Teaching
I sometimes joke that my main job in regards to teaching is to keep students from quitting. I have taught a great many people who come to me as adults who say, “ I really wish I hadn’t quit when I was a kid, but I just wasn’t having any fun.” I actively try to engage every student or group of students in a way that resonates with them. To do this it is important to focus on topics and styles that the student actually enjoys. So I have taught everything from Taylor Swift, to Chopin and Thelonious Monk. While I tailor lessons to each student, I also tie in the fundamentals, music appreciation, singing, and drumming. But I do not spend an entire lesson trying to teach someone how to read music if they are coming in with an interest in learning Beatles songs.
I was once asked “ does my son have it, is he gifted?” my response was that music itself is the gift. By participating in the act of creating rhythms and sound where there was silence, they are enjoying the gift of music. Anyone can do music, it’s one of the most fun and beautiful things in the world. If someone spends time playing music it teaches patience, work ethic, compassion and a love of art. I have a very deep love for all kinds of music, and I really don’t think I could stop trying to share that with anyone and everyone I meet even if I wanted to.
Testimonials
“Joey started teaching our son piano when he was seven. He taught him fundamentals, but also explored all sorts of directions - different styles, harmony, writing, and even improvising. When he became interested in trumpet in 5th grade, guess what? Joey seamlessly added trumpet instruction to the mix, and when middle school band came around, our son was waaay ahead of all the other kids. Now he's in 8th grade, and he is the first chair trumpet at the performing arts magnet school, he sits in at jazz jams with adults on the weekends, and it really seems like the sky is the limit. Our son says ‘I really like the way Joey uses the music that I'm interested in to teach me.’ ” -Steve
“I’ve been playing classical trumpet for over 50 years and taking lessons with Joe for the last couple of years. I am new to jazz and Joe is a wealth of information on jazz and classical history and methodology. He has been great at teaching me how to break down and navigate jazz tunes. He has also introduced me to new and better ways of practicing. He is an amazing musician, and an energetic, and fun teacher.” -Andy
“Joey has taught my granddaughter piano and guitar during the past year and a half. The lessons were relaxed and not stressful which I appreciated as I believe young children today are already too stressed. My granddaughter is not the most diligent student but she has fun! They listen to different styles of music and even occasionally play Taylor Swift songs and the drums! Joey is getting her to love listening and playing music.” -Didi
“Joey has been hands down the best music teacher I have ever had the pleasure to work with! He is patient, kind, excellent at explaining technique, and incredibly knowledgeable across a wide spectrum of styles and genres. Not only has he helped me become a better player, but he has also helped me learn and understand musical theory which has made my love and appreciation for music immeasurably greater!” -Adam