Jeremy’s lifelong passion for music began with his early fascination for his father’s favorite oldies radio show. From a young age, he would envision himself playing guitar with a makeshift instrument, dancing around the living room. His first attempt to learn saxophone in elementary school was thwarted by an instrument in disrepair and underdeveloped practice habits.
At 16, Jeremy received an electric guitar for Christmas, igniting his musical journey. Initially learning songs from friends, he soon developed a knack for playing by ear. Motivated by an article extolling the benefits of music theory, Jeremy taught himself to read music and earned a scholarship to study classical guitar at Brevard College. There, under the tutelage of David Stevenson, he also began delving into music theory. After completing his associate’s degree in fine arts, Jeremy pursued a bachelor’s in Jazz Studies at the University of North Carolina in Asheville, studying under Tim Haden.
Upon graduating, Jeremy returned to Brevard College as a Jazz guitar instructor and taught at Pisgah Academy. During this period, he collaborated with a local vocalist, played in bands covering both classics and original compositions.
In 2001, Jeremy relocated to Chicago to spearhead his own project, forming the band 3 Too Far, which produced original music and released the album “Leebo’s Kitchen.” After the band disbanded, Jeremy refocused on classical guitar. He earned his Masters of Music in Guitar Performance from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, studying with Anne Waller. His time at Northwestern included performances with the Symphony Orchestra and Contemporary Music Ensemble, as well as solo and chamber ensemble engagements. Jeremy honed his craft through masterclasses with acclaimed artists such as Oscar Ghiglia, Eliot Fisk, the Beijing Duo, and Christopher Berg.
Parallel to his studies, Jeremy immersed himself in teaching, embracing the Suzuki method under Marylou Roberts and Musikgarten for early childhood music education. In Chicago, he taught at institutions like the Music Institute of Chicago, DePaul University’s Community Music Division, Chicago Waldorf School, and Fox River Academy of Music and Art.
In 2017, drawn back by his love for nature, Jeremy returned to Asheville, where he established his teaching studio, Lessons by Jeremy. Here, he continues to share his passion for music with students while occasionally performing solo or with ensembles, including the Asheville Community Guitar Orchestra.