Jim Maguire Music, led by Jim and his wife Chloe, represents a unique fusion of creative and analytical skills. Jim, with a background in music and business, is the creative force, while Chloe, a Bridge (Structural) Engineer, provides essential behind-the-scenes support.
Jim’s musical journey spans over 15 years in teaching, with proficiency in more than 12 instruments, including guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, dobro, shamisen, fiddle, and oud. His genre blends metal, country, blues, bluegrass, and traditional instruments from around the world.
Jim’s teaching approach is both unique and effective, encompassing a curriculum that caters to all levels from beginner to post-college, across various genres. His method integrates music theory and technique, tailored to the student’s preferred music, ensuring a high level of engagement and interest.
Currently, Jim plays with the Morgan McKay Band. Their latest song, “Bar Room Love Blues,” has achieved notable success, reaching #34 on the Texas Country Music Charts.
Chloe manages the business side of Jim Maguire Music, handling invoicing, marketing, and instrument maintenance. She also plays a pivotal role in creating teaching materials, aspiring to publish them as a book. Additionally, Chloe is an integral part of the Morgan McKay Band, assisting with various tasks like filming shows, running the merchandise booth, and occasionally acting as a guitar tech.
In 2023, Jim and Chloe expanded their business by partnering with a marketing associate to launch “Epic Jingles,” a jingle writing company. That year, Jim focused on his solo career, releasing his first single, “Bluebonnet Brushfire.”
For 2024, Jim and Chloe aim to enhance their online presence by sharing educational content on Jim Maguire Music pages and Chloe’s travel blog, “Transported and Transposed.”
About Jim
Jim, born in Columbus, Ohio, spent his childhood between Youngsville, Louisiana, and Katy, Texas. His musical journey began in elementary school in Louisiana, singing in school and playing spoons in a Zydeco group. At 15, inspired by a few friends, Jim started playing the guitar, self-taught through his Guitar World magazine subscription. He formed a band, “Counter Current,” playing gigs citywide and recording an album at Lucky Run Studios.
Initially enamored with Nirvana, Jim mastered their discography before progressing to Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, and Van Halen. At 17, a Blues Summer camp introduced him to SRV and Texas Blues, sparking a lifelong passion. Around this time, Jim secured a place at Berklee College of Music, deferring for a year to complete core classes at HCC before transferring to Berklee in 2009.
At Berklee, Jim discovered Neoclassical Metal under Joe Stump, influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen and Uli Jon Roth. He also explored Jazz and Jazz Fusion, akin to Guthrie Govan and Return to Forever. There, he formed Chirality, releasing an eponymous album and headlining the 2012 New England Tour. Jim graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2012.
Following his father’s passing that year, Jim returned to Texas, delving into the Houston music scene. He joined School of Rock Katy, teaching guitar and directing various student shows for three years. His tenure included leading the 2013 New York School of Rock Metal Camp and a brief period teaching classical guitar at KD Music and Arts. As his performance schedule expanded, Jim left to focus on his growing student base, maintaining 90-100 students weekly.
Jim completed his MBA at Southern New Hampshire University in 2017 through an affiliate program with Berklee College of Music.
A Craigslist ad led Jim to sub at a local theater, the Music Box Theater, paving his way into pit work. In 2018, he performed in nine musicals, including “AD Players’ Rock Nativity,” “The Last Five Years,” “The Evil Dead,” and “DS Christmas Carol.” He continues as a regular guitar sub, including performances at “White Album Beatles Christmas” and “Keep it Brassy.” Jim also subs at churches like Sugarland Baptist, Woodlands United Methodist, and St. James Episcopal, and now plays every Sunday at Chapelwood UMC. In 2023 Jim made his musical debut playing mandolin for “Brightstar”.
Additionally, Jim collaborated with Silver Linx Arts in a SRV tribute band “Tightrope” and performs with the Morgan McKay Band. His recent ventures include starting “Epic Jingles,” and releasing his debut solo single, “Bluebonnet Brushfire,” a metal-infused country guitar piece, on Halloween 2023.