San Francisco Music Lessons Weddings & Private Events

About me

Teacher. Performer. Singer. Instrumentalist. Songwriter. artist. coach.

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Teacher. Performer. Singer. Instrumentalist. Songwriter. artist. coach. *

I picked up a guitar at 7 and found a love for singing and playing that would shape the rest of my life. By 10, I was already finding my way into music through church — leading worship on a stage before I fully understood what that meant, and it planted something in me that's still there today.

For the last 15 years, I've performed and taught professionally, traveling all over the country as a songwriter, performer, and teacher. Songwriting has always been the thread running through all of it — even when I'm teaching a lesson or playing someone's wedding, I'm paying attention to the same things that make a song work: melody, timing, and what actually moves people.

Teaching has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work. I've taught students across every age and stage — young kids picking up an instrument for the first time, adults returning to music after years away, and students working toward specific goals like auditions or performances. My approach is built around meeting each student where they are and figuring out what's going to keep them motivated, not just handing out the same lesson plan to everyone.

On the performance side, I've played at over 600 weddings and private events, which has given me a good sense of how to read a room and keep the right music going at the right moments, whether that's a quiet ceremony or a packed dance floor. Alongside all of this, I currently serve as the Worship/Creative Director at Canvas Church in San Francisco, and I coach basketball at a local high school — both of which keep me sharp on the same skills that matter in music: preparation, patience, and showing up consistently for people.

Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or need music for the biggest day of your life, I'd love to be part of that with you.

I've seen a lot over the years, and I know what it takes to serve you well — whether you're a student working toward your next goal, a bride and groom trusting me with your wedding day, or a company looking for the right tone at your event. Experience means I show up prepared, adaptable, and ready to deliver exactly what the moment calls for.

how I can help you

  • Lessons built around you — no matter your experience, goals, or background. I teach ages 5+, and lessons are about 40 minutes. I am currently available for voice lessons/coaching, guitar, piano, bass guitar, drums, and ukulele. My focus is to make lessons enjoyable, simple, and easy to understanding. I build a plan around each student individually — beginners learning their first chords, adults returning to music after years away, or advanced students preparing for auditions and performances. Lessons are available via Zoom/Google Meet & In-Person (within San Francisco).

  • Music that fits your day exactly as you envision it. I've performed at over 600 weddings, so I know how to read the room and keep every moment feeling right, from the ceremony to the last dance. Whether it's the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, I'll provide everything — ambient music, a quality PA system and microphones, and MC'ing. I'll work with you and your team to execute a beautiful day.

  • Polished, professional performances that set the right tone for your audience — company parties, galas, product launches, and everything in between. I bring quality sound equipment, a flexible setlist that adapts to your crowd, and the experience to keep the energy right throughout the event. Whether you need background music or a full performance set, I'll work with your team to make sure it fits the occasion.

  • As a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, I bring both craft and studio experience to your project. Whether you need vocals, guitar, piano, or a full arrangement recorded, I can track parts remotely or in-person and help shape a song from an idea into a finished recording — with the same attention to detail I'd give my own work.

  • "We've hired a lot of performers for company events, and Joshua was the first one our team actually asked to bring back next year."

    — Compass Realty of San Francisco

  • "Joshua played our ceremony and reception, and more than one guest asked who our 'band' was — it was just him and his guitar."

    — TJ & Cassidy Hicks, Bride & Groom

  • "My daughter used to dread practicing, but after a month with Joshua, she asks to sit down at the piano on her own — that's all I could've hoped for."

    — Matthew Baltes, Parent of Student

pricing

private lessons

$90/Lesson

Weddings

Starting at $600

public/corporate events

Starting at $400

Recording projects

Starting at $200

Have a question, want to book a lesson, or need music for your wedding, event, or recording project? I'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below with a bit about what you're looking for, and I'll get back to you within a day or two.

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