Jacob Means is a world-class mandolinist and educator dedicated to bridging the gap between folk traditions and contemporary improvisation. As the founder of the Mandolin Mentorship Program, Jacob helps students of all levels move past mechanical playing to discover their own unique musical voices.

Jacob’s musical journey started at age eight in the mountains of Wyoming, playing in a family bluegrass band. That early immersion in folk music eventually took him around the world—from performing a cappella in Shanghai and representing bluegrass in Slovakia at an international folk festival, to playing jazz with legends like Luciana Souza, John Patitucci, and Danilo Pérez. Whether he’s in a family jam, leading an avant-garde ensemble, or performing at a bluegrass festival, Jacob’s playing is rooted in a deep respect for both tradition and creativity.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on Vocal Performance from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory, where he studied under notable mentors including Joe Morris, Anthony Coleman, Dominique Eade, and Hankus Netsky. He furthered his studies at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, earning a second Master’s degree under the guidance of Danilo Perez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joe Lovano, George Garzone, and John Patitucci. These experiences have deeply informed his teaching, allowing him to offer a rich, multifaceted approach to music education in his studio.

Jacob has taught workshops, classes, and private lessons at esteemed institutions and events such as the RockyGrass Festival, Bighorn Mountain Festival, Montana Fiddle Camp, the Danilo Perez Foundation, and the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival. His work as a Resident Artist at Boston's Conservatory Lab Charter School further reflects his commitment to educational outreach, where he led music programs in an El Sistema-inspired curriculum. Today, through his mandolin mentorship program, Jacob combines world-class performance expertise with a nurturing, structured approach. He doesn’t just teach songs; he empowers musicians to master their Tone, Time, and Creativity, fostering a lifelong love for the craft.​