If you want a short and direct answer to the question, "Should I start guitar lessons 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! read more

My experience with David as my teacher has allowed me to become the musician I am today and to continue growing in a natural and organized way. The foundation that Davids teaching method lays down is absolutely crucial to understanding music in a greater perspective. The approach to new subjects was always at a comfortable pace, with regular encouragement from David. I never felt overwhelmed or over my head due to the way information is rolled out slowly once understood through practice. Possibly the best part of lessons with David is his ability to mold the curriculum to fit each students individual interests while always maintaining a through line of the foundational studies. The organization of Davids curriculum and the tips he offers on practice routines have lead me to become a very resourceful and efficient in my routines. I feel comfortable venturing into new topics and musical ventures on my own with these tools. On top of all of this David is a pleasure to sit with for an hour every week, Ill always be incredibly grateful for everything he has taught me over the years. read more

I decided to start playing the guitar at the ripe old age of 68. Although there were numerous options, I chose one-on-one with David Joel. I wanted an instructor who focused on the instrument and some theory, not genre. And that's exactly what I got. Now, I can play the guitar, read music, know what I'm playing in tabs and figure out progressions by ear. So, I'm a happy student. If you want to learn the instrument so you can get play whatever you want, if you want to know how songs are built so you can make them your own, then I'd wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Joel. read more

I worked with David for over a year when I first started playing guitar. David is very passionate and knowledgeable about the material. His approach to teaching helped me develop a strong foundation and skills needed to continuously improve. I'd recommend him for anyone whether just starting or experienced and wanting to improve their skills. read more

David is fantastic! Not only is he a world-class musician, but David has an incredible talent for recognizing & guiding students to their full potential. His attention to detail paired with his warm demeanor makes for an excellent learning experience. You will become a better player than you ever thought possible and have a great time along the way! read more

There is a reality to teaching any subject that I have found to be completely obvious but also, utterly strange - that BEING great at one's craft does not necessarily make one great at TEACHING one's craft. In the two years that I spent as David's student, I never once felt any distance between David's unmistakable chops as a musician, and his ability to communicate effectively as a teacher. To help me absorb his lessons, he could deploy a technical explanation just as quickly as a quirky analogy - anything to make the concept real to me. Once, when I found the concept of tempo and note-values especially challenging, he grabbed an old can of rocks and coins to use as a visual aid. I thought (a) this guy was crazy and (b) why on earth does he have this can of rocks and coins lying around!? However, it was not long before I grasped the idea - to which I credit his patience and resourcefulness. All that said, what I appreciate most about the time I spent with David was the relationship itself. On one occasion, dealing with a family issue, I found that I had brought my own stress and sadness along to his studio. Sensing that I was distressed - we took a moment, together, to talk and refocus; to breathe and re-acquire the moment. I spent the remainder of the lesson tearfully playing and learning and smiling. I'll never forget that. Keep rocking David! read more

I studied with David a few years ago and became a much better player because of it. David goes beyond teaching you things to play, but rather understanding why all the pieces fit. David is an expert on theory, but he also relates to any player at any level and makes the experience of learning fun while also challenging you to better yourself. Taking lessons with David was one of the best things I have done, and you will not regret working with him. I still use his lessons today as I play the guitar. Simply put, if you want to be the best guitarist you can be, David has the tools to help you achieve your goal. it's just up to you now to begin your lesson! read more

After briefly studying the guitar as a teenager, 6 months of lessons at the back of a music store, with rudiments of solfège learned at school, I thought I was able to play. But I had never listened or taken quite the time to push myself for more than okay. I had never had the discipline and proper guidance to learn music and the instrument. So after many years of noodling I decided that either I would stop playing or I would give myself a chance and improve. That's when I contacted David. David was my professor for almost three years. The only reason I stopped my lessons is that I had to relocate. I would still be his student otherwise. I remember our first lesson, the reintroduction to the instrument, notes, music. A part of me thought "I know that". But I didn't. I just kind of knew. So with David, we got back to the fundamentals of music (reading and theory) and of the instrument technique and specificities. You will read and play scales. And you'll enjoy it. You'll play music from the method book and play the tunes you like. The method book looks a bit daunting at first. It is the greatest tool and its transformative powers will grow on you. David is passionate about music and about your learning, you'll probably have to let him know sometimes that you got his points. He is a professional, educated in the best music schools and willing to share is immense knowledge with you. Music is demanding and fun. So is David. When my frustrations arose he was always persistent and supportive, getting me to overcome my blockages, defusing my tension with humor and his kind perspective on life. He is always available during the week for questions and he is an unlimited source of music and advice. David is genuinely interested in you, as a fellow human being. Overall, I think that you'll only learn as much as the mindful time you put into your practice. And to achieve your goals you need to aim high and keep at it steadily. David helps you do that. Through his knowledge, support, care, insights, encouragements as well as the discipline he gently requires. I have definitely made significant improvements on all levels. Precision, touch, rhythmic accuracy, feel, improvisation, reading, self confidence. I can say I enjoy myself much more and feels I am a much better musician thanks to David. Folks, if you are serious about your playing, David will get you where you want to be. Have fun playing! read more

Excellent teacher with years of experience in an array of musical styles and situations. Teaches not only guitar but musicianship and theory. read more

Over the years I've had at least a handful of guitar teachers who would show me licks or teach me a tune, but I was always left confused and uneducated about the guitar as an instrument. I didn't have a real understanding of the fretboard and how it is organised or how chords are formed and grouped. All of that changed when I began taking lessons from David Joel. From fundamentals, to reading music, to theory and technique my knowledge and skill grew exponentially. With degrees from both Berkee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music David's intimate knowledge of everything music is unbeatable. If you want to truly learn how to play the guitar David Joel will get you there! read more

I have been taking guitar lessons from David Joel for about a year and a half. I started taking lessons at 64yrs.old because I always wanted to play guitar. When I was researching teachers, I was looking for certain qualities in a teacher and when I saw David Joel's background which includes a Master's Degree in Music, a former faculty member at Berklee College and his playing background I decided to give him a try. David is very methodical teacher and as a beginner he teaches you the proper way to play guitar as well as reading music, practice techniques and addresses individual goals of each student. I would highly recommend David as he is in my opinion the top teacher in the area. Charlie L. read more

David was my first guitar teacher, and I am extremely happy that I decided to take classes with him. In the first week he corrected many of my technical issues that I had and explained them to me in a logical manner. Furthermore, he was able to teach me to read music on guitar, something that I had thought was impossible before taking classes with him. I learned more about guitar in the first 3 months then I had in the past 8 years of self-teaching. David has a vast knowledge of guitar and music in general. He showed me many artists, and showed me how to appreciate different types of music. A lot of the things I listen to and enjoy now would not have been possible without me taking classes with David. Sadly, after 2 years I had a big move across the country for a job and I had to stop taking classes with David. Until this day, I employ practice methods and guitar techniques that he taught me in those two years. David truly teaches you how to be a life long guitarist, and gives you the skills to continue to improve yourself as a musician and a guitarist for the rest of your life. read more

I played the guitar in college many years ago. But I got to a certain level and just couldn't go any further. So for over 20 years I hardly ever picked it up. I really wanted a teacher who could help me understand guitar fundamentals - not just chords - and someone who could encourage me gently to do it right! David was just perfect for me! His own professional training at the prestigious Berklee School and New England Conservatory, and his eclectic personal interests in music made him a great teacher for me. He had me on the right track in no time. And his flexibility made it easy to schedule around my busy professional life. David is the best, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is serious about the guitar, whether beginner or seasoned professional. read more

If you want to learn to play guitar with good technique and understand how to read music, look no further. I've been taking lesson with David for 9 months and wish I'd found him sooner. I had taken lessons with other instructors, and none come close to his teaching ability. He individualizes the lesson to match his student's interests and abilities, and checks in frequently to make sure the lessons are going well for me. He pays attention to detail, and has helped me correct my technique. Lessons are fun-David has a good sense of humor! read more