A wide ranging background, including 39 years of playing experience, a former Instructor at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA), a Master’s Degree from New England Conservatory (Boston, MA), and a Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music has yielded him the ability of performing and composing a large breadth of aesthetic musical styles.
He performs regularly as a solo guitarist, with the David Joel Quartet and with various jazz and high society ensembles.
A Philadelphia resident, he is the proprietor of the David Joel Guitar Studio (a music school), and director/composer of The David Joel Quartet, a contemporary jazz-fusion group.
The Quartet recently released its first studio disc, "Spiral Sky," which has received radio play on 150 stations worldwide; it was #1 on the Roots Music Report in Pennsylvania for the week of 12/7/07 and #7 on the !earshot Jazz Chart in Canada for the weeks of 10/30/07 and 11/6/07. The group was selected for inclusion in the 2008 - 2009 Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour (PennPAT) Roster (an organization which supports performance engagements by funding presenters in DC, DE, MD, NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV and the US Virgin Islands). Read more
6 recommendations
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I decided to start playing the guitar at the ripe old age of 68. Although there were numerous options, I chose one-on-one with David Joel. I wanted an instructor who focused on the instrument and some theory, not genre. And that’s exactly what I got.
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.
If you want to learn the instrument so you can get play whatever you want, if you want to know how songs are built so you can make them your own, then I’d wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Joel.Recommended for
Personalized Guitar Instruction -
Craig K.
My time with David has been truly incredible. Prior to our first lesson, I was at the point where my playing had reached a plateau. My growth was a flat line, mostly because I kept stumbling over the same obstacles and I had no direction or purpose for my playing. That all changed when I began my studies with David. After the first phone call with David, I was convinced that he wasn’t just focused on getting another customer but was really interested in my needs as a student. David takes great pride in his teaching and really relishes the accomplishments of his students. ...
Original recommendation -
Eric Bailey
I had the pleasure of studying with David some years ago. His approach to guitar study, and music, is true. He crafts a unique lesson plan for each unique student, while emphasizing correct form and the pursuit of soulful and individual expression on the instrument. ... I find myself still referring to my lesson books and applying information from David's lessons some 10+ years ago. On top of all this, David is honest, encouraging and incredibly supportive. "Do the thing and you will have the power". Thanks Dave
Original recommendation -
Eric Ruppel
David is a thorough teacher who instructs with patience, insight, humor, and plenty of examples pulled from his extensive experience as a professional musician, composer, arranger, and band leader. He will give you the tools you need to read music, refine your technique, and develop your musicality, and he will help you expand your listening library, too. Most importantly, David will work with you to help you learn the things you want to learn, whether they're specific songs or techniques. Whether you're a beginner who's looking for a strong foundation or an advanced player looking to expand your abilities, David can help you.
Original recommendation -
Jill Galper
David is a wonderful teacher and I highly recommend him. Before I found David, I'd been taking lessons elsewhere, and was becoming frustrated with the instructor's disorganized approach. David is patient and has an organized approach to guitar technique and music theory that is very helpful. He asks about the types of music I want to play, and has incorporated my interests into lessons. He is intelligent, encouraging and a terrific guitarist-and has a good sense of humor, too. If you want to play guitar and understand what you're doing, look no further!
Original recommendation -
Jake Z.
David Joel has helped me immensely improve in my ability to play the guitar. Before starting lessons with him I had over 6 years experience playing the guitar, including 2 years of beginner lessons. During that time I relied heavily on guitar tabs and what I could find on the internet. I came to David with decent technique but something was definitely lacking in my playing. David helped me figure out what I was missing and helped me get to a level of playing I never thought I could reach. ...
Original recommendation