Teacher Profile: Jacob Brooks

About Jacob Brooks

Jacob Brooks is a Denver based Jazz and Classical saxophonist and composer. Jacob, born and raised near Kansas City Kansas, began playing music through his public-school band program, starting on clarinet then moving to saxophone. He learned to love and appreciate music of all kinds through excellent teachers throughout his education. Jacob earned his Bachelor’s degree in Classical Saxophone from Washburn University in Topeka Kansas under the tutelage of Dr. Craig Treinen. He earned his Master’s degree in Jazz Saxophone from the University of Denver Lamont School of Music, studying under the renowned Art Bouton. He received numerous awards and accolades throughout high school and beyond, including seven ‘I’ ratings in Solo performances at state competitions.

Jacob loves to perform a wide variety of styles of music, ranging from saxophone quartets to big bands, and symphonies to wind ensembles. He has held positions with many different groups throughout eastern Kansas, performing regularly with the Topeka Symphony and Festival Singers, 785 Big Band, and the Kings of Swing. Upon making the journey to the front range, he became a member of the Boulder Philharmonic, Denver Municipal Band, and Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. He is not bound to single genre, and enjoys teaching and performing all kinds of music. He has written a few classical pieces and jazz tunes, one of which was performed on his Master’s recital.

Although Jacob’s degrees are in performance, he loves teaching and giving back what he has learned throughout his career. He could not have gotten to where he is without the help and guidance of many mentors and teachers. Jacob believes that the most important aspect of a music lesson is the connection between the student and teacher. Anyone can learn a song from a YouTube video, but it takes a teacher to create meaningful experiences in music.