Jake has been playing guitar and percussion for over 20 years. He teaches all levels of guitar and congas, as well as beginning piano, voice and drum set. He went to Berkeley High School where he played guitar in the BHS Jazz Ensemble. He then attended the New School in New York City, majoring in jazz guitar studies. He has studied jazz guitar with Steve Erquiaga, Dave Creamer and Jack Wilkins, and congas with Josh Jones, Sandy Perez and other Cuban percussionists. He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.

Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA.

Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Jake has performed at the Montreux, Umbria, and Vienne Jazz Festivals.

Jacob is also a music producer and songwriter. In his spare time he enjoys playing with his dogs and exploring new restaurants and music venues. He also likes studying computer programming.