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đ¸Private small-group band lessons taught by award-winning bandleader (San Diego)
offered in person
offered virtually
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Iâm offering 90-minute full-band group lessons designed to give young musicians the experience of playing, learning, and creating together.
These arenât your typical lessons. Instead of sitting alone at a piano or practicing scales in isolation, youâll be part of a small groupâa drummer, a bassist, a pianist and/or guitarist, and potentially moreâfunctioning as a real band. Youâll learn how to listen, collaborate, improvise, and perform, while building the skills and confidence that only come from making music side by side.
Each session will focus on the core skills of being in a band: learning songs, locking in rhythm and groove, developing tight ensemble playing, and exploring improvisation. Weâll also cover arranging parts, understanding different styles, and building stage presenceâso that every student not only improves on their instrument but also learns how to contribute musically to the group as a whole.
In addition to group sessions, I also offer private 1-on-1 instruction, and students will have opportunities for performance.
If youâre ready to step out of the practice room and into the band, nowâs the time. Spots are limited, so grab your instrument and join us for a free first sessionâletâs make some music together!
Get in touch:
đą 305-793-6366
đ§ joelmcculloughwork@gmail.com
đ joelmcculloughmusic.com
A little about me:
- I studied music at UC San Diego under Grammy award-winning Kamau Kenyattaâ¨
- I won the Southern California Jazz Society Award for best jazz composition (2024)â¨
- I lead, compose, and play keys in two jazz-fusion bands (Starsign and Sweater Weather)
- My band Starsign was nominated for best jazz album at the 2024 San Diego Music Awardsâ¨
- Starsignâs first album was included in Wicked Soundâs list of best jazz albums of 2021â¨â¨
REVIEWS:
"I am an adult learner. I don't have a lot of time to study or practice, so I didn't know how much progress I would be able to make as a piano student. Joel understands my time challenge and designs lessons and practice exercises that are really good for making progress. I am progressing at probably twice the speed I assumed I would. And he is so nice and funny and professional. I look forward so much to my hour-long lesson with him each week. I highly recommend Joel!"
-Michael M.
"Great Keyboard player, and very knowledgeable about how to progress. 10/10 would recommend!"
-Joshua P.
"Very patient and thorough teacher! He assessed my skill level with piano and came prepared with personalized lessons. Highly recommend for beginners!"
-Allison D.
"Joel is a one-of-a-kind piano teacher. My 11-year-old son is musically-inclined but hated traditional piano lessons and especially hated practicing. Joelâs approach was completely different! He immediately started working on pieces of music that my son requested. It was the first time my kid liked going to piano lessons. Joel is also a really nice guyâ heâs sweet, super patient, fun, responsible, and a talented musician in his own right. I recommend him wholeheartedly."
-Elisabeth T.
âI think Mr. Joel should be awarded the award for best piano teacher!â
- Milo, age 7