Jake Wren is based out of the Finger Lakes and teaches in and around the Rochester Canandaigua area. He earned his MA in Music History from the University of Buffalo in 2023, and currently teaches country, old-time, and bluegrass music to students in the Finger Lakes region. He also teaches Art and Computer Technology at Archangel School in Gates.
Learn by listening to the greats performing genuine American traditional music. Doc Watson (guitar) and Earl Scruggs (Banjo) are some of the most influential instrumentalists of their time. Watson earned 7 Grammy Awards for his pioneering work on the acoustic guitar.
Willie Nelson once said that Townes Van Zandt's "Poncho and Lefty" was one of the best songs ever written; the song is storytelling at its finest.
Some artists and performers are capable of pushing their abilities on numerous instruments. Take Jimmie Rodgers, the father of country music, who outlines both the genres' vocal and guitar styles for decades.
Some songs needn't have lyrics to be great. Instrumental music provides a rich substrate for developing technical abilities on their instrument. Take "Angie" performed here by Bert Jansch.
Songs like Gershwin's "Summertime" are genre crossing classics that students of any genre or style can learn from. Billy Strings and Marcus King are two contemporary guitarists at the top their class.
In our lessons, we go beyond simply teaching the technical aspects of playing instruments like the mandolin, ukulele, and banjo. While mastering techniques such as picking patterns, chord progressions, and other instrument-specific techniques is essential, we also emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying music theory that shapes old-time and bluegrass music. Through our curriculum, students will delve into fundamental concepts such as scales, intervals, chord construction, and rhythmic patterns, providing them with a solid foundation to analyze and interpret music independently. By combining technical proficiency with a comprehension of music theory, students gain a deeper appreciation for the music they play, empowering them to express themselves creatively and authentically within the rich traditions of old-time and bluegrass music.
In our lessons, we offer a flexible approach to learning old-time and bluegrass, where students have the option to explore sheet music and tablature as valuable tools in their musical journey. While these resources can deepen understanding and provide structure, we understand that every musician learns differently. Therefore, we prioritize a holistic approach, encouraging students to engage with the music in ways that resonate with them personally. Whether you prefer to learn by ear, through visual aids like tablature, or by delving into the intricacies of notation, our goal is to empower you to develop in your own unique way.
With any lesson, get lifetime access to my digital library of interesting articles, sheet music, chord charts, and tablature to download, print, or view online. Also discover my online series of tutorial videos to help you lock in difficult techniques in-between lessons.