“Students! Make sure you get your homework done. You don't want to end up like Mr. Wiles, here, repeating your second senior year.”
That’s Mr. Zecker. I took his same required civics class four years in a row at a three-year high school. And not because I loved it. It took me two senior years to finally get it right. But he wasn’t wrong.
I was a mess in school. I didn’t learn the way most kids did, and I paid for it. I was bored, overwhelmed, and constantly falling behind. I know painfully well how it felt to be disregarded by teachers. How it felt to pretend I understood just to avoid embarrassment. How it felt to believe I just wasn’t the kind of kid who could succeed. It wasn’t until much later that I learned how to learn, how to stay engaged, and how to believe in myself again. That’s the perspective I bring to every session. My job is helping students through what nearly broke me.
Not every kid fits the mold. Some are distracted, discouraged, or downright done with school. That's why I'm here. I’m a certified teacher with a master's in education. I'm also a lifelong musician and learning specialist with decades of experience reaching students who struggle in traditional classrooms. Whether it's decoding math, learning Braille, or strumming power chords, I make hard things feel possible. Sessions are at least 60 minutes because real connection takes time. I get to know your learner, earn their trust, and figure out what truly motivates them. From there, we build.
▶ $70/hour. Partial scholarships available if cost is a barrier. I'd love to help. Just ask.
1:1 Elementary Academic Support
I work best with kids who “don’t do well with tutors.” I use calm structure, humor, and strategy to meet them where they’re at and move them forward. No shame, no lectures, no worksheets with cartoon foxes (unless they're into foxes?). Just real learning, real growth, and small wins that snowball.
Private Guitar Lessons
I'm an accomplished musician and I teach students through music they actually care about. We’ll use riffs, chords, and songs to build confidence, creativity, and grit. These lessons aren’t recital-prep, they’re life skills in disguise. Want to learn Taylor Swift? Metallica? Something weird and obscure? Good. Let’s do it.
Special Needs Support
Autism. ADHD. Anxiety. Visual impairments. Neurodivergent learners are not a side note here. They’re the point. I'm a reformed former horrible student, I bring experience with Braille, IEPs, sensory accommodations, and behavioral strategies, but most importantly: I believe your child can thrive. I build trust first. Then we work.
Here’s what clients and colleagues have to say
“Working with Joe has been a thoughtful and empowering experience. Clear communication, genuine care, and a strong sense of purpose define every interaction.” ~Suzette Santarin
“Joe taught me and my son to play guitar. Actually, he taught me to play guitar and turned my son into a musician. Joe instructed, inspired, and went out of his way to encourage the love for music my son has today. Thanks, Joe!” ~Drew Wilson
“Joe really is an amazing teacher. My son has Asperger's so his learning style is a bit different than most kids. He has really flourished with Joe. I have seen Joe work with others as well. He modifies his teaching techniques for each individual learner. Great guy, great teacher. Highly recommend him to anyone.” ~Jamie Penrod
“Joe Wiles is an all-around quality music instructor. He is encouraging and informative. And he is a pretty stand-up kind of guy.” ~Stephanie Galvagno
“I loved knowing that when I dropped my son off he was in good hands. My son loved learning how to play and Joe was an amazing mentor. He knows his stuff and it shows through the way he relates with his students and his energy for music and life.” ~Terri Day
“Joe is an awesome teacher and super fantastic with kids and teenagers!” ~Heidi Hagen
“Joe does a fabulous job customizing his teaching to our learner’s needs. He makes learning fun and sustainable!" ~Elisabeth Villavicencio