About
Have you or your child ever wondered what it was like to take music into your own hands? To have the freedom to create your own harmonies, perform with others, and enjoy the challenge of playing a musical instrument? Have you ever watched a performer and exclaimed: "wow, I REALLY wish I could do that!!" Wonder no more!
Whether you are an absolute beginner or have been playing for a while and just don't know where to go next, I am here to help! My name is Joseph Engel, I've been a performer and educator in the Denver area for 5+ years. I can show you what it takes to advance your musical abilities to new levels! I began playing cello at the age of 10, and earned my Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance in 2014, before going on to complete my Masters in Cello Performance in 2018. I have also been playing guitar since I was 14, and have been playing piano since 2009. I also hold a Bachelors of Music in Music Theory and Composition.
Besides my study of Western Classical music, I've also spent the last 7 years studying various non-Western musics, such as the classical music of North and South India, the polyphonic, animistic throat-singing of Tuva and Mongolia, and most recently, the virtuosic, flashy, and complex music of Bali, Indonesia. Studying these musics has given me an alternative insight into learning music, and I tailor my teaching style to every student individually.
If you want to learn to play the cello, guitar, piano, or would like to learn how to analyze and write your own music, you've found the right guy! I accept ages 8 and up!
I enjoy seeing kids and adults become excited and empowered by learning a musical instrument. Learning to play an instrument has many benefits in other areas of learning, and I enjoy the idea of bringing enrichment and success to people's lives.
Specialties
Student's age
Lesson length
Able to read music
Years experience
Student has instrument
Reviews
Daniel 4.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first few lessons are a way for the student and I to get to know each other, and to explore the basics of the instrument. This includes knowing the parts of the instrument, knowing how to properly hold and take care of the instrument, and basic techniques. For students who already have some experience, I will explore material the student is currently working on, develop a comprehensive practice routine, and begin exploring material to work on in the future.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I currently hold a Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance and a Bachelors of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Jacksonville University, and a Masters of Music in Cello Performance from Denver University. I have worked extensively with some of the top cellists and musicians in the country, including Matthew Zalkind, Jurgen deLemos, Shannon Lockwood, Rachel Barton Pine, and Daniel Morganstern. I have been teaching private and group lessons since 2016 and performing professionally since 2009.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Half hour: $40
Hour: $68
How did you get started teaching?
I taught my first lessons while persuing my undergraduate degree, taking on some of my own private teacher's students when they were out of town. I also held a few students of my own on the side. I began teaching full time in 2015.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages, as young as 6 and as old as 75, and various skill levels from absolute beginners to talented and motivated high school students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
During the fall of 2022, I was "The Queen's Royal Cellist" in "The Queen's Ball; A Bridgerton Experience" in Denver, in collaboration with Netflix, Fever, and Shondaland. I got to dress up in costume and play while patrons presented themselves to the queen and danced the night away.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Most importantly, make sure your teacher will go out of their way to listen to and meet your own personal musical goals. It is also important that you get along with your teacher, that they have what you feel to be the appropriate attitude in lessons, and that you feel confident and comfortable asking for help or clarification. Learning is repetition. Learning is repetition. Learning is repetition.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Just talk to your teacher. Personally, I will never try to discourage a student from pursuing their own goals. I will do my best to be realistic and reasonable in addressing those goals, but I will never tell you to not pursue them. I want to help you succeed and to do that I need to know what success means to you. There are no wrong answers!