Piano, Viola, Violin, Guitar, Voice
Joshua Gittelman is a seasoned music teacher and performer in Philadelphia, where he has taught since 2016. Josh specializes in viola and piano, but he also loves teaching violin, cello, bass, guitar, and more! His favorite genres to teach and perform include classical, jazz, and video game music. He is dedicated to giving each student a memorable, individualized experience that they can build upon and take with them forever. You can occasionally find him composing, arranging, and conducting.
In his teenage years, Josh was heavily involved with various orchestras, choirs, and theatre companies. He also performed in his high school's marching band and orchestra pit. Josh studied under violist Ana Tsinadze at the Boyer College of Music and Dance, receiving his B.M. from Temple University in 2020. While there, he was President of the OWLchestra Community String Orchestra, and he premiered his first Viola Sonata, "The Spire." He then worked as a full-time music director in the Philadelphia School District; he is now working as a substitute music teacher in the district as well. Josh took an apprenticeship under the luthier David Michie in 2018 and remains enthusiastic about repairing string instruments. Josh loves playing in orchestras, string quartets, and house shows. He also enjoys performing as a solo artist.
Outside of teaching music, Josh is an avid gamer. His enthusiasm for music was fostered by game composers such as Koji Kondo, along with other original soundtracks. Josh plays Super Smash Bros. Melee competitively and enjoys speedrunning Celeste. He holds a North American record in the 1999 arcade game Crazy Taxi. He also enjoys chess, cinema, cooking, and cats.