Meet Josh Benson-Merron
Josh has been a musician his whole life. He was singing around the house since he was able to talk, and started piano lessons at the age of 8. After a childhood of piano lessons, performing in musical theatre and singing in teen a cappella group ‘Til Dawn, Josh took a pause on music during college and worked in New York City in the digital marketing industry for 4 years. After years in marketing, his heart yearned to get back into music and pursue it more seriously. He studied piano at Juilliard’s Evening Division, and then spent the next few years studying intensively with concert pianists in the Bay Area, eventually going back to school to earn a degree in Music. While earning his degree, he performed for churches, musical theatre productions and private events in the Bay Area while simultaneously building his teaching practice. He now enjoys a robust clientele of private piano students ranging in age from 5 to adult. His biggest passion is giving the gift of music to his students and helping them cultivate their own musical abilities.
Josh uses the Music Moves for Piano method, developed by Marilyn Lowe in cooperation with Edwin E. Gordon. It is based on Gordon’s decades of research on how we learn when we learn music. Students that are taught with this method show impressive results with their deep understanding of music. His students love how engaging lessons are with improvisation, singing, and movement activities being a core component of developing musicianship.
Josh truly believes that anyone is capable of making music, and that the music making journey provides joy and fulfillment that will last for a lifetime.
What People Are Saying
“
Josh is AWESOME! My 8yo daughter is learning piano for the first time and he has made it not only really productive but also a lot of fun! During the hour he uses different learning methods to keep the lesson fun and interactive.
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—Casey B.
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What I love about Josh's teaching style is that it is so strengths-based. He assesses my needs quickly and accurately, and no amount of my own negative self-talk about being an adult learner affects his view of me as his student.
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— Aza T.
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Josh teaches both my daughters piano (ages 8 & 11) and I can't recommend him highly enough. He is incredibly patient and kind with them. He explains things in a clear and concise way. He cheers them on and is always encouraging.
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— Jennifer G.
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Josh is simply the best. We are so lucky to have found him for our oldest son who started when he was 6. We also can't wait to introduce music to our younger children through him. I am a classical violinist and learned music in a traditional style with little to no emphasis on improvisation and creativity. Josh's method of teaching is both new and effective.
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— Patty G.
Music comes from within — and I’m here to help you discover it.
Chat with me
If you are interested in taking lessons, or just want to hear more about it, please give me a call.