they suggested that I play the old antique pump organ that we already owned. So I started piano lessons with Carol Longyear, the music teacher at William Allen White Elementary School, and exercised on that old organ, with the understanding that if I did well, I could start violin lessons at a later date. Sixth grade came along and I excitedly told director Don Kile that I wanted to play in his orchestra at Lowther Middle School. I was told that the only way I could be in orchestra was if I played the double bass.....he already had too many violins. Without hesitation (or parent's permission), I agreed and, after a couple of lessons, started orchestra. I went on with piano lessons with Caren Loper through middle school, and still more lessons through high school with Agnes Reichardt. I had no idea at the time what a musical journey I had embarked upon. I went on to take part in Kansas All State Orchestras (bass), Kansas State Piano Festivals, and played bass and piano in the US Army Band. While in college, I taught piano lessons at the Jane Wheat Fine Arts Center. I studied piano with Elaine Edwards, and bass with James Swain and received my Bachelor of Music Education from Emporia State University. I directed bands and orchestras at Robinson Middle School in Wichita, KS, directed All District musicals for Wichita Public Schools, worked as an educational representative/string repairman/salesperson for Jim Starkey Music Center, taught bass lessons at Friends University and Bethel College,and have played countless jazz, rock, polka, dance band, and chamber music gigs. Currently I play bass (sometimes piano) with praise and worship teams at Westlink Christian Church here in Wichita, as well as directing their bell choir. I take the occasional jazz gig these days.
I have been married to my wife, Jennifer, for nearly 21 years. We have a 12 year old son, and we foster kids as well. Also living in our home are two beagles and a cairn terrier. When I'm not playing the piano or bass, or giving lessons, I enjoy fishing, camping, and woodworking.
Served areas
- Wichita, KS
Highlights and features
- Piano and Bass lessons, Online Piano Lessons
Associations and certifications
- International Society of Bassists
- American String Teachers Association
- Wichita Area Piano Teachers League
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As the name suggests, I am David James (aka DJ), and I teach piano lessons and double bass (the largest instrument in the violin family), and electric bass lessons in Wichita, KS. Next to playing piano and bass, I love teaching lessons on my instruments to others, and have been doing so since I was 19 yrs old.
I was born, raised, and received the bulk of my formal education in Emporia, KS. When I was 7, I begged my parents to let me play violin. Though they were not musical at all, they insisted that I play the old antique pump organ that we already owned. So I started piano lessons with Carol Longyear, the music teacher at William Allen White Elementary School, and practiced on that old organ, with the understanding that if I did well, I could start violin lessons at a later date.Sixth grade came along and I excitedly told director Don Kile that I wanted to play in his orchestra at Lowther Middle School.
How much do you charge for piano and bass lessons? I currently charge $80 per month for piano or bass lessons. Looking at a calendar you will notice that some months have 5 of any given day. Another month may include a holiday, or spring break, etc. on same given day, so the student may only get 3 lessons that month.
This merely helps me in getting your information organized and into my studio management software. It does not obligate you to take piano or bass lessons with me, but it does put the student on my waiting list. The student can be easily removed from my lessons waiting list. If for some reason, you don't hear back from me.call me at 316-530-1640.
I get asked all of the time about a good piano tuner. I've used these guys since 1996, and have always been pleased with their service. Chuck McCoy and Tom Light at The Piano Shop are the tuners/technicians who have taken care of 4 different pianos for me. Contact them at (316) 264-5054. I don't get as many questions about this one, because some people just don't realize how heavy a piano is. Trust me, you don't want to move one very far. Call these guys, AAA Piano Movers. They are two brothers who continue the work of their father.
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Reviews (9)
Nancy Berry
Aug 10, 2021
Sybil Kaspar
Jul 19, 2021
We first started receiving bass lessons from David in 2002 with my oldest son, Jordon, who now is the Band and Orchestra Teacher at North High. My youngest son, Adrion, also receives bass/piano lessons from David! David is very passionate about music and shares the joy with others! He is very patient and goes out of his way to accommodate his students. I would highly recommend David for any age student, who would like to learn piano/bass!
Ami Larrea
Mar 08, 2021
If you are looking for lessons from a talented teacher, look no further! He does a great job to help you learn while having fun. He will start with you whatever level you are at and helps you improve in a number of areas no matter what you want to work on improving. I love that he introduces me to new music, genres, composers. My son took lessons from him and now I am taking lessons. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone of all ages!
Dawn Starnes
Mar 06, 2021
Kevin Brown
Jan 26, 2021
Thess Haws
Nov 21, 2020
My daughter has taken piano lessons from him for the past 14 years. Ever since then he has always been very patient and kind throughout all of these years. Thanks to his great teaching she has even received division I ratings at Kansas music festivals for her abilities in high school. I could not recommend a better teacher for her. He is very knowledgeable in his musical abilities and does a great job of passing on his talent to his students.
Kelli Grant
Oct 24, 2020
Holly Donaldson
Cherie Rodriguez
Luis is an older student who just started piano last spring. Anyone who has an older child who has an interest in music but may be shy starting so "late" should make time to visit David. He communicates well with all ages and Luis is very comfortable in the environment even though the little kids and their skills are intimidating at times.