Joe 
'Jopey'
Fitzpatrick

All About Me

Educator

I teach private lessons from my home in Belchertown Ma.
My focus is on technique, note reading, groove, and musicality.
I try to incorporate music theory concepts such as form, melody, harmony, and texture.
Drum set styles explored include rock, funk, swing, latin, reggae,  soca and world rythms in regular and irregular time signatures.

BACKGROUND:
    *Bachelors degree in Music Education with general music classroom certification
    *Over 10 years experience teaching general music in Public Schools
    *Have been playing the drums professionally for over 35 years
    *10+ years experience in recording
    *Created, edited, & posted weekly podcasts featuring local musicians
  
PHILOSOPHY:
I believe students with a solid foundation of proper technique and strong note reading skills
will continue to excel and develop as musicians long after lessons have ended.
Students are encouraged to direct the focus of lessons and take an active roll
in their education.

I hope my love of drumming and music as a whole is shared with my students
in such a way that it encourages them to also find joy in the art of drumming.

FACILITY/INSTRUMENTATION:
 My basement has been converted into my studio space which includes a comfortable waiting area for parents with a large window allowing you to see into the teaching space.  In the waiting area is also my recording equipment.  There is a large separate teaching room.

Instrumentation/equipment includes:
    *2 full drum sets
    *practice pads
    *a 4.3 octave marimba
    *various  percussion instruments
    *a digital piano
    *a recording studio

I  encourage all my students to be well rounded percussionist.

                                

Performer

I have been playing drum set professionally for over 35 years. I have played numerous styles including rock, jazz, funk, reggae, world beat amoung others.I have toured the country and abroad with various musicians and groups. I am currently involved with the following projects :

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• The Gaslight Tinkers

• Big Yellow Taxi

• Galvanizer

• The O-Tones

• Minstrels In the Gallery

• T.J and the Peepers

​

I have also recorded in many local studios including :

• Northfire Recording Studios

• Rotary Records

• Waterhouse Recording

• Ruckous Studios

• Shoestring Studios

• Jopey Studios

See my upcoming events below.