Guitar
Education
Josh received his B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University, M.M. from Howard University, and completed one full year of study at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.
Performance and Teaching Experience
As an experienced musician, Josh has had the privilege of sharing the stage with the likes of Jason Mraz, McCoy Tyner, Richie Cole, Chuck Redd, Warren Wolf, Jon Irabagon, Sheryl Bailey and Gary Thomas. Josh has performed as an opening act for Randy Brecker, Charlie Byrd and the Washington Guitar Quintet, Pat LaBarbara and Donny McCaslin. Notable performances include at The Montreal International Jazz Fecstival, Toronto International Jazz Festival, International Association of Jazz Educators Conference, The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Blues Alley, Bohemian Cavern and numerous cities in Japan, the U.S. and Canada.
Josh has held several teaching positions including as Private and Group Guitar Instructor at the University of Virginia and Harmonia School of Music and Art, Group Guitar Instructor in Falls Church City Public Schools and as the Teacher’s Assistant at Broadduas Wood Elementary in Albemarle County Public Schools
An acclaimed performer and teacher, Josh was named Winner of Downbeat Magazine’s annual award for “Best solo by an instrumentalist at the college graduate level” (2011), was recipient of “The Charlie Byrd Endowment in Guitar” from the Peabody Institute (2001) and was guitarist, mandolinist and Band Captain at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (2001-2004).
At Levine
Josh has been on the Levine faculty since the spring of 2010 where he teaches guitar, mandolin and group Blues Guitar and Jazz Combo classes. He also served as guitar and instrument building teacher at Levine’s Music and Arts Summer Camp.
“My favorite thing about Levine is the wonderful community I get to be a part of by teaching and the passionate students I have the privilege of working with.”
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“I believe that students pursuing contemporary guitar styles need to have the same foundations as any other musician. Namely, familiarity with standard music notation and music theory. I also believe that learning to improvise is a vital skill for anyone interested in playing rock, jazz, blues or world music. I fashion my students’ lessons around the core elements they need, but always devote part of the lesson towards specific interests the student might have, such as particular songs, concepts, practice techniques, etc. It is important to find out what the student wants to achieve with their lessons and make that one of the focuses of our lessons.”
Personal
When Josh isn’t teaching or performing, he enjoys spending his time running, windsurfing and spending his time with his family.