Joe Ryan Entertainment
About
Anyone can learn a song or two by watching YouTube videos and I encourage that! What I can teach is how to make learning easier and more fun - how to be able to pick up a guitar at a party and play a few tunes that folks can sing along to. How to entertain either just yourself or others. How to work on things like rhythm and strumming as well as solid left hand technique and how to be able to learn a song by ear.
I have taught people young and old from when I was 16. People feel comfortable with me and encouraged to have fun playing no matter what the skill level. Tell me your style and I'll make sure you learn the songs you want to play. I love it when students walk away empowered to learn on their own and have fun playing and further appreciate the music they already love.
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to hear what my student likes and how they would like to learn. I can accomodate most styles, but if I'm not able to give the student what he or she needs, I will be honest. Upon hearing what they want to learn, I work on the process for building a good foundation to playing from the beginning with a focus on learning a new song as quickly as possible. I like to teach the student how to learn from watching videos or reading charts and tab as well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I learned the basics from my father at the age of 12 (I'm 35.) I received blues and jazz lessons until the age of 16 and studied Jazz guitar briefly at Temple University. I played in a professionally represented and managed cover band in Philadelphia and east coast for 5 years and have continued professionally since the age of 19.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 for an hour for students traveling to my house, $30 an hour for travelling within 15 miles of my house.
How did you get started teaching?
I taught several high school friends and multiple people in college because I loved to watch them learn and wanted friends to jam with! More recently, I've gotten into discussions with folks that hear me perform live and offer to teach them.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with men and women, boys and girls. I've taught students that wanted to learn rock, metal, jazz, folk, and standards. I specialize in making songs easier to learn for beginners. I've taught students ranging in age from 14 to 65.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy seeing live music of any kind. Watching a musician who has truly honed their craft and is well practiced is a work of art.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't let the instructor dictate what you want to learn. YOU dictate what you want to learn and how much you're willing to work towards it. If you don't want to practice 2 hours a day, don't force yourself to. Learn at your own pace and HAVE FUN!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What type of music do you want to play, how do you want to learn (reading chord charts, learn by listening and playing, watching YouTube videos, site reading music), how music you're willing to practice.