
ABOUT
Performer, Improviser, and Educator, Jacob Means is a musician and teacher dedicated to bringing the joy and depth of music to students and audiences alike. As the founder of an active music teaching studio, Jacob offers individualized instruction in mandolin, guitar, and ear training, sharing his passion and expertise with students of all ages. His teaching emphasizes creativity, technique, and the joy of musical exploration, blending traditional methods with contemporary improvisation.
Jacob's deep-rooted connection to Appalachian folk music stems from his upbringing in Wyoming, where he began playing mandolin at eight years old and soon performed in a bluegrass band with his family. This early immersion in folk traditions has shaped his versatile musical journey, from performing with an a cappella vocal ensemble in Shanghai, China, to representing bluegrass at the International Folk Festival in Nitra, Slovakia, to free improvisation ensembles in Boston's Jordan Hall, to performing jazz with Luciana Souza and John Patitucci.
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 Danilo Perez Foundation, Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, RockyGrass Festival, Bighorn Mountain Festival, and Montana Fiddle Camp. 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. Through his teaching studio, Jacob combines his performance expertise and a thoughtful, student-centered approach, helping learners discover their voices and develop a lifelong love of music.
"In every situation, he is open to discover how he can become the best teacher and musician possible."
- Nicole Lamartine, Director of Choral Activities at University of Wyoming
"He has a unique artistic view. He is a phenominal musician and inspiring human being."
- Lihi Haruvi, Saxophonist, Professor at Berklee College of Music