B I O G R A P H Y
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, greatly influencing his open-minded and clear communication style. Jacob performed throughout his youth as a drummer in punk/post-hardcore bands, eventually inspiring him to dive deeper. His newfound pursuit of the guitar led Jacob through many genres including prog-metal, percussive acoustic, 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.
The following years of Jacob’s career were filled with composition, album production, touring throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, and volunteering for non-profit work as the Director of Public Relations for the Canada International Arts and Music Society (CIAMS). During his two years at CIAMS, this 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 now spends his time producing entertaining educational content and new music both as a soloist and in collaboration with his wife, Deavyn West. Their ensemble, “Ember Duo,” is a multi-instrumental composition project rooted in exploring exciting new musical territories using both acoustic and electronic instruments.
Jacob's progressive style of guitar composition was recently awarded 2nd Prize in the 2021 Russian composition competition, "The Time of The Guitar International" where his piece, "Relictus (En Aethere)" was praised for being "mesmerizing" with "very convincing imagery." Jacob's score for "Relictus" will be released by the Danish publishing company, Bergmann Edition.
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.”
Jacob plays on a G.R. Bear Concert 000 Acoustic Guitar and is committed to bringing attention to local artisans, musicians, and creators of all backgrounds.
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Accolades and Academic Achievement
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2023 - Performing & Visual Arts Hall of Fame: Notre Dame Regional High School
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2021 - Time Of The Guitar International Composition Competition - 2nd Prize
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2018 - Vancouver Central School of Music - Teacher of The Year
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2017-18 - Director of Public Relations - Canada International Arts and Music Society
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2017 - Jury Member - Vancouver International Music Competition
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2017 - University of British Columbia - Master of Music Degree (On Scholarship)
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2014 - Southeast Missouri State University - Bachelor of Music Degree (On Scholarship)
Festival Circuit
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2023: Horizon Live Concert Series
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Feature Performing Artist and Clinician
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2023: Ignite Master Artist Series at Harding Fine Arts Academy
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Feature Performing Artist, Clinician, & Speaker
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2018-22: Vancouver International Guitar Festival - Vancouver, BC
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Feature Performing Artist, Luthier Demonstrator, & Clinician
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2018 - 2020: Vancouver Symphony Day of Music
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Feature Performing Artist and Clinician
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2019: Canada International Arts and Music Society
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Feature Performing Artist and Clinician
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2019: Pacific Woodlab Concert Series - Vancouver, BC
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Feature Performing Artist
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2019: "RAW:natural born artists" Showcase - Vancouver BC & Seattle WA
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Feature Performing Artist
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2018: Semana De La Guitarra (Week of the Guitar) - El Retiro, Colombia
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Feature Performing Artist & Clinician
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2018: 21st Annual West Coast Guitar Night - Vancouver BC
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Feature Performing Artist
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2018: Sonic Boom Festival - Vancouver, BC
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Commissioned Performer
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Booked in 2020, Canceled due to C-19
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