A respected educator and internationally recognized composer, Josh Gottry has been composing music for and working with the next generation of percussionists for over 25 years. He earned his BM in Percussion Performance at Northern Arizona University and his MM in Composition at Arizona State University and is currently adjunct music faculty at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, teaching courses in percussion, music theory & composition, and music humanities. Additionally, he works with percussion ensembles and students at all grade levels as a clinician and within his private lesson studio. Mr. Gottry is a member of ASCAP and the Percussive Arts Society.

I am organized, consistent, wholistic, and encouraging. Working as a freelance percussionist and music educator requires a high level of organizational skills, simply to manage the day-to-day, something I work to model and develop in my students. I am also consistent in my approach, helping students develop habits for learning and practicing. My music philosophy is a wholistic one, where music practice is supported by music theory (and vice versa) and I am always working to connect study of one percussion instrument with transfer value to others. I am also encouraging, understanding that the study of music takes time and effort and benefits greatly from support and a constructive approach.

The greatest value in private teaching is the customization possible for the individual student. Obviously, having taught private lessons in percussion and music composition for multiple decades, I have developed certain tendencies and approaches. However, as a life-long learner, working with students of all ages from varying backgrounds, experiences, and opportunity levels, I am committed to my own continuing professional development so that I might best serve the diverse body of students with which I have the opportunity to work.