"The Information you have is incredible! It's more than Berklee!"
— Joe Pass 1979 (Jazz virtuoso, recording artist- Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson)
"Joe DeCara's musicianship is excellent. One of the finest guitar players - and teachers - I have had the pleasure to work with."
— Angela Taylor (Recording Artist, Baltimore, MD)
"Phenomenal is the best word to describe Joe and his musical abilities. Whether it's jazz, blues, rock or funk, Joe has mastered it. He is one of a few true musicians of our time and I can't imagine having much of a music career without his guidance, friendship and wisdom."
— Tara George ( guitarist, songwriter, Baltimore Ravens Marching Band)
"I have been studying with Joe DeCara for nearly eight years, and cannot put into words my gratitude towards him. As a true master of the guitar and music in general, he has taught me from the basics to the most intricate in a fashion that is unprecedentedly clear and practical. His methods and virtuosity never cease to amaze and arouse me to pursue the beauty and harmony in music, which is otherwise a daunting and inaccessible task."
— Maury Blanco (Jerusalem, Israel)
"Over the years, Joe has repeatedly impressed me with his ability to teach music. He breaks complexity down into simple elements, which is why I was able to play many songs, after my very first lesson. More importantly, his teachings go beyond musical lessons, providing perspective on life itself."
— Ben Blank (Boston, MA)
"I started taking lessons from Joe when I was 40 years old, having never picked up a musical instrument in my life. With Joe's instructional methods, patience and friendship I now play guitar in a band that has played in venues like Ram's Head Live and the 8X10. I highly recommend Joe as an instructor".
— Ben Greenwald (Baltimore, MD) Mister Wilson Band
"Joe DeCara's method breaks down complicated musical concepts and simplifies them in a way that is easy to understand. After taking several years of his lessons, I now have an understanding of theory and improvisation that has lifted my playing to a level of sophistication I never before dreamt of achieving. In addition, he is a great mentor
both in music and in life."
— William Spagnola (Pennsylvania)
"Joe DeCara took me from a basic beginner chord player to a guitar player that could solo in all 12 keys with ease in just four short years. He is the best teacher I have ever had."
— John Elasic (Delaware)
"I was lucky enough to get to study with Joe for a time. I have never studied with someone that was so practical. I still use the same concepts every time I play. After studying with Joe I could finally hear, how liberating. A true Master of the guitar."
— Orland Moses (West Virginia)
"Mr. DeCara's teaching style is innovative, efficient, and easy to follow. His lessons are the highlight of my week. I always leave them inspired by his virtuosity and acumen in the field of music and teaching."
— Josh Blanco (The Tangerines)
"Joe has been able to guide and teach me the ins and outs of the guitar. He has expanded not just my guitar playing but my musical knowledge overall."
— Mike Crane (JD Crane Band- New York)
"I took guitar classes from Joe for 3 years. When I started, I was hardly a beginner, but by the time our lessons were finished I understood higher level music theory, and without even learning the piano first! He knows exactly how to work every student to reach their potential. I recommend him as a teacher to anyone and everyone."
— Patrick Hoban (New York)
"Joe DeCara is a very talented teacher. He helped me to greatly improve my guitar skills by using techniques that were straightforward and easy to understand. All of my work with him applied directly to performing great pieces of music. He was a patient teacher that challenged me to really push myself to become a better guitarist."
— Kathryn Maher (New York)
"Joe DeCara's method of teaching and his expertise has given me an excellent understanding of the guitar, his wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of theory, composition, and technical ability, sets Joe apart from other instructors. Joe takes seemingly difficult concepts and makes them easy to understand, and helps you quickly integrate his concepts into your playing. I highly recommend Joe DeCara to anybody wanting to become a better player, whatever level of ability, Joe will make you a better guitarist."
— Thomas Moore (Pennsylvania)
"In the two years I have been studying with Professor DeCara my playing has progressed exponentially. Joe's unique approach to teaching, and his creative techniques, give his students not only the knowledge of the instrument, but the understanding to truly attack the fretboard head on."
— Sean Allocca (New York)
"Thanks to Joe's guitar teaching method, I have learned more about the guitar than from any other instructor. I have learned much more about the art of playing the guitar than people I know who have been playing as long, or longer. I am confident that I would never have gone as far as I have with the guitar, using another instructor, or method, different from that of Joe DeCara.
— Bruce Pyes (Baltimore, MD)
"Taking guitar lessons with Joe was inspiring! The lessons were so stimulating - I wanted to practice daily as I began to master the principles. As a beginner, learning chord changes with old school Beatles and Beach Boys tunes to the more advanced progressions and improvisations of jazz, I felt challenged and eager for the NEXT lesson! I heartily recommend Joe's methods!"
— Grace Gelletley (Baltimore, MD)