Private Lessons and Clinics

Joel Harrison has taught guitar privately since the age of 16. He welcomes all styles but specializes in Jazz and Singer/Songwriter styles. Any students who are at least at the novice level and over the age of ten are welcome. Lessons are available via the internet and phone as well.

Joel has done clinics at High Schools and Colleges in the U.S. and Europe including University of North Carolina, University of New Mexico, and University of Vermont. Subjects include composition, guitar practice, working with multiple traditions (i.e. jazz/classical) and creative musicianship. He has a relaxed, conversational style that puts students at ease, but at the same time he challenges them to the core. He can make the toughest issues simple, and because of his varied background can relate to a wide cross-section of students.

“Just a brief note to thank you for making the time available in your touring schedule to address the students in my jazz improvisation class. The clinic you presented was exactly the type of workshop material not likely to be address in a typical classroom lecture. I particularly admired how your philosophy encompassed the roots of personal expression – i.e. a strong musical vocabulary forged by hard work in the practice room, the compositional impulse to embrace broad musical styles (pop, funk, folk, world etc), and a penchant for collective improvisation forged on the gig where new music emerges and collaborative bonds solidify between artists. Your ability to merge optimism with realism was enlightening and so very helpful. You painted a realistic picture of both the sacrifice one must make for the music as well as the joy of discovery found in following ones creative pathways.”
- Jim Ketch, Director of Jazz Studies
at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Contact Joel for more information on Lessons & Clinics