Credentials:

M. Mus. (UofT), B. Ed., B. Mus. (VIU), ARCT (Royal Conservatory of Music).

ABOUT:

Jesse is a guitarist, composer, and educator from Nanaimo, BC.

Active as a freelance guitarist since 2013, career highlights include performances at the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival, recordings and performances with former teacher Lee Ellefson, and placing 4th in the 2024 Northwest Guitar Competition.

As a composer and arranger, Jesse has written for a wide range of ensembles at the secondary and post-secondary level. His composition “Summer’s Over” was featured on the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra’s 2020 album, Embargo, which received 4 stars from All About Jazz.

Jesse has experience teaching students of all ages, from kindergarten to university-level. He has worked as an elementary music teacher in School District #83 and as a contract guitar instructor for Vancouver Island University’s music department (2022-2024).

Jesse is currently pursuing a masters degree in classical guitar performance at the University of Victoria, studying with Simon Farintosh.