With 21 years of musical experience and a passion for helping others discover what music can bring to their lives, Jesse Shafer believes teaching is about much more than learning to play an instrument.
Jesse started playing guitar 21 years ago and has since developed a wide-ranging musical background. At Guitar Ninjas, he teaches guitar, bass, piano, drums, and ukulele. He's also an accomplished player of banjo and steel guitar.
Finding Purpose Through Music
For Jesse, teaching is deeply personal. He's inspired by the teachers who helped him find purpose in his own life, and he hopes to offer that same experience to his students.
One of his favorite parts of teaching is watching students deepen their relationship with music. Whether it's mastering a challenging concept or discovering something new about their instrument, Jesse loves those “light bulb” moments when everything starts to click. In those moments, he sees a reflection of his own musical journey in his students.
Influences and Inspiration
Jesse draws inspiration from a diverse group of musicians, including Daniel Lanois, Bill Frisell, and Brian Eno. If he could sit down for a jam session with anyone, his choice would be Bill Frisell, his all-time favorite guitarist.
His advice for new musicians is especially important for anyone just starting out: don't get discouraged by the initial learning curve. Guitar, in particular, can feel challenging at first, but that's completely normal. The important thing is to stick with it and give yourself time to grow.
At Guitar Ninjas, Jesse brings that perspective into every lesson, helping students navigate the challenges of learning while discovering their own relationship with music.
Thanks, Jesse, for sharing your passion and helping our students find their purpose through music!