Information About Nathan Jacob - Bristol teacher

Personal Description:

I have been playing music live and in the studio for 15 years, and have played and recorded with many bands during that time. I play bass guitar (fretless and fretted), electric guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo and slide guitar, and am comfortable across many styles, including: folk, blues, pop, rock, country and funk.

I also write and compose music (and lyrics) across a similarly wide range of styles, taking most of my influence from folk and rock bands of the 60s and 70s as well as jazz, funk and pop.

Tutoring Experience:

I have tutored a range of academic and music subjects for the last 10 years, having had students from 13 years old to 55. I currently teach banjo, bass, guitar, music theory and music production (Ableton Live).

Currently, there are fewer opportunities to teach due to the ongoing COVID issues, but still maintain a number of students via video call. This is not at all a problem, providing students have good enough internet connections, and I am as comfortable teaching over the internet as I am in person.

Tutoring Approach:

My teaching style is one that encompasses everything to do with learning a music instrument, tailored to the needs and abilities of each student: music theory, listening skills, coordination, technique and timing/rhythm are all introduced a bit at a time to ensure that students are constantly pushed, without becoming overwhelmed. And, of course, making sure it is all fun!

I also make sure to introduce students to music and musicians that may interest them, as I think it is important to both have a general passion for music to truly love playing an instrument, and also to push one's tastes progressively.

Part of teaching anything is helping people cope with the ups and downs that naturally happen as we progress in skill, and I always make sure to make encouragement a central part of my lessons. The most important thing is learning how to learn, and that often means being OK with being bad at something to start with.

I also send post-lesson notes/material to students so that they can have something to reference between lessons.