The Virtual String Studio
Joel T. Perkins
"A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image.”
- Anonymous
Personalized, easy, effective, and convenient strings instruction online and in-studio.
Welcome!
"Joel's teaching style is a perfect match for both of my sons. He is a gifted professional and teacher who is knowledgeable and patient."
- L. M. (Morrisonville, NY)
The Virtual String Studio was born out of innovation, inspiration, and passion. where the motto was "no problems, only solutions." Having grown up in a small location where there was limited access to quality resources to further my musical ambitions, I certainly understand how hard it can be to find a patient teacher who can make learning to play an instrument fun. When you finally find one, you want to keep him or her.
For many years, my dedicated parents would drive me long distances to my lessons and did so faithfully. Those formative experiences helped shape me into the teacher I am now. In 2017, I moved from New York to Georgia for a teaching position at a fine arts high school. I had a great, thriving private studio of students whom I loved and once I left, they would face having very few options for taking lessons in the area. Innovation and problem solving ensued and before I knew it, The Virtual String Studio was born! Using twenty-first century technology, I developed a platform and system in which I could not only teach my students from a distance, but do it effectively, achieving our goals together.
I've had so much success teaching virtually that I decided to market the studio in additional regions. While I do have a "day-job" at school (I don't really consider it a job though, I consider it my passion and it's who I am!), I thoroughly enjoy private teaching. It challenges me in different ways and strengthens my overall teaching skill set.
One thing that decades of professional playing and music teaching experience has taught me is that I am still a student. This is part of what I love about the world of music. As Robert Heinlein said, "When one teaches, two learn." His words could never be more true. Music is a journey. It's rarely ever about "the end", rather what we do along the way to form and shape ourselves while our desires lead the way. In this sense, process over product becomes an important focus.
I'd like to welcome you to my studio and invite you to explore how I can help you reach your musical goals and desires. As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have or help you get pointed in the right direction.
About Joel
Learn more about his background, experience, and qualifications.
Biography
A native of New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Joel Perkins is a passionate music educator and life-long learner who cares deeply about sharing the world of music with others. He currently serves as lead orchestra teacher for Clayton County Public schools and is the director of orchestras at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts in Jonesboro, GA since 2017, helping students prepare for pathways in music-related fields.
He received his music education degree in orchestral teaching from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, NY and a Master of Music in Music Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. As a fifth-generation violinist and fiddler, he has recorded five albums to his name, including a family anthology of eighty-six tunes spanning five generations of Perkins Family music. Joel has had the opportunity to tour nationally with the band Jacks and Heroes and perform at the Great American Irish Festival in Utica, NY, with his former band, Inisheer. One of his most memorable moments was performing for President George W. Bush and U.S Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas while in office.
In 2021, he was the recipient of the Magnet Schools of America CCPS Teacher of the Year Award which is an accomplishment that he is honored and proud to have earned. Joel's current pursuits outside of the classroom include his new band, .jpeg with bandmate and colleague Eric Gregory, composing original Celtic/Electronic musical and visual works that focus on music as a language.
Musical Education Background
B.M: Music Education (K-12): Orchestra at State University of New York at Potsdam, Crane School of Music, Cum Laude
M.M: Music Education. University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Cum Laude
Genres and Subjects Taught
Currently teaching high school orchestra, music theory and composition, American folk music studies, and music appreciation.
Areas of concentration:
classical violin
viola
cello
double bass
As a 5th generation fiddler, I specialize in bluegrass, celtic, and traditional styles of fiddling
Extensive background in sound engineering studies, technology in music, music theory, and aural skills.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
I have both extensive private and classroom experience with elementary, middle, and high school students as well over 14 years of experience working with adults and those who have taken the plunge to make music a part of their retirement. All ages are welcome.
Certifications, Professional Development and Awards
State of Georgia Educator Certificate (Georgia Professional Standards Commision)
State of NY Educator Certificate (previous)
Engaging Minds (Math & the Arts Integration)
ArtsNow Foundational
Crayola Creative Leadership
Professional Memberships
Active Member NAfME (National Association for Music Education)
Active Member GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association)
Active Member ASTA (American String Teachers Association)
Bands
Inisheer (2001 - 2011) Celtic, traditional
Jacks and Heroes (2013 - 2015) "Juiced up" folk rock.
.jpeg (2016 - present) Celt-tronica
Philosophy
"A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image.” - Anonymous.
Music learning consists of two domains.
Think of it like a Venn diagram or two circles overlapping each other. They constantly flow over one another creating a shared space . Circle 1 is knowing about music (how it works and knowing what to do). Circle 2 is "doing" (physical action and technique). The space created in the middle is who you are as a musician.
A well-rounded music education includes being able to hear music (listening), respond to music (make adjustments), see music (notation), and write write (music theory). It's very much similar to being able to read or write. Not all students will have the need to be fluent music readers for instance. Some students may find the need to strengthen their reading skills. It all depends on you and your goals.
Don't get overwhelmed.
You don't have to do it all at once, nor do you have to be an expert in all components to enjoy music. There are many of us who invest in a few of these areas and are fulfilled, successful, fun-loving, and enjoy music in their lives. Each of us ultimately decides our future. One of my violin professors said, "practice makes perfect, right? No. What you practice is what you get." Those words of wisdom have stuck with me and I have found immense value in them.
Every student is unique.
I'm here to help you achieve your goals, obtain the success you expect, and provide the support and resources you deserve. As a guiding principle, The Virtual String Studio is focused on student growth and therefore all studio policies reflect this goal rather than illogical policies designed to "ding" students and families. Balancing the needs of both student and teacher in fairness creates a healthy relationship that is destined for success.
Providing Support Along the Way
In addition to carefully guided instruction during each stage of learning either online or in-person, you'll receive customized resources.
The Virtual String Studio Student and Parent Portal
www.thevirtualstringstudio.com/current-students
As a member of the studio, you will have access to lesson and event scheduling, automated text/sms and e-mail reminders, cancellations, lesson notes, invoices, payment options, and more available 24/7 directly through the student/parent portal. The powerful features of the portal helps taking lessons a breeze and you can focus on what's important - learning.
The Virtual String Studio portal is available on any device through a web browser.
Zoom Meetings
Lessons are delivered online through Zoom and feature HD video, high quality audio, screen sharing, a full suite of collaboration features, and the option to record your lesson for reference in case you need a refresher if you're stumped during practice!
Zoom Meetings require an internet connection (broadband or faster) or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers and a microphone, a webcam (standard or HD) and can be used on Windows, Mac, iOS , and Android devices.
SmartMusic
SmartMusic is a web-based music education platform that connects teachers and students.
Teachers have access to an unrivaled library of music from which to create individualized assignments for every student. Students receive immediate feedback as they practice each assignment. Their best performances can be sent back to the teacher for supportive feedback and guidance. Students also have the ability to explore the SmartMusic library and discover new music.
SmartMusic can be used on Windows, Mac, and iOS (iPad) devices.
Sight Reading Factory
SightReadingFactory.com makes practicing the important skill of sight reading music easy, effective and fun! This cloud-based service allows you to customize and generate unlimited sight reading examples instantly, on-demand for music educators, students and hobbyists of all ages and abilities.
Sight Reading Factory can be used on virtually any device through the web browser or with our free native app for iOS devices.
Music Theory (Lessons, Exercises and Tools)
This site features introductory and intermediate music theory lessons, exercises, ear trainers, and calculators. This site is the perfect companion to help explain the ins and outs of how to read music in a simple, clear, and concise way. Teachers have the flexibility of creating custom exercises for students and scaffolding learning.
musictheory.net can be used on any device through a web browser or with the native apps for iOS devices.
TheSession.Org
The Session is a community website dedicated to Irish traditional music. You can find tunes to play, find sessions to play them in, and join in discussions about the music. You can also find events (like concerts and festivals), or explore the track listings of recordings. This is a fantastic resource for those interested in fiddling or playing traditional music.
TheSession.Org can be accessed on any device through a web browser.
Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts
Learn more about the orchestra program of the Stilwell School of the Arts magnet school.
Perkins Family Music
Explore the role of music in 5 generations of the Perkins family.
What students and parents are saying...
"I took his music theory class and loved his teaching style. He is really knowledgeable and professional. Best teacher ever!"
Ann (Plattsburgh, NY)
"My son attends Seton Catholic and has had Joel as his music teacher for the past 2 years. My younger daughter takes private cello lessons from Joel. He's great!! He is very talented and enthusiastic about teaching music. My daughter is about to perform her first NYSSMA solo, and I definitely feel she has been well prepared."
Heidi (Morrisonville, NY)
"I was Joel's sponsor teacher when he student taught and then his colleague when the district hired him. He brought much to the table and the kids loved him! He has an enthusiasm for music that is clearly evident to his students and he is always bringing his innovative ideas to his teaching...He adjusts and adapts to a myriad of abilities and learning styles and leaves no child behind!!! He is a wonderful teacher with a kind heart! Do NOT miss a chance to work with him!"
Sue (Pound Ridge, NY)
Joel is awesome! Violin teacher par excellence! I consider having crossed paths with him a blessing. His enthusiasm and patience keeps me going. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to realize a longtime dream of playing violin. I know I'm learning from the best!
Phil (Plattsburgh, NY)