Joe Belmont is not only a popular and respected performer but a master teacher. For nearly twenty years, he has taught jazz guitar as performance faculty at Amherst College in Amherst Massachusetts. Joe is also currently Director of Jazz Studies at the Northampton Community Music Center in Northampton MA.
Joe's eclectic background and his experience teaching talented guitarists of all ages enables him not only to guide his students towards a mastery of technique, but to find the style most appropriate to them. Joe not only knows how to play but how to listen.If you are interested in lessons call Joe at 413.586.1422, or e-mail .
Here's what a few of Joe's students have said about him. Where applicable, feel free to follow the provided links to see their work or to contact them yourself.
Ryan Dugre
Professional Guitarist
Boston, MA
http://www.myspace.com/fulltangband
http://www.myspace.com/thesuperpowers
“Joe Belmont is a great teacher. There aren't many guitar styles that he hasn't mastered. My experience with him was inspiring and encouraging. He would get just as excited as me about something I wanted to learn, and would take the time to explain the various techniques that go into it. He played a large role in preparing me for life as a professional musician.”
Marc Fromme
“I'd highly recommend Joe Belmont to anyone interested in seriously studying jazz guitar. Joe is the complete package, a real teacher -- supportive, thoughtful, and into it. I learned a lot about jazz and musicianship from Joe, but most importantly he taught me how to really practice and study jazz on my own. Joe is also a lot of fun to hang out with and is one of the truly nice people in this world.”Emma Markham
“I am 18 years old and have been studying guitar with Joe for about 4 years. I originally came to Joe because I wanted to learn the blues, however I quickly realized that what was really right for me was the study of Classical guitar and later a new found love for Flamenco. I have learned everything from music theory, to Bach Sonatas, to Flamenco technique from Joe. It was amazing to me how seamlessly I was able to transition between these seemingly opposite genres with one teacher. The passion, knowledge, and experience that he brings to each and every aspect of the music has helped me to appreciate the art and grow as a musician and as a creative individual. I am now going on to major in Classical guitar with a firm, well rounded musical knowledge to support me which is greatly due to my time studying with Joe.”Matthew Szlachetka
Singer-Songwriter/ Guitarist/ Producer
Los Angeles, CA
Band: The Northstar Session
www.myspace.com/thenorthstarsession.com
www.youtube.com/mattynorthstar
"I started taking lessons with Joe when I was about 13. I pretty much had a lesson with him every week for my 4 years in high school and would take lessons with him whenever I was home on break from college. So collectively I took lessons with him for about 8 years. The lessons I had with Joe are some of the fondest musical memories I have. Throughout all the lessons we covered genres of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Folk, Country and Finger Picking styles. These days I make my living as a full-time musician in Los Angeles and I can definitely say that Joe's teaching helped give me the proper tools I need for my profession. I fully recommend taking lessons with Joe, he's a wonderful guitarist and teacher but more importantly, he's a wonderful person and friend."Written by Janna Ugone, mother of my guitar student, 11 year old Trace
"This week when I walked in during my son's guitar lesson with Joe, they were discussing Spanish rhythm. This used to surprise me, now I'm used to the range. Joe played guitar and showed him by example this type of strumming, while my son was asked to tap his own guitar with a base rhythm. Then Joe and he swapped roles and Joe said, "give it a try". The first time he did this, I watched with anticipation to see if my then 10 year old was up to the task. He did it, chord for chord. This back and forth is a blast for my son. Joe has not only broadened his appreciation for music, but has instilled a confidence in him as they play this game. As Joe weaves in many points of view with melody, music theory and rhythm, I get to watch my son blossom with inspiration. He has learned a bit of jazz, blues, classic rock and now classical Spanish in this manner. They listen deeply and discuss music or Joe hands him a disc to take home at times. Sometimes I arrive and they are just laughing together and playing - it's natural, it varies, and that's the magic of it".
