Jim
GuitarUkuleleBass GuitarAudio ProductionComposing for MediaComposition
About Jim
James Grimwade is a professional classical guitarist and composer with extensive experience both in music education and the music industry. He holds degrees in Classical Guitar Performance from Victoria University's Melba Conservatorium of Music, Audio Production from SAE Institute Melbourne, and a Certificate in Film Scoring from UCLA Extension.
James has taught guitar to primary school students in Australia and has worked in Los Angeles as a session guitarist, studio engineer, and composer, contributing to major film projects including "The Lion King," "Wonder Woman 1984," and "Top Gun: Maverick." He specializes in a broad range of musical styles—from classical and jazz to contemporary rock—and emphasizes personalized instruction tailored to each student's interests and goals.
As an enthusiastic and patient educator, James is passionate about inspiring students through comprehensive music theory, practical musicianship, and disciplined performance preparation.
Q&A with Jim
Which musician would you like to play with?
John C. Williams
Which musician has influenced you the most?
Jimi Hendrix
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
Tone
How did you learn to play your instrument?
I received lessons at secondary school, after which I attended the same university as my teacher.
What equipment do you play on today?
My principle instrument is an Australian classical guitar made by the great luthier Simon Marty, I also play a Fender Stratocaster, a Martin steel string acoustic and a Koaloha Ukelele
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
Focus
What does your instrument have that others don't?
Polyphony and great tonal variation
How do you handle children?
Taking care to be deliberate in what information I give them, and being patient while providing them with positive reinforcement
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Becoming one with my instrument during the final year of bachelors degree
What was the biggest stage you played on?
Dame Nellie Melba Recital Hall
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
Family, friends, pets & nature
Music style(s)
ClassicalFlamencoBluesJazzRockFolkCountryAmbientEDMEMPRNB
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
Beginner to Advanced
What languages can you teach in?
English
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
Hans Zimmer's Scoring Team, Credits Top Gun: Maverick, Hillbilly Elegy, The Lion King, Wonder Woman 1984
Other Music-related work / goals
Dolby Atmos & Apple Spatial Classical Music Immersive Production
Accolades
Composer of Concierto De La Noche
Personal Interests
Yoga, Nature, Animals, Travel, Cooking, Personal Wellness, Friends