About
As is states in the name, these are not limited to simple guitar lessons. I have been an avid songwriter for almost 20 years. Yes, I can help you learn to read tabs, play scales, chordes, strum, fingerpick, and develop styles from folk to heavy metal—but what I am truly passionate about is helping you become a songwriter.
I started off as an intimidated teenager with a horrible singing voice and crippling stage fright. But with persistence and passion, I got to the point of headlining venues, as well as running my own open mic in San Francisco.
These lessons can start at any point in your musical development, though I will take you through every step of becoming a songwriter and performer:
-Starting at the basics with one on one lessons
-Helping developing your own material
-Learning to share and practice performing your material in group sessions
-Taking those skills on to preform your own material at house shows (recitals) and even open mics
-Also, if interested, we can be recoding these songs at any stage in the process
I would love to share my experience with any of those interested in becoming the songwriter and performer they have dreamed of. My house is equipped with a small recoding studio, and my practice room is littered with many types of musical instrument, and student are welcome to pick up and try them all (guitars, ukuleles, a banjo, a piano, a cello, a xylophones, and probably some more I’m forgetting). My wife also happens to be a classically trained vocalist, so students can also receive pointers from her.
I hope to hear from you soon!
-Joshua Covell
Simply put... sharing my passion for music with others willing to receive it!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My initial approach with working with a new student begins with getting to them—both as a person, and there musical tastes. That also involves finding out what their musical goals entail. Are there specific playing styles they are interested in mastering? Are they interested in learning covers and campfire sing alongs, or are they hoping to learn how to compose original material? There is always room for evolution and improvisation for what it is we want to gain from our practicing, though I believe setting goals is an essential part of learning and growing as an artist.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was pretty much born with a guitar in my hand. My father is a very talented blues guitarist, so i started young. I casually played in my youth, though I truly dedicated my life to music around the age of 16. I took some lessons early on, though the vast majority of my expertise comes from my own experiences. I’ve been playing in various bands and musical projects for almost 20 years, and have extensive experience composing, preforming, and recording.
How did you get started teaching?
I come from a family of teachers and educators on my mother’s side of the family… and a bunch of hippie rock ’n’ rollers on my father’s side. So perhaps it was meant to be?
Honestly, I have put so much time, energy and passion into both guitar and songwriting, I really can’t imagine doing anything else. I had a long carrier in an unrelated field that i couldn’t stand, so i decided to pursue two of the things that make me the most happy. Music, and the gift of sharing music.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types and ages, though mostly beginning to moderate guitar players, with a focus on helping them compose their own material.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My wife and I have played in a band together for about 6 years. We were located in San Francisco, and mostly played small to midsize venues in the Bay Area. About 3 years ago, I was “discovered” while playing a song at a hostel in Fisherman’s Wharf. The gentleman that heard me playing was the head of a record label based out of Europe. So my wife and I got to fly out to Zurich, Switzerland to record an album at a place called Power Play Studio. Other artist that have recorded there include Prince and Lady Gaga. Even though working with the label didn’t go as I planned, we still got a free trip to Europe, and got a tun of experience working in a state of the art studio.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look no further :)
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How will your specific teaching styles help me realize my goals for music?