About Jake
Jake Farr, Owner/Instructor
Jake Farr is a guitarist, songwriter, and teacher based out of Austin, Tx. He mentors over 70 people every week, hosts the Songwriters' Open Mic & Showcases at the Cactus Cafe, and performs at various listening rooms around the city.
Originally from Lubbock, Jake began teaching guitar lessons out of his parents living room at the age of 16 and never back. During his classical training at Texas Tech University, He studied renowned classical guitarists David Brandon
and Pepe Romero and regularly spent 4-6 hours a day practicing his craft in the basement of the music school. It was during this period that he wrote and recorded his first two albums, Antique Shoppe (2014) and Seasons (2015) and began performing and teaching across the city. From ages twenty to twenty-four, he taught in David Brandon's private studio, the Buddy Holly Center, The Underwood Center for the Arts, and Lubbock Christian University.
The following autumn, Jake moved to Austin, Tx and immersed himself the vibrant musical culture. He spent late nights teaching in his studio, playing gigs, and getting to know other artists. After a few years of playing coffee shops, bars, and house concerts, Jake booked his first residency with C3 at the Historic Scoot Inn (2019). Every show began with a cocktail hour and featured various musicians, poets, artists, and magicians alongside Jake’s music to create dream-like art shows he began calling “Jake Farr’s Parlor Show.” As the world shut down in 2020, He pivoted to creating online shows and collaborated with local Austin legends like Jon Dee Graham, BettySoo, and Ray Bonneville in his virtual listening room.
After the release of his third album, Novella, in early 2022, Jake landed a permanent residency at Austin’s finest listening room, The Cactus Cafe. In his work with the Cactus, Jake created and hosts the Songwriters’ Open Mic, seasonal songwriter showcases, and his own annual Parlor Show. In 2023 and 2026, Jake was awarded grants from the City of Austin Live Music Fund to put on more shows throughout the city to preserve the culture of Austin's live music scene. In 2025 Jake release his fourth studio album, Hollowed Out Book.
Currently, Jake is recording his 4th full length album with Justin Douglas at King Electric Recording, writing a fantasy novel, mentoring musicians from around the world, and living in the woods just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
I’m in my 50’s and just started playing a few years ago. Jake has been the perfect teacher, I feel like I’m learning guitar from an old friend. He’s extremely knowledgeable, encouraging and just a great overall teacher and coach. He’s helped me overcome hurdles I never thought I’d achieve and every week I come home fired up to learn a new skill.
Jake has given me the confidence to pick up an instrument and feel like I have the ability to play, learn, and develop. I’m 45 and always assumed it was way too late for me to learn, but Jake, with his simple but super effective methodology, has taught me the basics and brought me up to fluid playing without me even realizing it. His unwavering positivity and encouragement have driven me to realize my dream. Several thumbs up, couldn’t recommend him enough.
After several years of "playing" guitar with no training, I started getting frustrated with the lack of progress. I finally decided to get serious and I'm glad I went with GuitarWise. Jake is a very keen teacher, which is exactly what I needed. I've made more progress in the past couple of months than I did in years on my own. More importantly it's been a lot of fun.
Feeling I had reached a plateau in what youtube videos and tabs could teach me, I was looking for external guidance to get out of the rut. With Jake’s help over the past year I am growing as a guitarist faster than ever. He’s demystified songwriting, improvisation, and music theory. I’ve achieved goals that seemed intangible a year ago. I’ve played (and sang!) in front of other students...
I’m so happy I stumbled upon Jake’s location after seeing a sign while driving past the building where lessons are held. Jake has been a great instructor as I transition back into guitar and hone in on some skills. He is patient, music style receptive, and quite knowledgeable in his expertise. Thank you Jake!
Jake is an accomplished guitarist. More importantly he has the ability to teach others. He is organized and has a plan for each of his students. In the year I have worked with him my playing has improved dramatically.