Jim Piela
Saxophonist, composer, professor
Education
Jim is passionate about education and helping the next generation of jazz musicians find their voice. He believes that learning music is for everybody, and enjoys working with students from all age ranges and commitment levels, from beginners to post-graduates.
Clinics & Masterclasses
Jim has been featured as a guest artist and clinician at colleges and high schools both in the midwest and east coast. He’s worked with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s regional Essentially Ellington festival in Wisconsin since 2023, and has been teaching and performing with students for 15 years.
Private lessons
Jim builds a comprehensive and personal syllabus that fits your wants and needs as an artist. With nearly 20 years experience working with students of all ages and skill levels, Jim has a variety of teaching techniques and resources to help you build on your strengths and tackle your weaknesses. And with over 10 years’ experience working remotely with students around the world, Jim is equipped to help you learn – even if you’re halfway across the globe.
-technique
-tone and intonation
-improvisation
-song writing
-audition/solo performance preparation
-transcription
-performance techniques
-jazz big band/small group performances
testimonials from students
I met Jim unexpectedly at a jazz improv session and started taking lessons shortly after. He’s queued me into all kinds of information that I never would’ve discovered and is helping me build a musical foundation that’s been lacking from the first 20 years of my guitar playing. He’s a great player and teacher – patient, understanding and he simultaneously challenges and inspires me. My head is often swimming at the end of our lessons – in the best possible way. Thanks for getting me excited about music again, Jim! -E. E., Adult Student
Dave Kies, West Salem High School Band Director
“I had never played an instrument until I started working with Jim. He really is the best, I wouldn’t work with anyone else.”
A. G., Current Student
“In the time I’ve been with Jim, I’ve seen so much progress in my playing. His experience as a musician has immense variety, making him flexible to each student’s preferences and goals, and he is always engaging and fun to work with. Not only that, but he encourages his students to figure things out in ways that make sense to them instead of promoting one “right” way of understanding musical concepts and practice techniques. I’m very glad I started working with him.”
M. K., former student
Testimonials from band directors
“Jim Piela is the perfect musician for any educational jazz function. He is an extremely talented, communicative, punctual, professional, relatable and overall amazing human being. Jim was so calming and easy to work with, the students felt at ease immediately. Then he started jamming with us, and the students were absolutely blown away by his incredible skill and musicianship. Jim kept himself very busy during his short time with us. I would turn around and find him working with individuals, creating mini jam sessions, instructing a full class, pulling sections out to work, and sharing resources to help students succeed. Jim also took personal time to work with our program needs, including adapting a tune he had originally arranged for his band “Planetary People”. Jim would meet virtually in private lessons or with our full ensemble from his New York home to ours in Wisconsin. I encourage you to share in my enthusiasm for Jim Piela by allowing him to come work with your students or ensembles. It was an experience me and my students will never forget!”
Guy Gregg, Oak Creek High School Director of Bands
“Jim is such a great and professional clinician. He is able to keep kids engaged with his talent, humor and general laid back demeanor. He makes students feel safe to ask questions and is incredibly insightful with his answers. I would highly recommend having Jim do a clinic with your organization. You will not regret it.”
Dave Kies, West Salem High School Band Director