Jake Smolowe Piano Lessons

A Jazz Musician & Music Educator Based in the San Francisco Bay Area

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of the San Francisco jazz scene, Jake Smolowe stands out as a captivating musician, composer, and passionate educator. With a profound understanding of jazz improvisation and a boundless passion for musical exploration, Jake has carved out a unique niche in the world of contemporary jazz.

Exploring Genres and Defying Boundaries

Jake's musical journey has been one of continuous exploration and innovation. While his primary focus lies in jazz improvisation, his diverse musical palette extends far beyond this. From funk and rock to blues, latin, folk, gospel, classical, electronic, and experimental music, Jake seamlessly blends genres, defying stylistic boundaries and captivating audiences with his versatility.

A Journey Through Music and Education

Inspired by the captivating atmosphere of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Jake's love for jazz blossomed at an early age. He honed his skills at Stanford University, graduating with honors in Composition in 2006. Since then, he has tirelessly explored his artistic potential, performing with various bands throughout the U.S. and Canada and collaborating with renowned musicians like John Nemeth and Jeff Derby.

Sharing the Gift of Music

Beyond captivating audiences with his performances, Jake thrives in sharing his knowledge and skills with others. He has been offering private piano lessons in the Bay Area since 2005, nurturing the next generation of musicians. His lessons cater to diverse learning styles and cover a wide range of genres, focusing on technique, fundamentals, theory, harmony, and composition. Jake has also embraced the power of online learning, offering engaging piano tutorials on YouTube and Patreon.

Spontaneity and the Power of Music

For Jake, the magic of music lies in its spontaneity. He believes in the transformative power of improvisation, where melody and rhythm converge in the present moment to create something truly unique and captivating. This philosophy shines through his performances, where he effortlessly blends original compositions with fresh interpretations of timeless classics.