Joshua Peckins

“Joshua is an incredibly gifted teacher. His pursuit of excellence in pedagogy is obvious in both the resources he makes available to students in his studio (videos, recommended viewings) as well as the way he is able to craft lessons for exactly what a student most needs on a given day. He possesses that rare gift of being able to both set high expectations and be endlessly encouraging and engaged, fostering confidence and a report with students that result in growth and progress. His passion for both music and teaching are always evident and highly motivating for students working to master this most difficult instrument. We are so thankful our daughter will have spent 6 years in the Peckins Studio by the time she graduates high school — she has not only grown into an excellent musician, but a more confident person in general, through the experience.”

“My son has been Joshua’s student for almost 10 years. During that time, he has grown as a musician and as a person. Joshua is more than a teacher, he is a mentor and has an amazing ability to tune into his students to offer what is needed on an individual level. Joshua is a true educator and offers a full musical education. His lessons include not only violin study but music history and theory, as well as engaging discussions and input. My son loves his individual lessons but also tremendously enjoys monthly group meetings with other students, which are a great supplement to Joshua’s studio. Joshua is a wonderful musician in his own right and his recitals are a great retrospective for his students of great virtuosity, musicality, and performance. I am so happy to know that my son has received a unique and expert violin education and in Joshua found not only a wonderful teacher but a mentor. ”

“My son has studied with Joshua for five years, and it has been such a pleasure to watch him grow as a musician under Joshua’s guidance. Joshua is a wonderful teacher. He has high standards and expectations and also a lovely manner with his students. He is generous with his praise for the things they do well, and gentle yet firm in his guidance for what they need to improve. He has some very accomplished students in his studio, and holds regular studio classes in which all the students have the opportunity to hear each other play and give each other feedback. The studio classes have been an incredibly valuable part of the experience - learning how to listen critically and give feedback to other students, while also receiving feedback on their own playing from their more advanced peers. Joshua was a patient teacher of my son as a beginner and instilled a sound technical foundation, and he is a gifted teacher of more advanced students, based on the impressive performances I have heard in studio recitals. We could not have asked for a better teacher!”

“My daughter has been taking violin lessons with Joshua Peckins for about six years. Joshua is a very talented violinist and a gifted teacher. He manages to strike a perfect balance between meeting his students where they are and inspiring them to grow and improve their playing. Any student would be lucky to work with him!”

“Joshua Peckins was recommended to us by a friend who is a professional musician and music professor. I thought he must be a good teacher based on the positive feedback she gave us, and his impressive credentials. We were not disappointed. As soon as my daughter started lessons with him I could tell she was improving. She has made a dramatic change in her violin playing during the past nearly two years she has been taking lessons with him. Last week, my daughter played violin at her friend’s house. Her friend’s mom was so impressed with her playing, she asked my daughter who her teacher was. I can say with 100% confidence that Joshua is the best teacher she’s had. Joshua is polite, thoughtful, kind but firm in his teaching. He wants his students to do well.”

“Joshua is a talented educator who sets high standards for his students, appropriately challenges them and helps them perform at their top level. He is a clear communicator and is exceedingly positive, kind, and patient. It is a privilege to be a part of his exceptionally well-run, organized studio.”

“Joshua is a thoughtful and kind teacher, who truly seeks to see my son’s strengths and build upon them each week. Moreover, my son truly feels seen and cared for as a student. My son is motivated to practice and improve his skills because he loves the viola, and he really appreciates meeting the challenges set by Joshua Peckins. I sought private lessons for my son because I knew he loved his experience of playing the instrument. I am overjoyed that Joshua Peckins has ignited a light in my son and helped him push himself to be better each week. Joshua Peckins is patient, kind, and boosts my son’s self-esteem, while ensuring my son feels a sense of responsibility to do the work of practicing daily and enjoying the rewards over time. I wish for this type of learning experience for every child!”

“Joshua’s teaching is meticulous, kind, and thorough. He is organized in his approach to all matters regarding lessons and our son’s musical development. We are extremely honored to have him as a teacher for our son.”

“For every student there is the right teacher. But you have to be very lucky to find yours. My son has been studying with Joshua for several years now, and I know that we have been very lucky. Joshua generously shares his talent with my son, inspiring him to strive for excellence. He is very patient with his students (and their parents :)), and his teaching style is very respectful. Joshua always gives a lot of encouragement, but he also provides challenges, so that my son, one the hand, enjoys his steady progress and on the other hand, finds the delight in working on some rather difficult musical pieces.”

“As an adult violin student, I struggled to find a teacher who could inspire me and cheer me on, while also letting me set my own goals, which are different from younger students’. Joshua is exactly that kind of teacher. He is always respectful and encouraging. He helps me overcome my insecurities and enjoy the music.”

“After five years with Joshua it’s amazing to see I can actually play my classical favorites. It’s been a slow process of incremental change, but over time it’s been monumental. The key to my success has been Joshua’s teaching techniques, approach to practice, patience and compassion.”