Joel B
Instruments: Piano, Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Flamenco, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul
Joel B
Instruments: Piano, Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Flamenco, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
B.A. Music Cognition, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
April 2013 - Distinction in the Field, Emmanuel College
September 2012 - Emmanuel College Honors Program Research and Creative Activities Award, Emmanuel College
I am a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who loves sharing my passion for music with everyone I can. I graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Music Cognition, which is the study of how music affects the brain. During my time there I was able to perform with the jazz band on both guitar and piano, study music composition with the head of the Performing Arts Department, and showcase my original music and research. Since then I've had the opportunity to teach music in public schools, conduct several elementary school bands, and am currently directing a chimes choir. Music has changed my life, and I believe it has the power to change yours too!
I began teaching 5 years ago in college, and have been offering lessons on guitar and piano since then. I've found that teaching lessons either one on one or in a small group allows me to introduce concepts and facilitate student's growth in an individualistic manner, both in pace and content. Some of my best teachers encouraged me to explore, learn, and write music I really like and want to share with others; I make it a point to do the same with my students. Developing a consistent practice schedule is key, and I do my best to make sure that I provide students with practice materials that are necessary, fun, and leave enough space for them to engage their own musical curiosities. Finally, l believe that as a teacher I have a duty to make sure the student is encouraged and positively reinforced during the lesson. Learning anything can be frustrating at times, and I do my best to make sure that the student believes that their goals are realistic and within reach.
I typically use Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method for beginning guitarists and the Suzuki Method for beggining pianists. For students first learning music, I make sure to include solo pieces that the student is interested in and other custom written fundamental lessons in addition to these resources. Once they reach the point that they have a solid grasp of their instrument, we focus more closely on learning pieces and concepts that reflect musical situations in which the students sees themselves; be it playing solo, playing and singing, accompanying other instrumentalists or vocalists, or playing in an ensemble or band. It is also at this point that we dive more deeply into music theory and how it applies to the music they enjoy playing. For all students at any age or skill set, the resources we use and pieces we play are largely determined by the students wants and needs; as I've found that little else will keep a student motivated, engaged, and growing.
There are few things in life that bring me more joy than seeing students develop a passion for expressing themselves through music! My experience has shown me that every student is different, and I feel it is my job as a teacher to introduce students to resources and materials that will serve both their interests and needs. It's been shown that our brains have the ability to change throughout our entire lives, and think of students' milestones in musicianship as developments both on their instruments and in their minds. I've found that keeping students engaged and excited with their lessons and practice and fostering a supportive teaching environment can yield incredible results!
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