1^st lesson free

J Curtis

5 (2 reviews)

Rate $70
Response 1h

5 (2 reviews)

$70/h

1^st lesson free

Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric guitar
Classical Guitar
Rock Guitar

Doctorate Guitarist with 15+ Years Experience Teaches All Styles- Guitar Basics, Finger-style Acoustic, and Electric Guitar Soloing

Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric guitar
Classical Guitar
Rock Guitar

Lesson location

- online

About J Curtis

Jeffrey Curtis Thompson is a dynamic guitarist, music educator, and performer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with over a decade of experience in higher education, private instruction, and live performance.

He specializes in classical, jazz, and contemporary guitar, with additional expertise in bass, banjo, and ukulele. Thompson has taught at the university level, including positions at Idaho State University and Northern Arizona University, and currently maintains a vibrant private studio serving students of all ages and skill levels.

He is known for designing innovative curricula, creating personalized lesson plans, and preparing students for performances, competitions, and collegiate auditions. Thompson holds a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from Northern Arizona University (with distinction) and a Bachelor of Music from Idaho State University. He is currently enrolled to the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Guitar Performance at the University of Minnesota.

His performance résumé includes solo recitals, chamber music, orchestral collaborations, and musical theater productions across the U.S. He has performed with ensembles such as Concordia Vocal Jazz and the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra and has appeared as a featured artist at events like the Midwest Guitar Symposium.

Committed to musical excellence and community engagement, Thompson blends performance artistry with educational leadership. His multi-genre versatility, collaborative spirit, and student-focused teaching philosophy have earned him recognition, including a nomination for 2025 Minnesota Guitar Educator of the Year.

Whether on stage, in the classroom, or one-on-one with students, Thompson fosters a passion for music and lifelong learning through a holistic, inclusive, and engaging approach.

About the lesson

As a tutor, my goal is to build a student’s confidence while guiding them through clear, achievable steps in their musical journey. I use a student-centered teaching method that balances technical instruction with creative exploration. My lessons are structured yet flexible, allowing students to develop strong foundations in technique, music theory, ear training, and stylistic interpretation—while also engaging with the music they love.

A typical lesson begins with warm-ups and technical exercises, followed by repertoire work, improvisation or composition (depending on the student’s interests), and goal setting for the week. For younger students, I incorporate listening activities to keep learning fun and memorable. For older or more advanced students, I focus on musicianship, critical listening, and performance coaching.

What sets me apart is my diverse performance background, my advanced academic training, and my ability to connect with students of all ages and skill levels. I specialize in teaching guitar (classical, acoustic, and electric), bass, and ukulele, and I work with students from beginner to college preparatory levels—including adult learners returning to music after years away. Whether you're learning for fun, school, or a career in music, my lessons are designed to inspire growth, mastery, and a lifelong love for music.

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

C

Cynthia

I took weekly ukulele lessons from Curtis Thompson for several months. I found him to be a very talented musician, as well as a great teacher. I learned a lot from Curtis and can now enjoy playing my ukulele on a daily basis. I also found Curtis to be experienced and trustworthy as a teacher, knowledgeable, patient, positive, friendly, reasonable, supportive, and very encouraging. I strongly recommend him as a "superprof."
Cynthia Sillers
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C
Cynthia
I took weekly ukulele lessons from Curtis Thompson for several months. I found him to be a very talented musician, as well as a great teacher. I learned a lot from Curtis and can now enjoy playing my ukulele on a daily basis. I also found Curtis to be experienced and trustworthy as a teacher, knowledgeable, patient, positive, friendly, reasonable, supportive, and very encouraging. I strongly recommend him as a "superprof."
Cynthia Sillers
K

Katrina

Curtis was very kind and looked for ways to inspire and have fun. My son learned a lot from him and enjoyed his time with his teacher.
Read more

K
Katrina
Curtis was very kind and looked for ways to inspire and have fun. My son learned a lot from him and enjoyed his time with his teacher.
View more recommendations

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Pack rates

5h: $300
10h: $600

online

$70/h

free lessons

This first lesson offered with J Curtis will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

30mins

Doctorate Guitarist with 15+ Years Experience Teaches All Styles- Guitar Basics, Finger-style Acoustic, and Electric Guitar Soloing

Lesson location

Recommended

About J Curtis

About the lesson

Recommendations

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free lessons

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Doctorate Guitarist with 15+ Years Experience Teaches All Styles- Guitar Basics, Finger-style Acoustic, and Electric Guitar Soloing

Lesson location

Recommended

About J Curtis

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

J Curtis's Video

Other tutors in Guitar

Andy

Davide

Kieran

Christina

Kieran

Michael

Elias

Alex

Pierre

Swan

Elias

Martin

Michele

Bob

Paolo

Daniel

Gabe

Lou-Indigo

Matheus

Russell

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