Jake Karner - December Teacher Highlight Interview

Role: Lead Instructor – Glendale
Teaches: Drums, Guitar, Piano

Jake grew up in a musically diverse home — Bob Marley, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd from his dad, and Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears, and even Britney Spears from his mom. He started drums at age 4 through private lessons, picked up guitar at age 12 thanks to Rock Band and Guitar Hero, and later studied music theory, music business, and audio engineering at Miami Dade College, earning an Associate’s of Music.

He spent years teaching and performing — from a children’s fitness center in Miami to School of Rock, followed by a two-year national tour performing in clubs and arenas across the country. After moving to Los Angeles, he joined Guitar Ninjas in March 2024, drawn to the boutique, high-touch environment. Today he leads the Glendale team while also performing in church services, collaborating on original music, and supporting his girlfriend’s songwriting.

What Distinguishes Jake’s Teaching Style?

Jake:
"I focus heavily on personal connection. Whether a student is shy or extremely outgoing, I want them to feel seen and comfortable — not just taught. Sometimes that means taking a short break mid-lesson to talk and build rapport. Those conversations matter.

If a student wants to talk about Minecraft, I can connect that to musical concepts and turn it into an “aha” moment. I also encourage students to play with others whenever possible. Playing music collaboratively is what inspired me the most growing up, and I want them to feel that same joy and discovery."

How Jake Embodies the Instructor Triangle of Success

Vibe

"Warm, welcoming, and focused on having fun. If we’re enjoying what we’re doing, we stay motivated. A good vibe makes better musicians."

Method

"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” I repeat this constantly. We go slow to avoid bad habits and reduce pressure — like the Tortoise and the Hare. First we play slowly and a capella, then with a metronome, then with the track."

Mindset

"I acknowledge when things are genuinely hard and remind students that progress comes from consistent reps — just like the gym. It’s about the journey. I share stories from when I was learning so they know the struggle is normal, and quitting is just a feeling, not a path. If we stick to the method and stay patient, we’ll get there."