Josh Ashley is a musician and record producer that arrived in Nashville in 2015 to attend Belmont University. He was born and raised just north of Chicago in Gurnee, IL where his musical journey began at the early age of three. His parents recount him banging on pots and pans before he could speak, so they placed him in piano lessons at three years old and drum lessons simultaneously at four. Throughout his childhood, Josh stayed busy with academics and sports all the way through his high school years in which he took ten AP classes, and played two varsity sports!

Nevertheless, music always remained at the center; while remaining in classical piano lessons, Josh played percussion in the top Symphonic Band, piano and drum set in Jazz Ensemble, led his drum line as the center snare, and even helped start his school’s first ever indoor marching percussion program. At the age of 16, he also was introduced to music production software which solidified his love for the creative process of music. This led him to Belmont where he spent two years studying the music business, playing shows, creating music, and honing in on his skills.

In 2017, Josh dove into his production and teaching career. Through organic growth he accumulated a few in-home private lesson students, as well as a small client base for production work. He functions as a contract producer, as well as Music Director for local Neo-Soul artist, Arlana. He is also the Music Director at his church, The Chapel at Antioch. Josh’s greatest desire as a teacher is for students to develop a strong passion and joy for music as a launching pad for all of their musical endeavors.

Josh’s Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy is that every aspect of music is connected and therefore to really get it, you have to learn it all! I take a wide ground up approach inching away at rhythm, melody, theory, technique, and feel altogether, advancing all musical skills equally over time.”

What are you most passionate about professionally? What excites you about your work and the contribution you can make?
“I’m most passionate about the details… the intricacies that make music so incredible… the parts that no one notices until it’s pointed out or underlined. I enjoy the freedom of exploring never ending possibilities and uncovering new ideas that take you to a place you’ve literally never been.”

What’s your favorite local spot to spend time?
“I really don’t have one, my wife and I like to go to Target and go out to eat (anywhere that sounds good) when we have free time!”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? Is it the same now?
“Classical, gospel, jazz, dubstep, rap… not one type! I’ll still listen to about any genre so long as the musicality impresses me.”

What is your favorite movie? 
“August Rush, because music really is all around us and it’s the most beautiful thing the world has to offer!”

What is your favorite quote? 
“I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” -Thomas Edison