Guitar with Joseph A.

Joseph (Joey) A. is a Graduate of Portland State University, recipient of Bachelor of Music degree in music composition. Joey is an experienced performer of jazz guitar especially swing music and gypsy jazz guitar techniques with emphasis on composition, improvisational techniques, and music theory. Joey has played guitar since the age of twelve, self taught and playing in many rock bands starting at age fourteen before going on to study music in an academic setting. At Mt. Hood Community College, Joey learned how to improvise jazz under guitarist Neal Grandstaff, performing in several jazz combos; and also performed a concerto for two mandolins (transcribed for guitar) by Antonio Vivaldi with the string ensemble under the direction of Dr. Marshall Tuttle. Once at Portland State, he performed in the Classical Guitar ensemble, Concert Band, and Chorus respectively; took two terms of lessons with guitarist Jeff Putterman, and two years of music composition lessons with Dr. Bonnie Miksch, graduating in June of 2010 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition. Over the last few years Joey has enjoyed success playing concerts, restaurants, private events, special events, wineries, and the like with his swing groups Clambake Combo, AnnaPaul and the Bearded Lady, Djangovitis, Tana and the Fascinators, the Baz Trio among other groups. Joey has also filled in for and played gigs with members of some of the most talented swing groups in Portland, including Swing Papillon, the Kung Pao Chickens, Pete Krebs, Tracy Kim, the Djangophiles, Rose City Hot Club, Rio Con Brio, members of Vagabond Opera, 3 Leg Torso, and more. *** Lesson Details *** Joey is excellent at helping students reach their musical goals, and knows that every student, whether beginning or advanced, has different goals, and learns at a different pace. He has been teaching most every style (rock, blues, jazz, pop) and classical composition to private students for over five years and believes positive reinforcement helps students build confidence, which in turn motivates them to learn. Although each student will have slightly different tendencies, here is a general, average intermediate hour long lesson: 20 min Reading: single line melodies, rhythm exercises, chord charts, lead sheets 20 min Scales: 5 chord forms, corresponding major scales, the three minor scales, modes, symmetrical scales, etc. 20 min New Material: Students share a original composition and/or learn a new tune of their choice they bring in, or standard (lead sheets) or set of changes to work on for next lesson. Throughout lesson I explain chord theory, methods of improvisation, and answer any question where needed and appropriate. *** Studio Equipment *** Music stand, amps, guitars, lessons in spare room, *** Travel Equipment *** Guitars, amplifiers, music stand. *** Specialties *** Swing, Gypsy Jazz/Django Reinhardt. Also, music theory, classical music composition, and improv.