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Guitar + 5 Instruments. All Styles. 15+ Yr. Improv Theory Songwriting.
Jake M.

5.0 (19 ratings)

86 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $70
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About Jake

Bio

Jake teaches all levels/styles of guitar, voice, congas/percussion, songwriting, production and composition and beginning/intermediate drum set, piano, electric bass, and ukulele. He encourages music improvisation and uses comedic, as well as atonal, experimental, free jazz and third stream (classical+jazz) music techniques to accelerate progress. Jake also encourages songwriting and enjoys professionally producing and collaborating on students’ original music. He studied jazz guitar for many...

Jake teaches all levels/styles of guitar, voice, congas/percussion, songwriting, production and composition and beginning/intermediate drum set, piano, electric bass, and ukulele. He encourages music improvisation and uses comedic, as well as atonal, experimental, free jazz and third stream (classical+jazz) music techniques to accelerate progress. Jake also encourages songwriting and enjoys professionally producing and collaborating on students’ original music. He studied jazz guitar for many years and is a versatile fusion guitarist, vocalist, percussionist, and live looper. As a performer, songwriter, producer and composer, Jake aims to create forward-thinking, expression-driven music not limited to any particular genre or style. He collaborates with students and clients to play and create music that fulfills their creative vision. He is also passionate about comedy, podcasting and design.

A word from Jake:

"My approach to teaching music is grounded in tangible, creative outcomes. I guide students through the foundational aspects of music, including instrumental proficiency, jazz and classical theory, sight-reading, ear training, improvisation, and the development of their artistic identity. I also prioritize creative self-expression while helping students develop skills in performance, songwriting, composition, and music production. I have a strong background in a range of popular styles, African American, AfroCuban, experimental/electronic/ambient, folk (U.S.)/folkloric (world), hip hop and Western classical music. I aim to help students fulfill their creative potential and develop their artistic voice, both on and off stage."

Specialties: AfroCuban, Classical, Fusion/Experimental, Folk (U.S.)/Folkloric (World), Hip Hop, Jazz, Pop/Rock, Funk/Soul/Blues

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Education

The New School
Jazz Guitar Studies
Cal State East Bay
Masters

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Approved Subjects

Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

I have an M.A. in (classical) Music Composition. But I play and compose all styles of music. I really embrace the concept of fusion and blending genres organically by staying true to one's own voice. This can even lead to musical innovation! My composing style leans towards a classical/jazz 'third stream' hybrid approach that also incorporates elements of minimalism, experimental, hip hop, rock, and world music. I've written chamber pieces for various instrumentations ranging from solo piano to piano trio to chamber nonet.
Drums

Drums

I studied AfroCuban percussion and congas in the Bay Area for many years with Josh Jones, as well as Regino Jimenez, Ramon "Sandy" Perez and Grupo AfroCuba de Matanzas in Cuba. I'm also play drum set and various hand percussion instruments. I like using the PAS rudiments and traditional rhythmic 'counterpoint' as a means for inventive improvisation. I believe in being in the pocket, using minimal force for increased speed, and will help you grow your repertoire of styles and rhythms.
Ear Training

Ear Training

Holding an M.A. in Music Composition, I have completed at a high level all ear training required for the M.A.. I have over 20 years teaching ear training through private lessons, group classes, and school programs, helping students recognize intervals, chords, rhythms, and melodies across genres. At Khan Lab School and self-employed sessions, I've integrated ear training into four-pillar curricula (composition, production, performance, improvisation) to enhance listening skills and musical intuition. My methods include practical exercises with DAWs like Logic and GarageBand, supporting diverse learners, including neurodivergent students, to achieve accelerated results in transcription and improvisation.
General Music

General Music

As a music educator with an M.A. in Music Composition and over 20 years of experience, I teach general music fundamentals, including theory, history, and performance, through engaging programs at schools like Khan Lab School and various Bay Area studios. I've designed curricula based on four pillars—composition, production, performance, improvisation—within which all fundamental areas of musical study can be taught. My inclusive approach adapts to diverse learners, fostering creativity and confidence in group classes, band rehearsals, and interdisciplinary projects integrating music with theater and dance.
Guitar

Guitar

I've been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching guitar for over 15 years. I play and teach all styles of guitar, from pop to jazz, classical to rock. I'm very into improvisation and will help you make your instrument an extension of yourself!
Music History

Music History

With an M.A. in Music Composition and over 20 years teaching, I have a strong foundation in historical musicology and ethnomusicology, covering folkloric and traditional music alongside Western classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. I am adept at teaching students how to engage in musicological pursuits, enabling them to embrace music of the past and its historical context while formulating ideas and insights for essays, thesis papers, research articles, and other works on music history and culture. As part of my songwriting, composition, and production instruction at schools like Khan Lab School, Mission Hills Middle School, Piedmont Unified School District (Wildwood Elementary), and San Ramon Unified School District (Quarry Lane School), I incorporate musicological research to uncover deeper thematic and cultural contexts for original works, making it easier for students to develop lyrics, complete songs, and elevate their creations to a research-oriented level. My love for all kinds of music and cultures fuels this interest, guiding students to deeper levels of insight in musicology and music history.
Music Production

Music Production

With an M.A. in Music Composition and B.A. in Music Recording Technology, I specialize in guiding students through professional music production using DAWs like Logic, Pro Tools, and GarageBand to create album-ready tracks across genres such as jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and folkloric. I've produced and composed hybrid pieces for ensembles, film scoring, and live performances, teaching production fundamentals including mixing, arranging, and ear training to all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. My approach emphasizes four musical pillars of composition, production, performance, and improvisation, helping students produce high-quality original recordings while fostering creative expression and technical skills.
Music Theory

Music Theory

Holding an M.A. in Music Composition, I have over 15 years teaching classical and jazz music theory, from fundamentals like scales, chords, and diatonic harmony to advanced concepts like 12-tone matrices and third stream jazz-classical composition techniques. My original music compositions and related essays employ advanced jazz and classical theoretical tools, techniques, and analysis.
Piano

Piano

With over 15 years teaching piano to all levels from beginning to advanced, I focus on technique, theory, improvisation, and performance to guide students in developing their skills and musical expression. For beginners, I encourage a traditional method book approach in conjunction with freeform improvisation, songwriting, and production, specifically recording improvisational ideas into music production software to formulate original music. For advanced students, I emphasize improving touch, fluidity, overall sound, and interpretive abilities for more expressive performances of written music. For more advanced jazz pianists, I coach on expressive levels, stylistic considerations, depth of swing, subtleties, and melodic/expressive ability over chord changes or in freeform contexts. Piano is the perfect foundational instrument for music exploration, and more advanced players still benefit from further guidance, to go deeper.
Sight Singing

Sight Singing

With an M.A. in Music Composition and over 20 years of experience, I teach sight singing to develop accurate pitch, rhythm, and musical reading skills through private lessons, group classes, and programs at Khan Lab School, Mission Hills Middle School, Piedmont Unified School District (Wildwood Elementary), and San Ramon Unified School District (Quarry Lane School). Sight singing is invaluable for vocalists performing written music, especially choral students, and applies to various styles while supporting composition through score study and original written music creation. I've integrated it into four-pillar curricula (composition, production, performance, improvisation), helping students transcribe, perform, and compose across genres like jazz and classical. My adaptive methods, using ear training and practical exercises, build confidence and proficiency for diverse learners, including neurodivergent students, in vocal, ensemble, and creative settings.
Songwriting

Songwriting

Songwriting is the best! I love all kinds of music so my songwriting tends to be eclectic. I write poetry so writing song lyrics comes naturally to me. I also produce hip hop, including rap lyrics. I can show you so many different ways to approach songwriting, including how to generate lyrics. The sky's NOT the limit when it comes to your voice as a songwriter and I promise I will spark your creativity!
Voice (Music)

Voice (Music)

I specialize in voice lessons for all ages, focusing on technique, improvisation, delivery and stage presence to build confidence and artistic expression. I've taught private and group sessions at schools like Khan Lab School and Piedmont Unified School District, incorporating songwriting and production to help students create original recordings. My approach draws from classical and jazz traditions, including master classes with Grammy-nominated vocalists, ensuring personalized guidance for beginners to advanced singers.

Examples of Expertise

Jake has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (19 ratings)
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Reviews

Extremely knowledgable and makes learning guitar relatable

Jake and I are planning for the long term - he is essentially the North star to my learning of guitar. Jake is patient and adapts to your playing style and learning needs. Great guy too.

Stephen, 11 lessons with Jake

Patient personable teacher

He is teaching my 9yo and doing a great job getting him set up for success — Teaching things like sitting position, hand position, slowing down, and selecting music that he is interested in. I definitely recommend him.

Patrick, 8 lessons with Jake
Hourly Rate: $70
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