Taking lessons from Jimmy Hudson is much closely related to an ice cream sundae. Firstly, The pretty bowl is the foundation in which one builds technique. Next comes the exquisitely sweet and tasty ice cream flavors, this forms the concrete material that makes up the bulk of music with chords, scales, and rhythm. The rich chocolate syrup and peanuts create a flow into how one applies the bulky ice cream flavors into an understandable musical context. Finally, comes the cherry on top which is exemplified by Jimmy's overall personality and teaching style that ties the dessert; without it a sundae would just be a glorified mountain of sugar, or in terms of guitar it would just be an ordinary lesson that wouldn't make much of an impact. I started my studies with Jimmy back in January of 2015. Prior to studying with him I only knew a few basic chords and little fragments of some scales (basically I knew nothing). Within the first 2 months of working with Jimmy he was able to teach me tons of essential techniques (bowl to the sundae) I needed to know for the type of music I wanted to play (string bends, trilling, legato, alternate picking, slides, hammer on/offs, and tapping). After learning these essential techniques Jimmy taught me the importance of scales and we worked on bar chords as well as learning the caged system (heaps of ice cream). While learning the main components of what makes up guitar music jimmy often made it a point to show me how certain scale runs or licks would play into a larger context (chocolate syrup and peanuts). One of my most fond moments and incredible guitar breakthroughs happened whenever jimmy and I went over Yngwie Malmsteen's Trilogy suite Op.5 and showed me how a certain guitar run was able to fit into the E flat minor scale. I was in complete shock; literally my jaw was dropped, I was completely speechless, it was like someone telling me my entire life was a lie while they also showed me proof. Wonder, amazement, fear, joy, anger and sadness all hit me at the same time. The experience was completely life changing. Just when I thought I had learned a lot I come to find out that I literally knew nothing (this wasn't a bad thing for it only confirmed my love for knowledge and desire for mastery). What really ties everything in (cherry on top) is Jimmy's personality and teaching style. What makes Jimmy such an effective teacher is solely based off of his goofy personality and ability to explain complex things in an understandable manner. Often times whenever he had extra time he would go over his one hour lesson allotment time to truly make sure I understood something. Truly Jimmy surpasses the role of mentor and teacher by just being able to level with someone down on hard times and offering logically sound unbiased advice. While I haven't been able to take lessons from Jimmy in nearly a year due to financial, occupational, and school constraints I must say that my progression has been very lackluster and discouraging without his guidance. However, Jimmy has given me the tools necessary to continually want to pursue music and hone my craft. One day I hope to return back to my studies with him as a more driven, skilled, and educated player. Overall, if it's not obvious yet I completely recommend jimmy to any novice or seasoned player. His vast knowledge and expertise is truly invaluable to anyone serious about learning. When you take lessons from this man you're not just some dollar amount, you are a human being just like him and he truly goes out of his way to demonstrate this. Aside from obtaining a valuable musical education you get something much more, you end up getting an incredible friend. Thank you Jimmy for everything. read more
