OUR TEACHERS

Jacob is the owner of Sound of Light Music Academy. He relocated with his wife and daughter from Anchorage, where he taught at the Alaska School of Music. While earning his bachelor of arts in Music Composition, Jacob cultivated a thorough jazz and classical background. He's played in several different bands from a young age, exploring a broad range of styles across several different instruments.

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His passion lies in performing and teaching, but especially in developing a connection with his students. As a result, lessons are specifically catered to your ambitions. In your lessons, you can expect to have a friendly, personable learning experience. Most of all, Jacob aims to make lessons fun and memorable!

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In his free time, Jacob loves to go hiking and biking with his family, and serve at his church on the worship team.

A passionate teacher and freelancing musician, Sofie recently moved to Eugene from the Midwest, where she taught a wide variety of students of all levels and all ages. While earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in Violin Performance, she soloed Sibelius Violin Concerto with orchestra, jammed in a fiddle club, rocked in a heavy metal band, channeled deep listening in improvisation groups, and played in the pit for musicals including Les Misérables and Into the Woods. Her favorite part about making music is collaborating with people. Sofie has been a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Kalamazoo Symphony, among others, and is currently the Associate Concertmaster of Rogue Valley Symphony.

With her enthusiastic energy and encouraging warmth, you’ll find lessons with Sofie to be a welcoming environment, and you'll see care for your personal development and creative process as top priorities. Sofie’s diverse approach brings instruction catered to how you learn for optimal enjoyment while cultivating technique and musicality. Wherever lies your inspiration, Sofie is eager to help you discover!

Besides music, Sofie enjoys running, cooking, sending mail, and exploring new places with friends and family.

Jake Jernigan is a professional musician with an overwhelming passion for music and helping others find their sound. In 2019, Jake graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Composi􏰀on & Technology. Jake worked for many years in the San Francisco Bay Area as a musician and private music instructor before relocati􏰀ng to the Eugene area. He has almost a decade of teaching experience, and is equipped to provide a wide variety of tools for beginners and professionals, alike. He specializes in Jazz Guitar, Improvisati􏰀on, Composi􏰀tion, and Music Theory; but also provides lessons for piano, ukulele, and bass.

In his own words, “Music is truly my greatest passion in life, and I want nothing but to help others find the same love that I have. Not only does music promote a stronger connec􏰀tion with yourself, it’s one of the greatest vessels of connec􏰀ting with others. I am so excited to help the members of our community develop a vibrant self-expression, and help stoke the passion of our next generatio􏰀on of musicians.”

Megha has an extensive vocal training background, dating back to when she was only four years old, where she began Carnatic (South Indian) classical vocal training. From a young age, Megha toured the US, Canada, and India. While pursuing her bachelor of arts in Music Education, she broadened her repertoire with Hindustani (North Indian classical), opera, jazz, pop, and R&B, while being an active member of the Gospel choir and Camerata chamber singers.

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Although she holds a doctorate in Physical Therapy, her first love is sharing her joy of music with others. Lessons with Megha focus on allowing you to pursue your artistic goals, specificied to your strengths.

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Megha is a licensed physical therapist who loves helping people heal and improving their quality of life. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, hiking, and meeting and connecting with people.