About Joe Holt

Joe Holt is pleased to join the team at Music and Arts in Lewes. Joe has been a full time pianist for 45+ years, in many applications. A sampling of Joe’s experiences will range from shopping malls (Cherry Hill (NJ) Mall Food Court pianist from 1984-1995) to Atlantic City casinos (full time soloist at the Showboat, mid-1990s) to churches (ministry staff) to cruise ships (walk on entertainer for American Cruise Lines, from 2009-2019) to theaters (musical director) to jazz festivals (regionally and nationally) to concert stages (since 2016, Joe has hosted an ongoing series at The Mainstay, in, Rock Hall, MD, where he has curated and performed well over 200 collaborative concerts, with a wide variety of invited guest artists). In addition to his solo and rhythm section work, Joe is widely regarded and a sensitive accompanist and collaborator.
Joe holds a music degree from Rowan University. He has studied, most notably, with Yoheved Kaplinsky (classical) and Don Glanden (jazz). He is also Board Certified in Music Therapy (MT-BC), which offers additional perspective on making and communicating with music. All along the way, Joe has remained dedicated to encouraging and supporting students to experience the same joy and connection that continues to motivate him to look forward to each new day and with it, each new musical experience.

A word from Joe:
"What motivates me as a teacher is the special joy I take in being part of a student's musical discovery and ownership of their musical path. I can help you set and achieve your goals, find your space, and experience the joy and fulfillment of connecting with music - and beyond."

Testimonials:
"I am a later-in-life student and although I can play a little and can hear well, I am a beginner. Joe innately understands where I want to go with my playing and how to get me there. He is a wonderful teacher. He is patient, kind, and encouraging. Joe is an amazing pianist with a profound musical knowledge. He has been able in a few months to explore piano concepts and theory with me so that I am beginning to find my voice on this instrument I love so much. I am very grateful to Joe for guiding me on this journey." - Jan B.

"Joe is a fine teacher, whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been playing all your life. I’m in the latter group, and Joe has helped me improve my technique as well as open up new approaches to playing." - Steve P.

"Joe is such a great teacher. He has taken me from exactly where I am to the next steps. Patient and kind, he can identify the essence of what's next for you on piano. Great for singers who want to learn to accompany themselves and deepen their musical knowledge" - Libby Y.

"You helped me tremendously to be good enough to back myself. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be able to perform in the clubs." - Sue T.

"Joe is a real pleasure to work with and study from. He helped me realize my value as a musician; and helped shaped the way I interpret jazz, music as a whole, and music’s impact on life. He also is an all around great guy. 10/10 for a teacher, 10/10 for personality, 10/10 for going above and beyond." - Michael D.

"Joe is patient and considerate, and I’m grateful  for his expertise in all areas of music. May he continue to enrich others with his great musical skills."  - Lesley O.

"Joe is an incredibly perceptive musician and an incredible teacher." - Ken S.