Joshua Watts
Learn to enjoy playing, studying, and self-improving through supportive, personalized lessons.




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Joshua Watts
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Joshua - Your piano teacher
I'm an enthusiastic piano tutor who's been teaching on-and-off for over a decade. I have a bachelor's degree in music composition which supports my emphasis on music theory, as I enjoy helping my students understand the "why" behind each aspect of piano playing. My goal in all of my teaching ventures is to develop students into self-teaching artists who can continue to grow and create without me. I aim to give students a constant sense of progress, as well as set a target that fits what they want to accomplish with the piano. I particularly enjoy neo-romantic improvisation, and with my passion for theatre, I'm prepared to guide students through the unique challenges of performance. One of my favorite processes is taking a piece that a student wants to learn and breaking it down into manageable pieces, allowing anyone to play anything if they're willing to put in the time! As someone who took piano lessons from middle-school all the way through college, I have an appreciation for both the effectiveness of practicing, and the potential burnout if things get overwhelming or stale. That's why I like to keep lessons interesting, personable, and fun, with an emphasis on creativity and enjoying the process. Whether you've never touched a piano in your life, or you fancy yourself a late-intermediate player, I would love to teach any student from 6 to 96!
Joshua graduated from Bob Jones University

Your piano teacher skills
Chord Theory
Ear training
Performance Skills
Music theory
Improvisation
AI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
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Spotlight
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15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for adults
Piano for intermediate
Piano for kids
Piano for beginners
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Acoustic Piano

Piano concepts taught by Joshua
The Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, reviewing the piece "Shining Stars" and introducing "Roman Trumpets." They focused on fundamental music theory concepts such as dynamics and intervals, alongside practical techniques like proper hand shape, finger independence, and precise pedal release. The Student was assigned to practice the new piece with these concepts and to review the theory sections in their textbook.
Understanding Piano Dynamics
Mastering Damper Pedal Techniques
Musical Intervals: Naming & Recognition
Interpreting Essential Notation Symbols
Optimizing Hand Position and Finger Control
The Student and Tutor reviewed several piano pieces, including "Skip to My Lou," "Schools of Fish," and "Green Frog Hop," focusing on techniques such as staccato, dynamics, and timing. They also practiced transposing "Sandpiper" to different keys and began an ear training exercise for "How to Train Your Dragon," introducing the concept of scale degrees. Homework involves exploring new songs in the music book, and the Student discussed their interest in learning alto saxophone for their school band.
Musical Expression: Staccato & Dynamics
Directional Motion in Piano
Transposition & Key Signatures
Ear Training & Scale Degrees
Wind Band Instrument Roles & Characteristics
The Student and Tutor engaged in a piano lesson covering technique, specific musical pieces, and foundational music theory. They practiced transposing melodies to different keys and were introduced to the Circle of Fifths and major scale construction rules. Homework was assigned to learn a new piano piece and practice the F major scale, with emphasis on consistent, short practice sessions.
Instrument Specifics: Mallets & Practice Pads
Advanced Music Notation & Expressive Elements
Major Scale Construction: Whole Steps & Half Steps
The Circle of Fifths: Key Signatures & Transposition
F Major Scale Fingering & Effective Practice
The session focused on fundamental piano technique, rhythm, and introductory music theory. Student practiced pieces, addressing timing and note durations with metronome work, and explored concepts of slurs, ties, intervals, and chord identification. They also discussed plans to continue practicing timing and delve deeper into minor scale concepts in the next session.
Ties vs. Slurs
Metronome Practice & Internalizing Rhythm
Major and Minor Scale Patterns (Whole/Half Steps)
Intervals and Chord Construction
Legato & Phrase Markings (Slurs)
Major and Minor Thirds
The Tutor and Student focused on piano technique, rhythm, and music theory. They reviewed previously practiced pieces, introduced new concepts for timing using beat subdivision, and sight-read a new piece. The session also covered note duration equivalents and musical notation, with homework assigned for practical application and theory exercises.
Transposition & Octave Notation
Eighth Note Notation: Flags vs. Beams
Musical Motion & Intervals
Performance Dynamics & Hand Movement
Rhythmic Subdivision & Counting
Note Value Equivalency
The Student and Tutor addressed challenges with two-hand coordination and reading notes far below the staff. They reviewed music theory concepts including parallel and contrary motion, note durations, and the distinction between intervals and chords. The Tutor assigned a creative homework exercise involving practicing primary chords and using them to accompany simple melodies.
Intervals and Basic Chord Shapes (Triads)
Key Signatures and Relative Minor Keys
Two-Hand Independence & Deliberate Practice
Mastering Note Durations & Internal Metronome
Musical Motion: Parallel & Contrary
Functional Harmony: The 1
4
and 5 Chords
Approach & tools used in piano classes
DAWs
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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