B I O G R A P H Y

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Jacob Seyer (M.Mus) is a Pacific Northwest based acoustic fingerstyle and fusion guitarist, international award winning composer, and renowned music instructor with over 15 years of diverse experience in the music industry. Signed 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, influencing his language of the arts and community oriented work. Jacob grew up in midwest USA performing as a drummer in various punk, emo, and math bands. As the guitar became a bigger part of his life, Jacob explored many genres including progressive 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's progressive style of solo guitar composition was 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. In 2022, Jacob's third album, "Western Skies" was signed to the premier acoustic guitar record lablel, CandyRat Records, home to such artists as Andy McKee, Don Ross, and Antoine Dufour.

 

Collaboratively, Jacob has spent since 2022 developing acoustic jazz fusion music with the long established Bellingham ensemble, Cuarto Sueño (formerly Trio Sueño). The quartet now hosts a yearly concert event at the Firehouse Theatre often joined by a large percussion ensemble and sold out crowds, as well as monthly casual evenings of music and food at Old World Deli in Bellingham, WA. Following their local concert buzz in the fall of 2025, Sueño began recording their debut full length album, now in the final phases of production. The album will include 11 tracks of original work, standards, and new arrangements, set to release in early 2026.

 

In addition to Latin jazz, Jacob also leads a student R&B / Jazz band called Session 7, which since 2022, has gained a considerable local following. Session 7 consists of some of Bellingham's brightest young musicians aged 14-18, each committed to bringing high quality live jazz to the local community. Local artists Jacob regularly collaborates with include Anissa Caprinna, Erik Snyder, Sean Hall, and others.

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Jacob’s unique perspective in performance and 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

• 2023 - Performing & Visual Arts Hall of Fame: Notre Dame Regional High School

• 2022 - Signed to CandyRat Records

• 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​

• 2018-22:  Vancouver International Guitar Festival - Vancouver, BC

  • Feature Performing Artist, Luthier Demonstrator, & Clinician​

• 2018 - 2020: Vancouver Symphony Day of Music

  • Feature Performing Artist and Clinician​

• 2019: Canada International Arts and Music Society

  • 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: Sonic Boom Festival - Vancouver, BC

  • Commissioned Performer ​​