Josy Rosales
Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, & Ukulele Instructor in Boulder, CO
“You need music, I don’t know why. It’s probably one of those Joe Campbell questions, why we need ritual. We need magic, and bliss, and power, myth, and celebration and religion in our lives, and music is a good way to encapsulate a lot of it.”
About Josy
Josy Rosales teaches guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele at The Lesson Studio in Boulder, Colorado. A Berklee College of Music graduate with a degree in songwriting, he brings a varied performance background and a personalized approach to helping students develop their musical abilities.
Originally from Venezuela, Josy began playing guitar at age eight. Inspired by his older brother’s love of Iron Maiden, he discovered an early connection to the instrument and spent ten years studying with local musician Leopoldo Borrego. Playing in a rock band with his brothers further shaped his development as a musician.
After graduating from Berklee, Josy performed across the Midwest in styles including rock, country, bluegrass, and reggae. He also recorded and toured with the jam band Earthmother, expanding his experience as a performer and multi-instrumentalist.
Teaching private lessons since 2018, Josy enjoys helping students discover what they can accomplish through music. His guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele lessons in Boulder give students opportunities to explore their interests, strengthen their skills, and work toward meaningful musical goals.
Josy’s Instructional Approach
Josy views music as a journey of self-discovery. He tailors lessons to each student’s interests, learning style, and goals, balancing creativity and enjoyment with challenges that encourage steady growth.
Whether a student chooses guitar, banjo, mandolin, or ukulele, Josy adapts his instruction to their experience and pace. His supportive approach encourages students to ask questions, explore musical ideas, and recognize their progress along the way.
Music theory and ear training help connect what students hear with what they play. Through personalized guidance, Josy helps students build a deeper understanding of their instrument while keeping their own musical interests at the center of lessons.
A Little more about Josy
Practice advice and the music that inspires him
Practice Tips
Record yourself playing and listen back as objectively as possible
Listen beyond the guitar part. Notice how the instruments work together, then consider how the guitar contributes to the whole song.
Favorite Artists
| Blues | Mississippi Fred MacDowell, Derek Trucks, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan |
| Jazz | John Coltrane, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Sonny Rollins |
| Rock | Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Animals as Leaders |
| Folk/Country | The Carter Family, The Louvin Brothers, Norman Blake, Tony Rice |
| R&B/Soul | Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, James Cleveland |