Teaching Locations:



Levels taught:
BeginnerAbout Joel H.
I’m a guitarist and songwriter in several bands in the Portland area. I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelors in Songwriting.
I have taught guitar, production, and songwriting in Portland and the Rogue Valley for many years. As my student, I will work with you to map out where you’d like to get to as a musician and exactly how to get there. Music is an incredibly satisfying form of self expression, and I can help you discover and express your musical “voice;” the thing that makes Jimmy Page or Angus Young or Bruce Springsteen sound distinctly like themselves.
I tailor my teaching method to individual students based on their interests and goals, but some things I like to teach are: fundamentals of music theory, songwriting techniques, lead guitar/improvisation, sight reading, and practice techniques.
I specialize in rock/alternative/metal guitar and songwriting, but I am trained in both classical and jazz theory as well.
As a solo artist, I’ve released two EP’s, I’ve performed in many bands, and written and produced music for various clients. My current band, Sea Sleeper has played venues like the Star Theater and is set to release its first EP in the upcoming months.
When I’m not playing music, I can be found surfing, reading, or watching the occasional B-horror movie.
Reviews
Write a Review
Joel has been great. I'm an adult learner. I've really appreciated his patient approach. He is great at sharing new ideas just at the time I'm ready for it. Lessons are enjoyable; time flies and I'm learning a lot.

Joel is an excellent teacher, he really knows his stuff and is very patient and kind.

Joel's great, I have learned a ton from him over the course of our lessons. He is very knowledgeable about a lot of different styles and techniques. Would recommend!

Joel is great to work with and a really good teacher!

Joel is a really great teacher. He's really patient and easy to learn from. As a moderate beginner he was really good at assessing my skill level and helping me improve. I would highly recommend him.

First, Joel is an amazing teacher! Next, while I think I might have some innate musical talent, I have often gotten nervous around my previous teachers. Not with Joel!
Joel has a way of explaining things and breaking them down in a way that I feel more capable/confident in being able to accomplish the task. He also has a very calm and accepting nature about him so that if I do make a mistake, I don’t get nervous and want to run away!
I would recommend Joel as a great guitar teacher! And, while I am not trained professionally as a musician, it seems to me that Joel really knows what he’s doing with his musical knowledge and talent with his guitar.

Great teacher! Thanks so much Joel!

Great teacher. Will continue to work with him.

Joel is an excellent instructor. He is very knowledgeable, extremely patient, and gave thoughtful answers to even my dumbest questions.

I've really enjoyed working with Joel! He has a lot of in-depth knowledge of complex playing and writing techniques, but he's also been great at teaching me (a beginner) the basics. He always has great tips and exercises to work on in between lessons which motivates me to keep practicing. Really nice guy.

Really great guy to work with and learn from! He explains everything well and has come up with great exercises/lessons for us to do. I’m picking guitar up pretty well learning from him. I feel like he’s really helping to set me up to now learn more independently at home

Joel is an awesome teacher! He is super knowledgeable, and able to teach me at my skill level! I’m looking forward to continuing lessons with him!

Joel knows his stuff! Also super chill and easy to work with. He’s done a great job catering my lessons to suit what I want to learn.
Would recommend!

Joel was great, patient and knowledgeable with my son. He is already looking forward to the next lesson!
Photos & Videos
3 Photos & VideosExperience
Music Teacher
Oct 2019 - PresentSchool of Rock
I teach guitar, bass, and keyboard at the School of Rock in Portland Metro
Education
Bachelor's of Music in Songwriting
Aug 2005 - Jul 2007Berklee College of Music
Music
Aug 2003 - May 2005Southern Oregon University
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
German
Limited Proficiency
Let Our Student Counselors Help You
We can match you with the perfect teacher and take care of all your scheduling needs.
- {{ subject.value }}