Teaching
Teaching is something I greatly enjoy. If you are interested in lessons, I would be delighted to hear from you, whatever your level of ability. I currently give lessons at the following places:
- Richmond, North Yorkshire: I teach privately from my home. Please contact me if interested.
- The Early Music Shop: please contact them directly for information about my regular teaching there.
- Summer schools and weekend courses: Benslow Music, Historically Informed Summer Schools, Cambridge Early Music Summer Schools.
- Skype: please contact me about the possibility of online lessons.
Increasingly often, I am asked to teach via Skype. I have found that although it has its obvious drawbacks, Skype teaching is surprisingly successful, and a real help to those who live far from the UK. Please contact me if you want to discuss this option.
Testimonials
Jacob’s teaching has not only improved my playing immeasurably but has transformed me as a musician in the most rewarding way. I’ve also observed him teaching others with the same care and understanding. He is sensitive to the needs of each pupil, encouraging them to develop as lute players, not only by equipping them from his vast stock of technical know-how, but also sharing his love of the music so that lessons become a keenly anticipated joy.
Craig Hartley
On the first day that I met Jacob and experienced his generous and attentive teaching style, I knew he was the tutor for me. Jacob is a teacher who inspires, and I was honoured to have him as my principal-study tutor during my final year at the Royal Northern College of Music. I have improved so rapidly as a lute player under his guidance, and I now continue to travel to him for lessons while studying at Oxford University. Since my lessons began Jacob has been dedicated to my development as a musician and performer, and he has given me an incredibly well-rounded education that has been nothing by a joy and a privilege to receive. His mastery of technique, musicianship, historical performance practice and music theory is a constant source of inspiration for me, which fuels my ever growing enthusiasm for the lute. I am certain I would not have become the lute player I am today without him.
Sara Salloum
I have had the very good fortune to have lived within easy reach of the Early Music Shop in Saltaire. The regular lessons I had with Jacob, one of the world’s finest lutenists, over a period of about five years brought me more musical understanding and aesthetic pleasure than I would have thought possible. Jacob quickly puts you at your ease and intuitively works from where you, the student, are as a player. He is there for you, not you for him. Five years ago, my wife and I moved far away from Yorkshire (to Devon) for family reasons. Suffice to say, I am careful to plan our annual trips back to Yorkshire to coincide with Jacob’s lessons at Saltaire – and that annual lesson is a real lifeline!
Alan Hoyle
Jacob is a natural teacher, but also someone who works at being a good teacher. He’s patient, insightful, and generous with encouraging words. I come away from my lessons renewed (as opposed to discouraged). All of my lessons have been via Skype. As a medium, it has served us reasonably well. Indeed, I’m struck by the high quality of Jacob’s teaching despite not being with me in person. I give Jacob my highest possible recommendation.
Courtney Linn
Sacramento, CA USA