James Flood is the founder and director of Westlake Music Academy. He has taught guitar for over 30 years at numerous institutions including Morgan State University, Gettysburg College, and his own James Flood Guitar Lessons where students have been known to come from Akron and Canton to Cleveland for weekly lessons.

James received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in guitar performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where for his master’s he studied under the world-renowned Manuel Barrueco. He also studied under Ray Chester for his bachelor’s and privately with David Tanenbaum and Julian Gray, among others. He has given performances in Maryland, California, Ohio, and West Virginia. In high school, he was selected to perform the second movement of Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. James has extensive experience as a choral conductor. He was Director of the Lyceum Schola Cantorum from 2009 to 2017 and Director of Music at St. Clement Parish in Lakewood from 2008 to 2021. He is currently the director of the Cleveland Guitar Orchestra.

James works with all levels in both classical and non-classical styles and emphasizes a foundation in sound guitar technique. He works with intermediate and advanced students on refinement of technique, interpretation, and overall musicality. In 1999 he received a grant from Gettysburg College to further more ergonomically correct classical guitar technique. His technique largely consists of efficiency of position and movement and minimizing tension.

“He is an extremely talented teacher who knows how to get the best out of his students and advance their skills. He is very good at meeting students where they are in life, as well as with playing. I cannot recommend him highly enough.”

- Laura

“James is an excellent teacher. He explains the basics and identifies and helps rectify any mistakes in technique. He also has a good sense of humor, is pleasant to interact with, and gets along very well with kids (my son loves to come for guitar lessons.”

- Pranab

“His patience creates a great atmosphere to learn in which makes his guidance easier to internalize and then demonstrate…You have in James a skilled artist and a precise teacher.”

- Victor

“While he expects me to do my best, I do not feel belittled when I make mistakes and he takes the time to analyze the problem and come up with a solution.”

- Brad