Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, Jake began his musical journey in 2001 when he received his first electric guitar.  Soon after, he realized playing music was his true calling. 

Jake holds a B.M. in Guitar Performance from Texas State University where he graduated cum laude.  While on scholarship at Texas State, Jake studied the classical guitar under renowned guitarist-composer Mark Anthony Cruz.  Jake can also be seen performing and competing in guitar competitions around the nation as soloist and in ensemble format, most recently taking 2nd place at the 2009 Brownsville Guitar Ensemble Festival & Competition as a member of the Texas State University Guitar Quartet. 

In addition to his studies under Mr. Cruz, Jake has also studied extensively under Dr. Klondike Steadman, the well known Austin-based classical guitarist and pedagogue.  Jake has also been chosen to perform in numerous master classes with guitar luminaries such as Adam Holzman, Jason Vieaux, Andrew Zohn, Jerome Ducharme, Mary Akerman, Isaac Bustos, Marko Feri, Elliot Frank, and Steve Kostelnik, among others. 

He is currently completing an M.M. in Guitar Performance at the University of Texas-San Antonio, where he studies under Dr. Matthew Dunne.

Jake believes in an integrated approach to teaching, emphasizing all aspects of music, even those beyond the guitar.  From the first lesson, his students learn the importance of good rhythm, tone, musicality, and technique. 

Jake prides himself in creating well rounded musicians.  In addition to learning to play the guitar, his students learn music theory, singing, and songwriting.  As a teacher, Jake believes in giving his students the tools they need to succeed in their own musical journey, above all, making sure they have fun during the learning process.  Although Jake is primarily a classical guitarist, he also teaches acoustic and electric guitar.

When not teaching, practicing, or studying, Jake enjoys creating music with his electro-pop project CyberDiver.

Click here for a video of Jake playing a piece from the classical guitar repertoire.