If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I offer weekly sixty minute lessons for $85.
With an extensive musical experience including being an instructor at Boston’s Berklee College of Music receiving my Master’s degree from New England Conservatory and my Bachelor's from Berklee, I have the ability to convey my ideas with simplicity and clarity and provide my students with correct information, music al perspective and technique.
My 45 years of professional playing experience yields a very broad understanding, viewpoint and insight as a musician. I've played and written Blues, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Experimental and many other forms and musical styles enabling me to share a wide musical viewpoint with my students.
I offer my students the opportunity to perform every two years in a student recital. I write/arrange many of the pieces myself. The confidence and enjoyment a student experiences in live performance is priceless.
Music has been my passion through life. I share my experience offering others the opportunity to develop their own creative voice in the process of waking together.
Overview
Hired 30 times
17 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
28 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.
Excellent 4.9
84 reviews
5
97%
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Read reviews that mention:
Karl K.
2 weeks ago
If you want a short and direct answer to the question, “Should I start guitarlessons with David Joel?” then the answer is a resounding YES.
Prior to working with David I had no experience playing guitar. I had a guitar I received as a Christmas gift that had not been touched in over a decade.
David’s structured lessons and tailored approach to my learning needs and musical interests kept me engaged. This allowed me to make consistent progress in both my musical knowledge and playing ability.
After 3 years of lessons with David I went from having zero guitar knowledge to someone who can:
1. Confidently read music (I started learning in my first lesson).
2. Play with proper technique (this becomes increasingly important as the complexity of the pieces you play grows).
3. Music history (classic rock to jazz and more David can answer many questions. Most importantly, when he does not have an answer, he is honest and says so!).
4. Music theory (While I am still no expert David’s organized approach and recommended reading material left me with a strong foundation to build from).
David is a friendly instructor who keeps music fun while still imparting knowledge. He takes his role as a teacher seriously and wants to see you improve as a guitar player. With David’s encouragement I began practicing an hour a day (most of the time) and it allowed me to quickly expand my guitar skills and get the most out of our one-on-one lessons.
Lastly, David doesn’t just have credentials as a Berklee College of Music graduate and former Berklee guitar teacher (among other accomplishments) but also has real experience teaching music. Playing music is a different skill set than teaching music and David mastered both.
When I started guitar lessons, I had 3 different instructors who I would see weekly. They were all excellent and credentialed but David is the one I stuck with, and I have no regrets about it!
Jake Z.
Aug 29, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
David Joel has helped me immensely improve in my ability to play the guitar. Before starting lessons with him I had over 6 years experience playing the guitar, including 2 years of beginner lessons. During that time I relied heavily on guitar tabs and what I could find on the internet. I came to David with decent technique but something was definitely lacking in my playing. David helped me figure out what I was missing and helped me get to a level of playing I never thought I could reach. It wasn't easy as he had me going back to the basics. I learned how to read sheet music, how to keep a better tempo, and the music theory behind it all. It has been about 2 years now with David and I am continually learning and improving. Overall my experience with David has been thoroughly enjoyable and I would recommend his services to anyone, whether they are new to the guitar or have been playing for years.
David Joel Guitar Studio's reply
Hi Jake,
You have great creative musical skills. I very much enjoyed working with you over the years. Continue to play, expand and enjoy the aesthetics of music, my friend!
Guitar Lessons
Matt L.
Jan 14, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Great fundamental instructor. I have experience already, and looking to nail my basics and sight reading so I can take my guitar playing to the next level. Great work
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
David Joel Guitar Studio's reply
I appreciate your enthusiasm Matt! Looking forward to taking you to the next and next and next levels!
Guitar Lessons
Jack C.
Aug 23, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
David Joel is an incredible guitar teacher who’s teaching method ensures that you get a solid grasp of the guitar and music itself. Learning to read music with David has been an incredible experience and will continue to benefit me as I learn more songs and begin composing my own music. David does a great job tailoring the lessons to the individual student’s taste while always ensuring that fundamentals are a top priority. I have learned so much in my first 6 months, and I look forward to continuing my musical journey with David Joel.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Blues • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location
David Joel Guitar Studio's reply
Thanks so much Jack! You're a very able guy who's making fantastic progress and I'm more than glad to help you as you continue on your creative journey!!!!
Guitar Lessons
Kim T.
Jul 31, 2018
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Hired on Thumbtack
I haven’t started my lessons yet that we had a nice long talk which was very thorough and professional and I was pretty impressed with how on point he was with his education and what I would be learning.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Country • Blues • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • I travel to the guitar teacher
David Joel Guitar Studio's reply
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your genuine and positive words!
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
David Joel Miller
FAQs
What types of customers have you worked with?
Teaching guitar students fundamentals/basics: learning how to read, thus students really learn the neck and instrument well. Teaching them the finest technique. Helping students to learn tunes they love to play. I also teach students to play by ear.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Make certain the instructor your choosing has had a solid formal musical education, preferably at least a bachelor's degree. That they perform on the minimum of a semi-regular basis (this keeps them on their toes as a musician). Also, that the instructor will teach you to read in standard music notation and not just tablature. It takes longer to learn this way but the benefits and level of understanding are far superior! Finally, you want to be certain that the teacher is articulate and has patience.
