Josh Villanueva

Guitar and Piano Faculty

Hi! My name is Josh, and I’m thrilled to join the Houston Voice Studio faculty as a musician, educator, lifelong learner, and artist.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in a student-centered approach—tailoring lessons to each individual’s needs. I’m excited to guide you on your unique musical journey and help you unlock your potential. As a lifelong instrumentalist, I’m passionate about empowering singers to play instruments and develop the musical knowledge needed to write their own songs.

With over 15 years of musical experience, my greatest strength is versatility. I bring a rich background in both instrumental and vocal pedagogy, which allows me to help singers bridge the gap between these disciplines. Whether you’re an aspiring singer-songwriter or a performer seeking to enhance your stage presence, I can guide you through the art of self-accompaniment. At Houston Voice Studio, our new self-accompaniment program focuses on three main goals:

  • Playing basic chords on your chosen instrument

  • Understanding chord progressions and note names

  • Coordinating playing and singing simultaneously

I’m eager to continue expanding this program, supporting vocal artists in their creativity and autonomy.

My musical journey is eclectic and deeply personal. Growing up, I was inspired by legends like Michael Jackson and The Beatles, alongside 2000s pop hits. I began my musical path with drums, then moved on to piano and guitar before diving into classical training in percussion and voice. My expertise spans a wide range of genres, from classical styles like jazz and traditional music to contemporary genres such as soul, R&B, singer-songwriter, and blues. Some of my biggest influences include Frank Sinatra, Daniel Caesar, Mac Ayres, and D’Angelo.

Currently, I’m exploring my sound as an artist and producing my own music. My latest release, I Told the Moon, is available on Spotify under my artist name, Joshangelo. I’m also active in Houston’s vibrant music scene, performing as a multi-instrumentalist for local artists and events.

Education and teaching are at the heart of my career. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Christian University, where I specialized in percussion and pedagogy. During my studies, I gained hands-on experience teaching K-12 students in Texas public schools and provided percussion instruction to high school band programs. I believe that anyone, regardless of background, prior knowledge, or skill level, can make music. My teaching approach is adaptive and shaped by the goals and passions of my students. I’ve learned so much from my students over the years and strive to keep growing alongside them.

When I’m not teaching or making music, I enjoy rock climbing, watching anime, playing video games, and exploring history.