Jacob N.

Hi, my name is Jacob, and I’m a guitar player and singer with a deep love for bluegrass, folk, and jazz. I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, and spent over a decade living and performing in Bend. I’ve been immersed in music for more than 15 years, and over that time, it’s become not just a skill, but a way of life. While my roots are in acoustic traditions, I listen to and appreciate all genres — to me, good music is good music, no matter the label. Some of my biggest influences span from bluegrass pioneers and jazz legends to singer-songwriters with a knack for storytelling. That broad appreciation is something I bring into my teaching, too. My teaching style is relaxed, intuitive, and tailored to each student. I truly believe that everyone learns differently, and that growth happens best when you're comfortable, curious, and having fun. My philosophy centers on using strong musical fundamentals to help each student discover their own unique voice and style — not just copying others, but learning to express what’s inside you through your instrument. In my lessons, you can expect to explore technique, rhythm, improvisation, theory if you want it, and lots of real-world application — whether that’s learning songs you love, jamming together, or working on performance skills. I like to tell my students that music isn't a race — it's a relationship — and the more you enjoy the journey, the more naturally your skills will grow. My favorite part of teaching is watching that “click” moment when a student realizes they can do something they didn’t think was possible. It’s rewarding every single time. While I primarily teach guitar — both rhythm and lead — I can also offer guidance in singing, songwriting, and musicality in general. My students appreciate that I’m patient, encouraging, and that I really listen to what they want out of their musical journey. Whether you’re brand new to the guitar or looking to deepen your style and confidence, I’d love to help. Thanks for taking a look at my profile. Hope to meet you soon and start making music together!