Joshua M. language, English language, Spanish music, Piano music, Guitar Grand Rapids, MI

Music and languages are my biggest passions. I first became interested in foreign language in the 8th grade when I took a Spanish rotation class. After 4 years in high school I continued my linguistic studies at Grand Rapids Community College. After obtaining an Associate's Degree, I moved on to Grand Valley State University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Spanish-based cultural and linguistic studies. To fully engage myself in the culture and langauge, I studied abroad in Chile for a semester during my time at GVSU. After completing my studies abroad, I stayed on in Chile to teach English full-time at the Wall Street Institute. In 2005, I travelled to Prague in order to receive my TEFL certification. I graduated the intensive, month-long course with a "Pass +" and taught lessons during this time as well. I recently returned from South Korea where I had been teaching English to all ages of children for the past 2 years. I truly enjoy languages and the process of learning (and teaching) them! I'm a well-rounded teacher experienced in working within many different dynamics and with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. I look forward to enabling YOU to start or continue striving for your language goals!!

Music has always been in me. My mother was a major soloist at our church growing up, and both my parents were involved with the choir. I began my own musical endeavors in 5th grade with the trumpet. A year later I began playing the piano and took lessons for 7 years. At 15 years old, I started on the guitar and took lessons until I started figuring things out for myself. I continue to play the piano and guitar, have been in several bands and have taught lessons to friends and family alike. My teaching approach is that of simplicity. Especially for beginners, they want to enjoy the time and feel like they're involved and engaged in the lesson with NO PRESSURE. Those first few lessons are crucial in making a solid "musical impression". I have more than 15 years experience on the piano and 13 years on the guitar. I've been told I'm a fun teacher, I explain things simply and I'm patient. If you want to learn to play music without feeling like you're in a classroom, please contact me!!

Grand Rapids Community College 2001, Dean's List--Liberal Studies. Grand Valley State University 2004, Dean's List; Magna Cum Laude--Spanish-based cultural and linguistic studies. Next Level Institute 2005, TEFL certification.

First and foremost, my classes are meant to be enjoyable and engaging, so the student wants to come back and is hopefully as excited about the music as I am. I teach Beginner to Lower-Intermediate students. At these levels I teach theory, rhythm, strength building, sight-reading and scales. Ultimately, I want the students to learn songs that THEY enjoy listening to and playing, helping to instill the skills and confidence to challenge themselves more and even create their own musical ideas.

In conclusion, I believe that a good teacher doesn't teach in the traditional sense, but rather ENABLES the students to teach themselves. If you're passionate about music, enjoy a laid-back, fun and encouraging atmosphere, then let's start learning!!

language: conversation, reading, writing, speaking
music: beginners to lower-intermediates

Comstock Park HS - General - 1994-1998
Grand Rapids Community College - Liberal Studies - 1998-2001
Grand Valley State University - Liberal Studies: Spanish-based linguistics - 2001-2004

language, English
language, Spanish
music, Piano
music, Guitar