Joel Robinow

Piano, Guitar, Voice, Piano/Voice Combo, Guitar/Voice Combo, Music Production, & Songwriting

Children (ages 5 & up)

Adults (beginners-advanced)

Joel Robinow is an accomplished pianist, guitarist, bassist, vocalist, engineer, producer and composer living in Oakland, CA. He has spent the last 25 years working as a touring musician, session musician, producer, and private music teacher in the Bay Area. His repertoire ranges from classical to jazz, rock, hip hop and everything in between, he has also toured the world extensively, particularly in Europe, Asia and the UK with his own project Once and Future Band as well as being a sideman most notably playing keyboards for The Black Crowes for 4 years.

Joel is a bay area native, graduating from Bishop O' Dowd high school in 1997, where at a young age he was allowed to develop and teach a jazz class, beginning his love for sharing his passion for music. While primarily self taught, he studied trumpet and music theory under Ray Brown at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, having his compositions featured for the big band, as well as earning several scholarships for jazz trumpet.

After Santa Cruz Joel moved back to Oakland to pursue his professional touring career, joining several indie bands, and eventually developing his own band and material, culminating in a month-long tour supporting legendary rock act Tool. His project Once and Future Band made 3 records before disbanding.

Since his touring career has slowed down, Joel has enjoyed teaching a variety of afterschool programs, including 3 o'clock in Oakland, SF Rock Project, and School of Rock in Berkeley.

He develops individual curriculum for all of his students, ranging from method books, to ear training and transcription, critical listening, and development of a creative practice. He has had many students go on to join conservatories, including Berklee School of Music amongst others.

These days he plays with indie legend Shannon Shaw in her solo band, indie rock band Sugar Candy Mountain and is working on his own solo record.

Joel is a passionate teacher who always endeavors to show his students that the world of music is open to explore for all, no matter what age or skill level.

MMS is very excited to have him share his wide range of expertise with our students!