Joe DiResta
About
I can't remember a time when music wasn't part of my life. I remember being in first grade, rocking out to The Rolling Stones while doing my math homework. In middle school, my mom decided I needed to channel my energy into something more creative than playing Super Mario Bros. She bought my first guitar from a gentleman selling gardening tools at the Alpine Village Swap Meet. I was soon taking guitar lessons, and the rest is history!
At age 15, I began playing professionally and joined a church band. There, I met wonderful mentors and fantastic musicians who helped shape my musical journey. Music became part of my daily life, and I started immersing myself in music from many different eras and genres. That's when I fell in love with the music of the '60s and '70s.
As I became more serious about music, my studies became increasingly important. I studied at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, where I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Studio Guitar Performance. I was also inducted into the National Honor Society and was named the Studio Guitar Department's Graduate of the Year in 2000.
Today, I spend much of my time working in music education, teaching at several schools in my local area. I've taught everyone from kindergarten students to university-level classes. I also teach private guitar, bass, and ukulele lessons. In addition, I work as a freelance guitarist, collaborating with several local film and theater composers.
Teaching Style
I'm more of a nurturing teacher than a drill instructor. I do my best to make every lesson both meaningful and enjoyable for each student. I customize my lessons to meet each student's individual needs, goals, and learning style.
One of my highest priorities is building a genuine relationship with each student as we progress together on our musical journey. I believe students learn best when they feel encouraged, supported, and inspired.
One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when former students stay in touch. In fact, there are students who took lessons with me more than 20 years ago whom I still keep in contact with today.
Curriculum
I do my best to incorporate the material my students want to learn along with the techniques and concepts I believe will help them grow as musicians. All of this takes place in a friendly, encouraging environment.
Most of the teaching materials I use have been developed over my 25+ years of teaching. I'm not one to require students to buy a stack of books. Instead, I provide most of the materials they'll need. If a student is interested in learning to read music, I will recommend a few books and resources that will support their progress.
Credentials & Affiliations
USC Thorton School of Music Graduate 2000
National Honors Societs 2000
Former Marymount University Music Instructor
Elelmentary-High School Music Instructor
Joe DiResta began working as a professional musician at the age of 16. He earned a Music degree in Music Performance at the University of Southern California in 2000. Joe has performed around the Los Angeles area in styles ranging from jazz to rock to classical. He has worked with the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on theatre projects that have toured both nationally and internationally. Joe has also worked with many composers in the Los Angeles area and has recorded tracks for both independent movie projects as well as musical theatre projects. Presently, he is working on incidental music for film and commercials. Working in music education and has taught courses at Marymount California University in Palos Verdes, South Torrance High School, St. Lawrence Martyr, Miraleste Middle School.