Teacher Profile: Joey Song

About Joey Song

Born in Seattle, Joey Song is a guitar player who discovered his love of playing later than many musicians. Despite playing clarinet and saxophone in high school, Joey found his musical voice when he uncovered his brother’s old Martin guitar at his parent’s place during college. Practicing guitar became a form of therapy to deal with the stress of school, and he quickly picked up technique, theory, and improvisation skills. During graduate school, he started working for Music Go Round in Ann Arbor, and there, he formed the band Plant Life, frequently performing at the Blind Pig as lead guitarist alongside bands such as Dad Caps and Act Casual.

As a songwriter, Joey is inspired by J-rock, alternative pop, progressive metal, and math rock, and he produces music as well through the digital audio workstation Ableton Live. In addition to teaching the core fundamentals of guitar and music theory, he can help students who are interested in songwriting, recording their playing, or even producing a song on their computer.

For Joey, teaching is a wonderful privilege. Joey Song received his Ph.D. in English Literature and Language from the University of Michigan in 2026, and his dissertation covered Asian American music, blending music theory analysis with ethnomusicology and ethnic studies. He has seven years of college teaching experience and research into best pedagogical practices, and he has previously worked for Northwest Education Access tutoring students in a one-on-one setting. He looks forward to bringing his teaching background into his guitar lessons.

Joey’s other interests include rock climbing, reading, cooking, ceramics, golf, and ultimate frisbee. He is always looking to pick up new skills and hobbies.