I love music and have been composing and performing for many years. And although I love to compose and perform, teaching is probably my favorite aspect of working in music. I get the most joy in teaching when an individual learns something new, or when things start to "click" so to speak. Further, I am always thrilled when any of my students feels inspired and happy by what they're learning and doing. Jesse T. – Guitar, Ukulele, Music Theory, Aural Training, Composition, Audition Prep Jesse T. began studying guitar at the age of ten, and in his studies has developed an unwitting passion for playing and teaching. Bay Area native Jesse has studied with classical guitarist Angel Miguel Lejarza Leo, flamenco guitar virtuoso Jason McGuire, and has worked under the mindful instruction of classical guitarist Nicholas Goluses at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, New York. There, Jesse completed his Bachelors in Music (Classical Performance) with distinction, and was honored with a Performer’s Certificate, demonstrating excellence in guitar performance. During his undergraduate studies, Jesse performed in masterclasses led by the prestigious GFA winner, Tengyue Zhang, and Bach expert, Paul Galbraith. His time at Eastman has given him a strong background in music theory; he is an advocate for the written and aural analysis of music and stresses the importance of composition and instrumental exploration. As a performer and teacher, Jesse specializes in flamenco and classical guitar, though he offers instruction in a variety of genres including: folk, jazz, blues, fingerstyle, pop, rock, and rumba, to name a few. As a theory educator, Jesse covers theoretical concepts dating as far back as the Baroque, and addresses concepts of harmony and improvisation that overlap with aspects of jazz and contemporary music. Beyond guitar and theory, Jesse enjoys giving instruction on the ukulele. Lessons are tailored to meet each individual student’s needs, interests, and various learning styles in order to ensure enthusiasm and musical growth. His patience and humor make learning fun.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2015
Bachelors of Music 2020 (Classical Guitar Performance)
Teaches ages 5+
Has background check
I love music and have been composing and performing for many years. And although I love to compose and perform, teaching is probably my favorite aspect of working in music. I get the most joy in teaching when an individual learns something new, or when things start to "click" so to speak. Further, I am always thrilled when any of my students feels inspired and happy by what they're learning and doing. Jesse T. – Guitar, Ukulele, Music Theory, Aural Training, Composition, Audition Prep Jesse T. began studying guitar at the age of ten, and in his studies has developed an unwitting passion for playing and teaching. Bay Area native Jesse has studied with classical guitarist Angel Miguel Lejarza Leo, flamenco guitar virtuoso Jason McGuire, and has worked under the mindful instruction of classical guitarist Nicholas Goluses at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, New York. There, Jesse completed his Bachelors in Music (Classical Performance) with distinction, and was honored with a Performer’s Certificate, demonstrating excellence in guitar performance. During his undergraduate studies, Jesse performed in masterclasses led by the prestigious GFA winner, Tengyue Zhang, and Bach expert, Paul Galbraith. His time at Eastman has given him a strong background in music theory; he is an advocate for the written and aural analysis of music and stresses the importance of composition and instrumental exploration. As a performer and teacher, Jesse specializes in flamenco and classical guitar, though he offers instruction in a variety of genres including: folk, jazz, blues, fingerstyle, pop, rock, and rumba, to name a few. As a theory educator, Jesse covers theoretical concepts dating as far back as the Baroque, and addresses concepts of harmony and improvisation that overlap with aspects of jazz and contemporary music. Beyond guitar and theory, Jesse enjoys giving instruction on the ukulele. Lessons are tailored to meet each individual student’s needs, interests, and various learning styles in order to ensure enthusiasm and musical growth. His patience and humor make learning fun.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2015
Bachelors of Music 2020 (Classical Guitar Performance)
Teaches ages 5+
Has background check
Jesse is an excellent teacher. He is calm, warm and incredibly patient with my 6 year old daughter. After having a thoughtful discussion about how we should start lessons, we agreed on an approach that would further encourage her natural enthusiasm for music. She loves it. Jesse has also been very flexible with offering zoom and in person classes. I have been really impressed with how well he holds my daughter’s attention even over zoom. He is a wonderful teacher and I could not recommend him more.
Jesse is an awesome instructor! My 10 year old is learning how to play the guitar and increasing in his confidence as well as abilities. Jesse has a great rapport with my son built on jokes, jam sessions and accountability for weekly practice. My son has had a few teachers so far but Jesse has helped him to grow and keeps him engaged. We are sticking with Jesse!
Jesse is great with kids. Our kids are 10 and 7 and they have fun with him while they learn. He strikes the right balance between theory and learning to play pop music. He is also very open to making adjustments specific to the temperament of each child/family which is remarkable. He is always responsive outside of lessons when we may have a question which shows that he truly cares about the progress his students make. We are lucky to have found him!