Joel began playing saxophone at age 13 and went on to study Jazz Saxophone and Performance for four years at Capilano University. Following his studies, he focused his musicianship on teaching and performing, working with a wide range of artists across the Vancouver music scene in genres including jazz, rock, pop, show bands, and solo performance. He also spent time songwriting and playing guitar and bass in a rock band, further shaping his versatility as a musician.

Joel has performed at numerous venues throughout the Vancouver area, including Hotel Georgia, Hotel Vancouver, Jericho Tennis Club, and Jimmy Pattison’s yacht.

Over the past 14 years, Joel has developed a strong teaching practice, working primarily in Montessori schools and private music schools around Vancouver. He specializes in saxophone, guitar and ukulele, woodwinds, one-on-one and group instruction, rock bands, and concert bands. He has also designed and led 10-week music programs for elementary schools (Kindergarten to Grade 7) operating without a dedicated music program.

Outside of teaching, Joel continues to develop his own musicianship through composition, session saxophone work, and collaboration with local artists. He currently plays lead alto saxophone in the Hudson Street Jazz Orchestra.