a little bit about Jim Buist

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JimBuist@yahoo.com     Jackson:  (517) 764-7404      Ann Arbor:   (734) 864-5393
Mailing address:  6032 Carbary Dr. - Jackson, MI 49201

As long as I can remember, I was playing the organ and piano.   I first learned to play "by ear" and later learned how to read music.   I believe learning this way gave me a better sense and appreciation for my music because I had to really listen to, and feel, it.

In 1990, I began playing and singing at my church in Kalamazoo.   Later that year, I went to work as a keyboard salesman and soon began teaching both group and private lessons on piano, organ, and portable keyboards.   In 1995, I purchased a store in Kalamazoo, MI called "Treva Reed Music" from the then retiring owners.   In that business, I sold literally thousands of different music books, music sheets, music accessories, and gift items.   In listening to my customers, I soon learned what music students liked and disliked about the various teachers in the area and realized that 99% of my customers generally had the same approach to music as I have.   I think that is why I relate so well to the "recreational" musician.

In 1999 I moved to Kansas City where I directed two church music groups. Then, in 2003, I returned to Michigan to become the music director at St. John's church in Albion. Having begun to teach again earlier in the year on a part-time basis, I left St. John's in August 2006 to work on building my business and clientele full time.

Over the years, I have worked as a flight instructor, salesman, music instructor, small business owner, account manager, maintenance technician, and music leader in churches. However, no matter what my "job" is, music is always a part of my life because it is so rewarding, therapeutic, fulfilling, and exciting. That excitement is something I hope to share with you whether it be through Piano, Organ, or Keyboard Lessons, a Liturgical Music Workshop, or while I am playing and singing Live Music for your Wedding, Funeral, or Reception.

Outside of music, I thoroughly enjoy working in my vegetable garden, baking bread (I typically bake loaves around Thanksgiving and Christmas for my students), fishing with my brother, helping friends and family with various "handyman" projects, and watching "Stargate". Also, since I am a pilot and general aviation enthusiast interested in new and different things, I am a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and its local chapter, EAA 304, and I am frequently reading or watching something about airplanes.

JimBuist@yahoo.com      Jackson:   (517) 764-7404      Ann Arbor:   (734) 864-5393
6032 Carbary Dr. - Jackson, MI 49201