Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Jazz Piano Lessons & Live Performances in San Francisco
As a dedicated jazz pianist and educator, I have spent over 15 years sharing my passion for music with students and audiences alike. My journey began at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, where I discovered the transformative power of improvisation, and has since evolved through performances across the U.S. and Canada with renowned artists. I specialize in blending jazz with diverse genres like funk, rock, and classical, while my teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction tailored to each student's goals.Whether through live concerts, solo recordings, or online tutorials, my mission remains to inspire musical curiosity and growth. With a focus on technique, theory, and creative expression, I aim to empower students to explore their unique artistic voices. My work extends beyond individual lessons to community engagement, including collaborations with the Stanford Jazz Workshop and outreach programs for young musicians.
Services
Piano Lessons
Jazz Composition
Music Theory
Online Tutorials
Live Performances
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of personalized piano instruction for all ages and skill levels.
- Our curriculum integrates jazz improvisation with diverse genres like rock, blues, and classical.
- We provide flexible learning options including in-person, Zoom, and self-paced online tutorials.
- Our founder holds a Stanford University B.A. in Music with Honors in Composition.
- We actively support music education through community programs and outreach initiatives.
Services
Piano Lessons
Personalized piano instruction for all ages and skill levels, focusing on jazz improvisation, classical technique, and contemporary styles. Lessons cover theory, ear training, and performance skills. Available in-person in San Francisco and via Zoom for remote students.
Jazz Composition
Original jazz composition and arrangement services for solo piano, small ensembles, and big bands. Includes film scoring, documentary music, and commissioned works. Combines traditional jazz elements with modern electronic and experimental techniques.
Online Tutorials
Interactive piano tutorials on platforms like YouTube and Soundslice. Features step-by-step lessons on harmony, comping, and improvisation. Includes downloadable resources and transposable notation for self-paced learning.
Live Performances
Solo and ensemble jazz performances at venues across the Bay Area and nationally. Repertoire includes original compositions, jazz standards, and genre-blending arrangements. Available for concerts, festivals, and private events.
Music Theory
Comprehensive music theory instruction covering harmony, rhythm, and composition fundamentals. Tailored to individual goals, from beginner basics to advanced jazz theory concepts. Integrates practical application with piano technique.
People
Jake Smolowe
Owner & Lead Instructor
Stanford-trained jazz pianist with 15+ years of teaching experience. Specializes in improvisation and cross-genre composition. Active performer and recording artist with international tour experience and community education initiatives.
Questions
What piano styles do you teach?
I teach jazz improvisation, classical technique, blues, rock, and contemporary styles with a focus on personalized instruction.
Are lessons available online?
Yes, I offer Zoom lessons and self-paced online tutorials via YouTube and Soundslice platforms.
Do you accept beginners?
Absolutely! I teach students of all skill levels, including complete beginners, with customized lesson plans.
What performance experience do you have?
I've performed at venues like Yoshi's Oakland, Great American Music Hall, and toured nationally with artists like John Németh.
How long have you been teaching?
I've taught private piano lessons since 2005 and have developed educational programs for Stanford Jazz Workshop since 2003.
Videos
