Josh’s musical journey began on his 7th birthday with the gift of a guitar. Through the tutelage of several patient teachers, he started to glimpse at what a vast world the guitar was. Attending Berklee College of Music during summers in high school, and then for an undergraduate degree in professional music, his playing and understanding of music were sharpened considerably. Since college Josh has been teaching guitar professionally for over 20 years.

The approach to teaching changes depending on the student. Students are met where they are at with genuine encouragement. In adapting to many different learning styles over the years, Josh has gained a knack for keeping students engaged and learning, while also enjoying the experience.

While building repertoire, the harmonic concepts behind the songs being taught are introduced. The ability to read sheet music, charts, tablature, and chord diagrams is tempered into the students in the interest of creating well rounded musicians.

Lots of hands on playing is used to understand intervals, chords, scales, and melodies. This work also trains the ears and fingers.

Lessons are taught in a calm, relaxing, and inviting manner. This allows students to be more comfortable and productive.

Posture is an often overlooked yet critical element in the comfort and longevity of a personal practice. Attention to the fingers, wrists, arms, back, neck and head can make all the difference in maintaining a practice that is not harmful or injurious.

An out of tune guitar doesn’t sound pretty! Tuning is discussed including how to use a tuner, tune to a reference note, or tune the guitar to itself. Students are also encouraged to take a deep dive into alternate tunings.

Being fluent in different genres of music, Josh delights in pulling songs from vastly different styles to demonstrate universal concepts.

Styles covered in lessons include, but are not limited to: Rock, Jazz, Blues, Folk, Country, Heavy Metal, Soul, hip-hop. If someone wants to learn it, Josh will gladly teach it.

While the bulk of students are first time players, seasoned adult players are taught with the same zeal, attention, and patience.

After a few lessons, students come away with an understanding of how to tune and hold the guitar, control of enough chords and scales to play some songs, and a basic understanding of harmony. Advanced students learn arpeggios, advanced chord voicings and inversions, an understanding of the use of tensions and substitutions, how to play syncopated grooves, or how to go about improvising over different song forms.

Students’ requests are welcomed and encouraged. The goal is to leave musical desires fulfilled, while simultaneously imparting the theory and building the musical chops to keep up with other musicians.

Josh knows its a very long and slow path, and is extremely patient with students. He loves to play the guitar and to help others achieve that same enjoyment.