After finishing my music bachelors in PA I moved to Iowa to do some supplementary study in jazz and popular music at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. The program is well-renowned for its training and professional music, and while there, I was privileged to take percussion lessons from Joel Gettys.
They were nothing short of incredible. Joel created a very comfortable atmosphere in which I felt no nervousness or anxiety. He was always prepared with inspiring musical examples relevant to what we were studying. He tailored to lessons to fit exactly what I wanted to learn while mixing in the necessary fundamentals key to a developing drummer's success. And it was all fun, too.
Beyond drumming, even after my four years of an intensive education as a vocal performance major, my lessons with Joel were filled with many useful lessons in musicianship, lessons that transcend any one individual instrument and speak to the creative mind. I think differently as a musician because of the time I spent with him each week.
As someone who has now been teaching music at the college level for six years, and who is currently serving as a teaching fellow at one of the largest jazz studies programs in the country, I can say with good authority that Joel's educational methods are incredibly sound, and that he is a highly effective teacher.
Lastly, and most importantly, Joel is an incredible human being. Gosh, I can't stress how important that is, and it is my experience that most professional musicians don't even look at talent anywhere near as much as how enjoyable it is to be around a person when considering who to work with. Thankfully, Joel is both talented AND great to be around.
I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone study with Joel, regardless of their skill level. You won't regret it.
If anyone has any other questions, feel free to contact me for a more in-depth referral.
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