Top Pro
David Joel Guitar Studio
About
I'm a former Berklee College of Music Instructor with my master's from New England Consrevatory and my bachelor's from Berklee. I've been a professional musician for 44 years, writing and playing all kinds of music - classical, rock, pop, world music, blues, jazz, jazz fusion, etc ; )
The approach I offer to guitar and music instruction is extremely methodical, thorough and fun! Teaching for almost 35 years, I've learned and observed the necessity for students to really learn their basics - reading sheet music, learning excellent technique, all essentail chord forms, music theory and its application, scales, Blues, soloing, solo guitar and playing tunes. I take my students step by step and piece by piece, as far as they would like to go and always make certain they understand and can apply what they learn.
I enjoy helping others really learn music in a way that they eventually "own" their own abilities and if they work hard enough, can begin to create their own sytle or "thumbprint" of playing. I like to help people take apart songs, solos and pieces and put them back together so they get a strong certainty as to how music works. It's pleasure to see my students grow and win know that I've helped them make their accomplishment to their next creative vista!
Specialties
Musical styles
Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Recommendations available
Guitar style
Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Recommendations available
Has instrument
Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one
Years experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music
Lesson length
60 minutes
Student's age
19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old
Photos and videos
Reviews
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KK
karl K.
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!
September 11, 2026
JC
jack C.
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.
May 14, 2026
PB
patricia B.
I wanted an instructor who focused on the instrument and music theory, not genre. And that’s exactly what I got.
Mr. Joel is patient and understanding. He is also quite honestly supportive.
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. Really, I am a guitarist.🙌🏽
August 15, 2023
JW
JP W.
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!
October 17, 2021
SN
Samuel N.
I studied with Dave for a little over 2 years. He is an excellent teacher who can meet you where you are at and achieve your goals. He has a highly specific method that I sense he created both from the years he spent at Berklee (both studying and teaching) as well as his own years of developing his teaching philosophy.
Dave will take you back to the beginning to fix bad habits that plague most guitar players who never learned properly. It might feel slow at first but the progress it is able to unlock is more than worth it. Whether you want theory, technique, or help with sight reading and ear training, or even music notation and composition, Dave can help. How much you put in is how much you get out, because Dave can always provide you with more and more materials.
An added fun bonus is you will be regaled with stories and anecdotes about the jazz world, which Dave has experienced more than his fair share of after a career of learning and gigging!
October 12, 2021
SE
Serg E.
David has Great music and life experience. He cares about teaching deeply and gave some really important skills and foundation.
May 20, 2021
Services offered
Guitar