Meet James Loughery

As a pianist, composer, arranger, and author, James has a diverse musical background which inspires his teaching of classical and jazz piano, composition, arranging and improvisation. Holding a BM in Piano Performance from the University of Indianapolis and an MM in Composition from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), James has a creative approach to teaching aimed at developing strong techniques, encouraging personal expression and the achievement of personal goals. With a vast teaching repertory spanning many styles and original arrangements created for individual students (including his original book series Jim’s Gems), Loughery has resounding success with adults and beginners alike, guiding each student on their personal musical path to success!

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Understanding the unique dynamics each student possesses, Loughery’s teaching approach aims to individualize each student's goals according to their unique affinities, experience, and backgrounds. Incorporating improvisation, composition and interpretation into his lessons results in students learning how to experiment with musical material, play by ear, and create their own arrangements and compositions! Loughery takes great pride in creating personalized arrangements for his students–– his arranging talents have blossomed into an original book series called Jim’s Gems, a continuing series of masterfully crafted piano arrangements for early to late intermediate levels encompassing an expansive array of styles from classical to jazz to modern!

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James’ students have won many awards, recorded professionally in studios and on radio programs, and furthered their study at music schools such as CCM, University of Michigan and Berklee College of Music. As an active member of MTNA, OMTA, and NFMC,  James encourages students to perform at many events and competitions, and along with 2 annual studio recitals, advocates for students to perform as much as possible in public, many students regularly performing for their community through school choirs and bands, outside ensembles, church services, and even performance videos and the creation of YouTube channels! James' students have won competitions at the local, state, and national levels, such as the annual NFMC Junior Composers Contest, and his students are regularly awarded superior ratings and participate in honor’s recitals at the annual OFMC Junior Music Festivals. James’ adult students enjoy seasonal musical soirées combining social and performance activities akin to recitals in a fun and relaxing environment!