Instruments
Guitar
Classical Guitar
Electric Guitar
Composition/Songwriting
Education
Master of Music; Classical Guitar Performance - University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Music; Classical Guitar Performance - Southeast Missouri State University
Skills & Specialized Training
Guitar (Beginner to Professional)
Classical, Jazz, Folk, Rock/Metal
Fingerpicking and Flatpicking
Music Theory and Ear Training
Composition and Songwriting
Bio
Jacob Seyer (M.Mus) is a Pacific Northwest based acoustic fingerstyle guitarist, international award winning composer, and renowned music instructor with over 15 years of diverse experience in the music industry. A newcomer to the acclaimed music label, CandyRat Records, Jacob’s music has been described by peers, critics, and spectators as “sophisticated,” “groundbreaking,” and “full of variety.”
From a young age, visual and performing arts surrounded Jacob in his family and social life, greatly influencing his creativity. Performed throughout his youth as a drummer in punk rock bands lead him to a newly inspired pursuit of the guitar exploring many genres including progressive metal, percussive acoustic, jazz fusion, and classical guitar.
Jacob obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance with early-music specialist, Dr. Jeffery Noonan. He then pursued his Master of Music degree under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Bolshoy. In these seven years, Jacob studied and performed a diversely cultured repertoire ranging from the 16th to 21st century as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral feature artist.
Following his academic career, composition, production, touring and volunteering as the Director of Public Relations for the Canada International Arts and Music Society (CIAMS) filled Jacob’s schedule. During his two years at CIAMS, the grassroots nonprofit produced Vancouver BC’s first ever international music competition, accepting hundreds of applicants from around the world and financial support from both local and federal government.
Jacob has produced and released three studio albums of solo fingerstyle guitar music, each with considerable acclaim. His progressive style of guitar composition was awarded 2nd Prize in the Russian composition competition, "The Time of The Guitar International", where his piece, "Relictus (En Aethere)" was praised for being "mesmerizing" with "very convincing imagery,” then published with Danish company, Bergmann Edition. Having also been reviewed by Minor 7th Magazine, Az Samad, and inducted into his Alma Mater’s Performing Arts Hall of Fame (2023), Jacob’s work has inspired guitarists and music enthusiasts from around the globe.
Currently, Jacob is an active member of the local Latin fusion ensemble, Trio Suenuo, lead by BJ Block and Steve Jones; the leading member of student jazz band, Session 7, as well as a studio collaborator with local guitarist, Erik Snyder.
Jacob’s unique perspective in production is reflected in his love for teaching. In 2018, Jacob was awarded “Teacher of the Year” at the Vancouver Central School of Music for his passionate and straightforward approach to music education. As well as having a high retention studio of fulfilled hobbyists, Jacob’s students have gone on to pursue music both professionally and academically, receiving offers on scholarship from the Berklee College of Music in Boston to The Royal Conservatory of Music in London. Students of Jacob’s are all provided a safe and encouraging environment to explore and discover their own voice through music and have described his teaching style as “enthusiastic,” “compassionate,” and “adaptable.” Currently, Jacob teaches in person at Bellinghome School of Music, in Bellingham, WA.
Jacob plays on a G.R. Bear Concert 000 Acoustic Guitar and a Patrick Mailloux Spruce/Cedar Double Top Classical Guitar, named by its builder, “Cendrillon”, or Cinderella. Jacob’s mission is to bring equal opportunity to local musicians, artisans, and creators of all backgrounds.
Influences
Antoine Dufour, Parliament Funkadelic, Tigran Hamasyan, James Brown, Andy McKee, Fleet Foxes , Marcin Dylla, Animals as Leaders (Tosin Abasi), Covet (Yvette Young), Chon (Mario Camarena), Adam Neely, Nahre Sol
Discography
Solo
“Western Skies” LP (2022)
“Migration” LP (2018)
“A Change in Season” EP (2013)
Collaborations
Ember Duo - Producer and Collaborator with Deavyn West
“Sewn” - Original Short-film Soundtrack (2014)
Session Seven - Band Leader, Rhythm and Lead Guitarist
Cuarto Sueño - Rhythm and Lead Guitarist
Accolades & Academic Achievement
2023: Performing & Visual Arts Hall of Fame: Notre Dame Regional High School
2021: Time Of The Guitar International Composition Competition - 2nd Prize
2018: Vancouver Central School of Music - Teacher of The Year
2017-18: Director of Public Relations - Canada International Arts and Music Society
2017: Jury Member - Vancouver International Music Competition
2017: University of British Columbia - Master of Music Degree (On Scholarship)
2014: Southeast Missouri State University - Bachelor of Music Degree (On Scholarship)
Festival Circuit
2023: Horizon Live Concert Series
Feature Performing Artist and Clinician
2023: Ignite Master Artist Series at Harding Fine Arts Academy
Feature Performing Artist, Clinician, & Speaker
2018 - 2022: Vancouver International Guitar Festival - Vancouver, BC
Feature Performing Artist, Luthier Demonstrator, & Clinician
2025: Booked
2018 - 2020: Vancouver Symphony Day of Music
Feature Performing Artist and Clinician
2019: Pacific Woodlab Concert Series - Vancouver, BC
Feature Performing Artist
2019: "RAW:natural born artists" Showcase - Vancouver BC & Seattle WA
Feature Performing Artist
2018: Semana De La Guitarra (Week of the Guitar) - El Retiro, Colombia
Feature Performing Artist & Clinician
2018: 21st Annual West Coast Guitar Night - Vancouver BC
Feature Performing Artist
2018-20: Sonic Boom Festival - Vancouver, BC
Commissioned Performer
Academics
2nd Year Graduate Recital (2017)
1st Year Graduate Recital (2016)
Senior Undergrad Recital (2014)
Junior Undergrad Recital (2013)