Joseph P. TakeLessons Instructor Guitar, Music, Theory, Rock Vocals Scottsdale, AZ

About Me? About You!  I’ll tell you about me in a second.  Its all about you.  You must be assured you will be treated professionally regardless of age,  feel comfortable and welcome in my presence, understand that “your pace of learning…is the only pace”, and most importantly, know you will attain your musical intentions.  I can provide you with such assurance and make sure your experience with me is fun and memorable.

Hi, my name is Joey.  I've been consumed by music since I was old enough to hum a melody...about 3 years old.  Ever since then its been an integral form of expression for me.  It has changed me in many positive ways and has enriched my life far beyond any tangible object ever has or could.  I have always felt that people who are not influenced by music as I am, have absolutely no idea of its magnitude, its impact... and what a life changing endeavor they are missing out on.  This is what inspires me to teach...or better yet, share.

At age 12 I discovered the guitar.  Friends and family showed me a few basic chords but craving more, I taught myself a few of my favorite rock/metal songs and as a result, I started to become fluent in various scales and lead techniques.  I enrolled in a guitar class in Jr. high school but at that point, I had already taught myself more than the class could.  Graduating high school with the title of “Class Instrumentalist”,  I took music theory classes at Herkimer College, and started a band in my first year.  Naturally, I took the lead.  Shortly after, my drummer and I split off to write strictly original music.  We recorded a CD at Fredonia College in Buffalo NY.  We then moved to Phoenix to complete our second band.  We played all around Phoenix and recorded our 2nd CD.  A year later, I received vocal training with Robert Mason (former singer of the Lynch Mob and Cry of Love).  To further sharpen my skills, I began studying with Jazz guitarists Stan Sorenson who received private lessons from several internationally renowned jazz guitarists.  I accidentally stumbled upon a second passion, teaching.  Instructing friends, family, co-workers and referrals.

As a Performer/Singer/Songwriter,  I've been playing the guitar for 13 years.  In that time I've written, produced, recorded, performed and taught.  I've written over 25 songs, I’ve recorded two CD's with my last band and I'm currently putting the final touches on my 3rd CD entitled "Alone in the Dark".

There is no set curriculum, it changes with each student according to the following: First, establish basic knowledge of my students musical comprehension for proper instruction and guidance & create mutual understanding of their musical goals and intentions for guitar instruction.  Expect a comfortable, welcoming environment.  I'm laid back however, I enjoy results, so I will find a way for you to understand the material before we move on.  You have the opportunity to learn; tuning, strumming, theory, chords, technical rhythms and picking patterns, ear training, singing and playing simultaneously, vocal instruction, scales and much more.

Hard rock / metal. Beginner, intermediate, advanced guitar, improvisation, tuning, strumming, theory, chords, technical rhythms and picking patterns, ear training, singing & playing simultaneously, rock vocal instruction, scales and much more.

Guitar, Music, Theory, Rock Vocals