Jacob Waller
Tutor Profile
About
Jacob is a music teacher and musician originally from Carlisle, now based in south Bristol. He plays guitar, bass and clawhammer banjo, as well as being a keen amateur producer and songwriter.
Bass guitar was his first instrument and long-time love. He grew up playing classic rock, folk and funk in bands across the north of England, and still brings groove, melody and energy into his playing and teaching.
These days he can mostly be found with his banjo, exploring how classical music, folk traditions and popular song can all feed into one another. His recent publication with Mel Bay, a collection of classical arrangements for banjo, reflects his interest in crossing boundaries between styles and traditions.
With a broad academic background in literature, the philosophy of science and the history of ideas, Jacob emphasises how music connects to wider culture. He believes that a player can learn as much from a novel, a film or even a recipe as from a piece of sheet music.
Alongside his teaching, Jacob runs two YouTube channels: one is dedicated to clawhammer banjo lessons, and another on songwriting, music history and the inner workings of genres. At the heart of all his work is a simple belief: music is about communication and finding ways to share ideas, stories and emotions through sound.
General music channel: www.youtube.com/@
Banjo channel: www.youtube.com/@
