Donald Jacobs Music Lessons and Performance

Serves Angleton, TX

35244

Hired 8 times

1 employee

48 years in business

$150/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon Closed

Tues Closed

Wed Closed

Thurs Closed

Fri Closed

Sat 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Donald Jacobs
Completed on 5/12/2025

Introduction

Hello! I offer instruction on saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano and recorder, and I also perform music for weddings, other parties, and home concerts. At the moment, I am currently accepting students only for the summer, June through August, 2023. I'm not a DJ. Please see my performance information below, after the teaching section. First: information about my teaching. I feel I am a highly qualified teacher, worthy of your consideration. I have been teaching professionally since the late 1970s. I really like teaching students, children and adults alike. My instruments are saxophone, clarinet, piano, guitar and flute. I can also work with students who sing, or play other instruments. Teaching success: I have taught hundreds of students during these years, so I feel I have learned how to work successfully with students who learn in many different ways. I also have taught many students who have autism. I have taught many, many students at every level, from beginner to professional. Learning to read music quickly: I incorporate a method that works quickly, that I haven't seen other teachers use. Student's and Family's Goals: Before I meet with a new student, I like to know what goals the student or his/her family might have. This helps me plan for what things to cover in lessons. I can quickly determine a student's strengths and weaker aspects in many aspects of music: tone quality, notes, rhythm, embouchure (mouth position), tonguing and phrasing. (I can also help a student know if they are using the best reed, mouthpiece and instrument for their present level of ability.) So I can give my student assignments and information that he/she can use to quickly improve their skills and address other issues related to playing their instrument. Jazz: I play jazz and teach jazz improvisation in a user-friendly approach. Genres: I love working with students on the kinds of music they are familiar with and want to play (including but not limited to): pop, classical, blues, jazz, and international (I play music from several European countries, including Greece, and Arabic music, and klezmer). How I relate to students: I believe that students feel comfortable working with me in lessons. I have a pretty good sense of humor, I think. I try to be sensitive to how things are going for a student who is working with me. I think I can see pretty quickly if things are going well with a student, or not so well, and use a different approach quickly and easily, as needed. Communication: I want my students and me to have good communication. I contact the student or his/her family a few days after the first lesson to see what they thought of the lesson, and if they have any questions, etc. I encourage students and families to contact me with any questions, concerns, or, of course, with good news. Music theory: I incorporate music theory into my teaching, when it can be useful. Second language: I speak Spanish pretty well, and understand spoken Spanish decently. Performance information: I have been performing professionally for more than forty years, with more than 1500 performances for happy clients and guests. Occasions: wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions; Bar Mitzvahs; house concerts, backyard parties, and other concerts. I'm not a DJ. Genres: Jazz, gypsy jazz, dixieland, classic rock and pop; international, including klezmer, Jewish and Israeli music, Greek and other Balkan, Scandinavian music, and more. Group size: 2-10 musicians.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

I charge a price that I feel is fair. If the quote isn't exactly what you were expecting, we can usually adjust the length of the lesson. I always try to give my students good value for their money.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I like to have a phone conversation, to find out more about the student, his or her goals, and the parents' goals, if the student is a child. And this gives the student or his parents an opportunity to get to know me a little bit. And vice versa. And if they have questions, they can ask. I usually have a few questions, too. So when we meet for the first lesson, we can move more quickly and enjoyably.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a Bachelor's degree, cum laude, with a major in music from Washington University, St. Louis, 1977. I have been teaching private students every year since then. During these many years of teaching, I feel I have learned a lot about communicating well with my students, and encouraging their questions and feedback. And I have developed different methods of teaching that I can call upon. And I can help students practice more successfully and enjoyably because of ideas I've learned and developed over the years. Since 2016, I have also been the assistant band director at a Houston middle school. So I have helped many hundreds of students, from beginner level to advanced intermediate level.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I started teaching private music students right after I graduated college in 1977. I taught students at my high school, then added students at another high school. I had played piano and clarinet since I was 9 years old, and added the saxophone right after college.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Most of my students over the years have been children. But I have taught adults all throughout my career. I have taught at least seven adult students who have contacted me on Thumbtack in the past 1-2 years.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

My advice is to have some specific goals. You don't need a long list. Make a list of some questions you'd like to ask. Including the kinds of music you would like to play.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Will I be able to practice with some consistency--4 or more days per week, 20 or more minutes each time? Do I own an instrument, or am I committed to renting one? This applies to all students, but especially to adults, who do not have the support system of a school band, that a child usually has.