Jacob Whitchurch,
Jacob Whitchurch
Composition, French Horn, Trumpet
Teaching Philosophy
“As a music educator, here are some values that I strive for in my teaching:
- Discovery-based learning - My job is not only to teach students, but to help them learn. This happens most effectively as I help them discover true principles for themselves, rather than telling them all the answers.
- High support for high expectations - I firmly believe in each student’s ability to meet high expectations, but only with a robust battery of support, sensitivity, and kindness.
- Healthy mindsets - In addition to helping with performance anxiety and other mental health challenges, healthy attitudes and approaches can help every student have positive and successful experiences in music.
- Work smarter and harder - Best outcomes are achieved as best practices are adopted. There is no substitute for hard work, but as it is tempered by a thoughtful approach, students achieve success faster and more thoroughly.
- Life skills - Music has a unique way of teaching skills that will benefit students for life. I believe that studying music should help students become well-rounded and successful in all facets of their lives.
- Journey before destination - The process of learning is just as important as the end result. My job is not just to help students reach their goals, but to teach them the skills they need to get there.”
Biography
Jacob Whitchurch holds degrees from the University of Utah (BMU Music Composition, 2020) and Boston University (MM Music Composition, 2026) and is an active musician, teacher, and composer in the Boston area. Although his main area of study is music composition, he has continued to develop personal musicianship in conducting, trumpet performance, and music education.
Jacob graduated from American Fork High School in 2013 and went on to study music at both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. During that time, he was privileged to perform in many of their large ensembles and study under the tutelage of many experienced teachers. Upon graduating in 2020, he began in earnest a career in music education, working at American Fork Junior High as an assistant to the choir and band programs, staffing the nationally recognized American Fork High School Marching Band, and teaching private lessons. In late 2024, Jacob relocated to Boston to pursue and complete a master’s degree at Boston University, where he was privileged to teach undergraduate sections of aural skills and keyboard harmony.
Jacob has enjoyed an active and fulfilling career in music composition, where he has been privileged to work with many talented musicians, directors, composers, and students to have his pieces performed live. Jacob aspires to create uplifting experiences through the music he writes.
In his free time, Jacob enjoys working on custom Lego creations, playing new and interesting video games, nerding out about Star Wars and Lord of the Rings lore, and spending time with family and friends.
Jacob began teaching in 2018 and joined Note-worthy Experiences in July 2026.
