Meet The Music Teacher #5: Josh

Homme boy

leverly bringing together music teachers of all chords and creeds, Darryn and Elaine Scott have high hopes for their Harmonics Music School.

Especially given that everyone involved loves what they do.

Just how much, we decided to find out by asking each of the teachers involved just where their passion for music came from.

And how it got them from getting down in front of their bedroom mirror to teaching classes on Theatre Lane.

Third up to the podium, it’s Josh Meakin, who teaches the endless wonders of the guitar…

3 of the Meakin elders

When did the music bug first bite?
Sometimes it feels as though there was never any other possibility than to be bitten by this particular bug. Many of my earliest memories revolve around music; going to gigs and festivals, ploughing through record shops or playing around as children in the Meakin family’s home studio (often creating little but chaotic noise from all the instruments). I don’t know if it’s normal but my fascination for music was something that I always remember being there, with it nurtured by the musical environment I grew up in. I wasn’t exactly dreaming of being a rockstar, I was just happiest when I was around music and I knew I would always keep it that way.

Was there a point where it went from a hobby to passion to something you wanted to do for a living?
Music has been a significant passion for me even before I had any idea what to do with it. Despite my musical upbringing I always shied away from learning an instrument, my attitude was often along the lines of “that’s the kind of thing those talented people do”. I eventually convinced myself to pick up the guitar at about 15 and fell in love. My passion for music very suddenly had a focus and I dove straight in. A standout moment was in transition year when I built my first electric guitar with my dad and played my first gig with it. By this time I was realising my ambition with music and it was a no-brainer to follow through and make my life about it.

Studying his LC Music Revision

The fine art of teaching has as a degree of the Yoda about it, given that it involves the passing on of magic, when did you decide to become a Jadoo master?
It wasn’t always my intention to become a music tutor, but in hindsight I can see how it was a natural progression for me. I always enjoyed working with and helping people, and I could probably talk about music for days. I previously worked at a language school where I regularly used music as a discussion topic and even while studying music at 3rd level, I would occasionally be found in the common rooms between lectures offering help to other students on whatever they might be studying at the time. Later on I would study pedagogy and the art of teaching; it resonated with me and became a key area of my studies in my final year. Following graduation a few people would approach me from time to time looking for a casual lesson, and with each one I enjoyed it more and more. I took influence from Robbie Overson from Scullion, who I took lessons with for a time and before long I decided to lean into teaching more.

Pic: Ruthless Imagery

What can students expect in your class, what is your approach.
My teaching philosophy is centred on the importance of the individual and their needs. Everyone is unique in where their musical journey starts and unique in where they may want to go. My belief is that as a tutor, my job is to understand my students and how best to help them on their way.
Students can expect an engaging and personal experience with lessons customised to suit each student’s musical taste and playing level. While a student’s technical development on the instrument is usually a key goal of the lessons, focus is not taken away from the enjoyment factor and students’ personal growth.

You can find out more about the Harmonics Music School on their website here, or contact them directly on [email protected].