Jake has been performing since the age of nine and feels most fortunate that he has been able to make his living doing what he loves. In addition to his playing career, he has over forty years of teaching experience. Although recently retired from Oakton Community College, where he spent 21 years building the schools instrumental program, giving private percussion lessons, conducting jazz study classes, and directing percussion ensembles and jazz bands, Jake never puts his sticks down. Today he spends his time composing new books, playing on a freelance basis, and conducting clinics around the country.

Many of his students have gone on to become professional musicians, recording artists, and teachers, such as: vibist, Dave Samuels of Spyro Gyra fame, and John Haas, a Peabody University music educator & tympanist for the New York Symphonic Pop Orchestra. Jerger loves to hear from these former students, as well as those who went on to other fields. One of Jake's favorite 'old' student calls came from Dr. Ben Miller, the percussion instructor at Marshall University. Miller insisted that Jake watch the network news that evening for a big surprise. When he tuned in, Jake saw Miller's university drummers performing his 54 Heads Drum Battle on the helmets of the school's football team. Needless to say, showmanship was always a part of Jerger's lesson agenda.

Throughout his career, Jake Jerger has worn many hats - studio musician, side man, composer, clinician, product endorsee, contractor, and consultant - but what fits him best is that of teacher. Teaching provided him with the best creative forum and professional gratification. This is why he still enjoys conducting clinics, "...doing them, is like giving one great big latin, wire brush, drum set, or mallet lesson all at once," says Jake. "And, it gives me another opportunity to prove what I have always believed, that, drummers are muscians too!" For Clinics & Concerts: contact Jake via via e-mail or phone.

Compositions available thru Jake:

18 HEADS 36 HEADS 54 HEADS
Drum Battles for 2, 4, & 6 Sets
See Music Samples for more info

BONGO PLAYING MADE EASY
A great book for self-teaching the basics of bongo playing.

Coming Soon
from the Opus Percussion Series:

PUTTING IT TOGETHER PIECE BY PIECE
Jake's must have jazz ensemble guide featuring latin percussion with demo cd.