With over twenty years experience as a professional musician, Joe Polito has obtained a wealth of information about music that he enjoys sharing with his students. He has taught in situations ranging from preschool music classes to teaching retired folks who are starting from scratch. Under the direction of Dr. Brian Cobb, he is also on the adjunct teaching staff at Bellevue College.
He studied under Wayne Cockfield, a Musicians Institute graduate. Joe has performed in front of the legendary Flamenco guitarist, Carlos Montoya, and also played in masterclasses with jazz greats Herb Ellis, and Joe Diorio.
Joe focuses on Rock/Pop guitar styles as well as Classical and Flamenco guitar. He is also proficient in a number of other guitar styles; he is comfortable with both acoustic guitar and electric guitar styles and techniques — pick and fingerpicking — and also plays bass guitar, mandolin and ukulele. Joe tailors his lessons to each individual student to help them reach their musical goals and desires, while at the same time providing a solid musical education that goes beyond mere guitar lessons.
Music is unique in that there is both an artistic and analytical approach to it and Joe covers both the emotional/expressive side of music while teaching music theory and technique in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner — the “art and philosophy” of music as well as the “nuts and bolts” of music. He designs his lessons for the real world of music and guitar playing.
Joe received Honorable Mention in Guitar Player magazine’s 1991 Soundpage Competition –an international event — and his original rock music has been played on the radio. Over the years, Joe has had the opportunity to sit in with various players, among them Alan White of Yes/John Lennon fame and Steve Fossen of Heart.
His musical experience also includes playing solo guitar for weddings, parties and special events, playing in an acoustic duo with a vocalist, and playing with various groups.
Testimonials
I've been taking lessons from Joe for over 12 years. He has the ability to uncover and refine the musical talent in someone like myself who is "rhythm challenged". He encourages when he needs to, disciplines when required, and praises whenever he can. Even if Joe were teaching from a cardboard box, I'd still seek him out to be under his instruction. After 12 years, yes, I can now play out a song and keep it on rhythm (95% of the time, not 100% or I'd not need Joe).
Anonymous
Joe Polito has taught both my children guitar. He is not only kind, patient, and fun, he can teach to both of their learning styles, which are so completely different! It is also wonderful how he can teach them theory through music that they want to learn to play. We are very lucky that a friend referred us. Her 3 children all grew up learning guitar with Joe!
Aarti Katyal, (mom of 2 music students, ages 11 and 13)
Our son Gage, age 8, began his lessons with Joe 3 years ago and the experience has been fulfilling not only for Gage but myself as a parent as well. Joe, besides being a talented and performing musician, possesses an important quality that all teachers must have – patience. Many of the stores offering lessons on the Eastside would not consider Gage at age 5 to begin his lessons but Joe was very enthusiastic about working with Gage. 30 minute lessons went by quickly with Joe using a variety of strategies to keep Gage engaged in learning not only how to play guitar but also mixing in theory, stories, exposure to a variety of playing styles and the occasional banjo lesson
Shane Pisani
My music tutelage with Mr. Joseph Polito has spanned several years. Joe is the quintessential music instructor! His technical acumen (a plethora of guitar styles!), passionate musical interest and cogent pedagogical skill is inspirational!
David W. Decker
Joe Polito has a passion for music ad his enthusiasm rubs off on his students. He also has a great sense of humor and, lucky for me, infinite patience. I’m relatively new to the guitar and I’ve got a long way to go before I develop an “ear” for music and a reliable sense of rhythm. But, I’m certain that with Joe as my “coach” I’ll eventually reach my goals. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the ride! Joe’s had me playing some of my favorite songs, in TAB, since Day One. At present, I’m working through the sheet music of a classical masterpiece by the Spanish composer Albeniz. I think Joe’s approach is the ideal way to keep someone like me(or anybody else, for that matter) motivated while learning the proper technique and theory of the guitar. Joe is an excellent teacher. I can’t recommend him highly enough!
walt protis
I first started taking lessons from Joe about 10 years ago. I was 16 at the time and wanted to take my playing to the next level. As a beginner I felt nervous playing guitar with someone so talented. Joe was able to break through those feelings and show me that it is a fun process and just takes time and practice. Joe is patient and has a good sense of humor, both of which are important in learning situations. His attitude towards music and life is very refreshing. Over the years we have worked on rock songs, jazz songs, reggae songs, you name it. Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass guitar. Basic fundamentals to advanced theory. Joe can do it all. It still brings a smile to my face when I can ask about a song and he can write it out on the spot even if it’s his first time hearing the track.
