About Me
Guitarist & Instructor — Philadelphia Area
Musical Journey
Started playing guitar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Moved to Miami, Florida and became part of the Coconut Grove music scene, playing six nights a week with recording artist Carmen Lundy. During that time he shared the stage with Jaco Pastorious, Patato Valdes, Patti Labelle, Pat Thrall, and Tommy Aldridge.
Moved to New York City and recorded numerous television jingles and soundtracks.
Became a faculty member of the National Guitar Workshop, later serving as senior faculty. Taught seminars at campuses in San Rafael, CA; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; Toronto, Canada; Austin, TX; and Chicago.
Invited to Reykjavik, Iceland as a guest clinician by Fridrik Karlsson.
Moved to Philadelphia to work at Drexel University while continuing private teaching and National Guitar Workshop instruction.
Began performing with Malaco recording artist Keisa Brown, touring Italy, England, Ireland, and the southern United States.
Instructional Videos
Screen shots from Harry's instructional videos are featured at workshoplive.com, reflecting his long-standing commitment to guitar education through the National Guitar Workshop.
Harry Jacobson's approach to guitar instruction is rooted in decades of hands-on experience and a deep respect for the instrument's versatility. Whether a student is picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refine advanced technique, lessons are tailored to individual goals and musical tastes. The emphasis is on building a solid foundation in theory, ear training, and fretboard fluency while keeping the process engaging and creative. Students are encouraged to explore a range of styles, from blues and rock to jazz and fingerstyle, ensuring that each session remains fresh and rewarding. The studio environment is focused, supportive, and free of unnecessary distractions.
Beyond private teaching, Harry has been a longtime faculty member at the National Guitar Workshop, an experience that has shaped his philosophy of music education. Working alongside fellow passionate instructors and students from around the country reinforced the importance of community and collaboration in learning. This workshop background informs every lesson, bringing a structured yet flexible curriculum that adapts to the student's pace. The goal is not merely to teach songs but to develop a genuine understanding of how music works on the guitar. Students leave each lesson with practical tools they can apply immediately to their own playing.
Relocating to Philadelphia opened new opportunities to connect with a vibrant musical community while maintaining a strong commitment to private instruction. The city's rich history of live performance and diverse musical culture provides endless inspiration for students and teachers alike. Harry continues to perform and stay active in the local scene, which keeps his teaching grounded in real-world musicianship. This connection between the practice room and the stage is central to the learning experience. Students benefit from a teacher who understands the demands of performing and can offer practical guidance on everything from practice routines to stage presence.
The guitar is a lifelong journey, and Harry Jacobson's teaching is built on the belief that progress comes from consistent, mindful practice paired with expert guidance. Lessons are designed to be challenging yet accessible, pushing students to expand their abilities without overwhelming them. Emphasis is placed on developing good habits early, including proper posture, efficient finger movement, and attentive listening. Over time, students gain not only technical proficiency but also the confidence to express their own musical ideas. The ultimate reward is watching a student discover their unique voice on the instrument and carry that passion forward into their own musical adventures.