Jim Steinke Guitar & Mandolin Lessons

Just wanted to add a quick update. I continue to take lessons with Jim, and continue to appreciate the goodness of his heart, the skill of his musicianship, and the depth of his understanding about being an artist. Not only am I learning songs, and learning techniques, and getting support and encouragement. He is also teaching me something about how to think in a more expanded and artistic way. I feel like I am learning the core of musicianship, as well as learning about the guitar. It is really quite wonderful.

I have been taking guitar lessons from Jim for about two years and wanted to invite other Unilocalers interested in learning to play the guitar or mandolin to consider Jim as their teacher.
I feel fortunate to have stumbled across Jim years before I even dreamed of playing myself and have had the pleasure of hearing him play on several occasions such as a wedding and business events. When I finally wanted to take the plunge and try my hand at the guitar, it was clear to me that I had a teacher already waiting in the wings. What I didn’t know was what an exciting trip I was about to take and Jim is a big part in making it as fun and exciting as it has been.
Another reviewer has already commented on it but I too have to say that just coming to Jim’s house for lessons seems to suspend reality for an hour and let’s you enter a quite different realm — that of music and creative pursuit.
Jim’s teaching style is deceptively free form but I have found it very effective and we have covered a wide range of musical styles from the Blues to Bach. He supplies his students with charmingly «rustic» looking handouts (his students will know what I am talking about) that are nevertheless amazingly helpful treasures to receive. Behind a pleasantly laid back attitude I found a tremendously gifted and sensitive teacher that has nothing but the students progress at heart. I sometimes feel like I am sitting on one of these porches in the deep South Jim so wonderfully brings to life in his stories, with a kind friend sharing his secrets on the guitar.
I am amazed with the progress I have made in the short time I have been taking lessons from Jim and hope to have the opportunity to benefit from Jim’s musical guidance for many years to come.

An acoustic guitar MAESTRO, a MASTER TEACHER, finding Jim Steinke is like finding a needle in a haystack, a rare find. His truly amazing talent surpasses words. Starting lessons Dec. ’12, I drive from Mountain View to North Oakland, sweating I-​880 and the price of gas, and swearing it isn’t worth it, until 2 minutes into the lesson, a deep «Ahhhhhh» hits.
READ his 5 star reviews here for more details of his expertise and incredible talent, AND BELIEVE THEM! In his lessons every word, every note, every little squiggle on his quaint handouts count! He is a gold mine. Following the vein, he surreptitiously leads you to the next rung in his master plan. There are countless pieces that comprise the whole experience of Jim’s lessons, his studio which is a fascinating music museum in itself, his vast knowledge of the history of innumerable music genres, his sensitive pacing, his poignant stories, etc., etc. Overall, its a moving adventure that he spices up with mini inspirational, knock-​my-​socks-​off guitar interludes giving me a live taste of why I am there and where I are want to go. I come away encouraged and with inspiration that fuels my desire to practice day after day! I go there for guitar lessons and walk out rewired; or is it attuned and restrung?
Taking guitar lessons from Jim is the most valued gift I’ve ever given myself. I can only wish that I could have had this when I was 10, but given that my motto is «Better Late Than Never», its never to late to make a Dream come true.
You work music magic! THANK YOU, JIM.

I haven’t taken Jim’s lessons, but my wife and I did hire him to play during our wedding, and he was AMAZING!
Jim is a true artist and gentleman, and his playing is beautiful. He only had a limited role playing while our guests filed in, playing background music during a couple of portions of the ceremony itself (Sting’s «Fields of Gold» during our vows), and then of course exit music, but when he was on, he was perfect in regard to music, volume, and timing.
He worked within our budget, and was more than happy to learn the songs that we’d requested that he didn’t know, and even worked together with our aunt who sang while he played pre-​ceremony.
His organization could be described as that of an artist, but we were extremely glad to work with him, quirks notwithstanding. He was very pleasant and eager to please at every step.
If you’re looking for an amazing acoustic guitarist for any event, don’t hesitate to call Dr. James Steinke.

I tried to pick up the guitar a couple times in my life but it never really ‘stuck’ before.
Jim isn’t your average music teacher. He’s knowledgeable and passionate about the guitar in way that’s truly inspiring.
In the first lesson, he helped me pick a new guitar. We started with some bluegrass, he showed me a form of notation that makes finger-​picking a snap (far easier to read than either staff or tab).
I couldn’t be happier with my progress ever since. We’ve looked at everything from Mississippi John Hurt, Rev Gary Davis to the Rolling Stones, Beatles and Bob Dylan. The lessons have been an absolute joy!

Jim is so very passionate about music and string guitar instruments as a whole. Arriving at his house is like walking into the mind of a VERY creative person :) he literally has music instruments or music memorabilia in every square inch of his house, so be prepared for all this character !
I took up Mandolin again after many years and upon arriving for my first lesson he looked my Mandolin over gave me input on its condition and some education on its many components. He then exclaimed that i needed new strings before we started; so I got a stringing lesson and a set of new strings! followed by an hour long lesson.
His approach to teaching is more organic, he doesn’t conform to a rigid format, he takes time to answer all of my mandolin and music questions no matter how menial they seem to be, when I make mistakes on playing strings or songs and I exclaim «aww darn» Jim says, «no oh darn, more Oh I made a mistake and that means I am learning»
During my first lesson he had me play the cords to a song and accompanied him so I was literally jamming after my first lesson!!!
I am very comfortable with his instruction and am learning a more from him that I ever did with my first Mandolin teacher.
Thanks Jim!

He is a good musician but very very unorganized. Barely got to my lesson on time and was NEVER prepared for the lesson. The occasional piece of sheet music that he gave me was haphazard at best and often looked like it was pulled from the trash. I decided to end my lessons and he keep $ 100 that he owed me. I was very disappointed.

Jim is an incredibly gifted musician, and a kind, patient, generous and humorous teacher. Beyond teaching me fingerpicking, he also manages to turn our lessons into moments of real relaxation and enjoyment.
If you’re into acoustic fingerpicking, and appreciate a subtle, laid back, almost zen like teaching style, go see Jim.
He’s also a real acoustic guitar connoisseur, I like to consult him during bouts of intense GAS (Guitar acquisition syndrome) and discuss maintenance, upgrades, … I have also hired him for parties/​events, he’s a real entertainer and a top flight musician.
I don’t mean to sound like his ad agency, but he’s just such a gem and a real gentleman. Go Jim!