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Guitar

Guitar Magnet Program

Guitar Magnet Program at Raa Middle School
Raa Middle School offers Leon County’s only middle school guitar program that features a full-time guitar instructor and three levels of guitar instruction. This unique program provides students with the opportunity to learn in a structured environment, regardless of their prior experience.

  • Guitar 1 is designed for beginners with little or no previous experience.
     

  • Guitar 2 is for students who have completed Guitar 1 or have had other guitar instruction.
     

  • Guitar 3 is for students who have successfully completed Guitar 2.
     

At every level, students will learn to read music, strum chords, and master ensemble techniques. Throughout the program, they’ll explore various styles, including rock, folk, classical, jazz, and blues. Students will also participate in school concerts and assemblies, while Guitar 3 students will have additional community performance opportunities.

Meet the Guitar Instructor

A man with a beard smiles, wearing a tie and collared shirt.

Email: lessardj@leonschools.net

Mr. Joshua Lessard
Joshua Lessard has taught guitar at Raa Middle School since 2010. Before that, he taught at a variety of institutions in his home state of Virginia. He was an adjunct guitar instructor at Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College. He also taught orchestra and guitar at Ruffner Academy in Norfolk, VA. He has taken masters classes with some of the top guitarists in the world including David Russell and Andrew York. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance, a Master of Music in Music Theory, Composition, and Guitar, and a Master of Divinity.  In addition to his role as guitar instructor, he also sponsers the Raa chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.