Teaching Topics and Philosophy

Topics: Beginning through advanced jazz piano and composition. Areas of study include jazz harmony, voice-leading, improvisation, arranging, ear training and aural transcription. Classical piano up to an intermediate-advanced level. Topics include keyboard technique, sight reading, score study/interpretation. Additional topics can include vocal accompaniment, afro-cuban/salsa piano, rock/pop piano and keyboard.

Philosophy: Allowing a student’s interests and passions to be the driver of their studies is the fastest way towards real improvement. While I believe that technical ability and theoretical knowledge are essential to achieving one’s musical aspirations, these topics should be approached as tools of self-expression and not in any way separate from the act of music making. Even when practicing, music is about joy and self-expression. My responsibility as a teacher is to be receptive, patient, encouraging and passionate about my students’ musical interests; so that they can develop an organic sense of engagement, be fulfilled by the process, and ultimately see success in their studies.

BIOGRAPHY:

Joshua Bieber a Jazz Pianist, Composer and Educator based in Inwood, NYC. Having graduated ‘The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music’ in 2019, Joshua has since garnered extensive experience working and performing in the New York music scene.  Joshua has performed at prestigious festivals such as the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, Jazz In The Valley (Hudson Jazz Festival), Harlem Nights Jazz (Uptown Night Market) and venues such as the Cotton Club or Rockwood Music Hall. As a bandleader, Joshua has performed extensively, notably leading trios and quartets at his weekly residency at NYC Jazz Club, “Melody’s Piano Bar” since 2022. In part under the tutelage of esteemed musicians such as Sam Yahel, Dave Kikoski, Kirk Nurok and Reggie Workman, Joshua has developed a unique musical personality that can be characterized by a loving embodiment of the jazz tradition with an introspective flare for classical and contemporary composition. Joshua’s influences are wide ranging and stretch from jazz masters such as Sonny Rollins and Barry Harris to composers such as Gustav Mahler and Shostakovich, even to songwriters such as the Beatles and Paul Simon. With his distinctive voice, technical prowess, as well as an eclectic collection of influences, Joshua Bieber is an emerging force making a dynamic contribution to the NYC jazz landscape. Joshua’s debut album as a bandleader, produced by renowned composer, Patrick Zimmerli, will be released later this year.