Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Schlueter.
Hi Jake, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story has really always revolved around music. I started playing music when I was young, and over time I became increasingly interested in not just performing, but understanding how music was made. That eventually led me into music production, recording, and teaching.
For more than a decade, I’ve worked as a music educator, producer, and performer, teaching students everything from basic musicianship to recording and production. I eventually started building my own small teaching and production studio, Gert Dog Studios, here in Portland, where I work with artists and students and get to combine a lot of the things I love about music.
I also recently completed my Master’s in Music Production through Berklee College of Music, which was a pretty major milestone for me. My graduate work gave me the opportunity to really dive deeper into music production, develop my skills as a mix engineer and producer, and expand my teaching to the collegiate level.
I haven’t forgotten about the performance side of things, though. I play bass in a ’90s grunge cover band called Volume Plan, and I’m also in the early stages of putting together an original band focused on punk rock. It’s been fun to keep performing while continuing to grow on the production and teaching sides of music.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges are inevitable in any aspect of life, but I’ve found that working in a field I genuinely love makes those challenges much easier to navigate. Making a living in music is certainly not easy, and there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. But I try to keep things in perspective. My “work” rarely feels like work, and I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my time doing something I love. Whether I’m teaching, producing, or working with an artist, I get a lot of fulfillment from helping musicians grow and find the best version of themselves.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my private studio, I teach students of all ages in guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, clarinet, songwriting, and music production. I also work with artists who are ready to take their music to the next level, offering recording, production, mixing, and mastering services to help them bring their ideas to life and put their music out into the world. In addition to my private teaching, I teach, or have taught, music production courses through Oregon State University and Portland Community College Community Education. I really enjoy the variety of my work; no two days are quite the same, and I get to work with people at all different stages of their musical journeys.
I have so many great stories and experiences that have made me incredibly proud of the work I do. One student began lessons with me knowing only a handful of guitar chords. A year and a half later, they had released a full-length album that I produced. Seeing the growth from learning the basics to creating and sharing an entire body of work is incredibly rewarding.
Another student came to me for guitar lessons after experiencing a traumatic brain injury more than twenty years ago and going through a particularly difficult period in their life. Over time, they told me that the progress they made through learning guitar had helped change their overall perspective on life. That really stuck with me. Music can be about developing a skill, but it can also give people a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection.
And finally, making music is fantastic, but getting to make music with your friends is even better. I had the opportunity to produce an EP with a group of my friends called Bengal Palace, and it’s the body of work I’m most proud of. Being able to combine my love of music production with the friendships and relationships I’ve built through music made that project especially meaningful.
Link to Bengal Palace EP: https://open.spotify.com/album/0x77DLIR4hklfl6kEgw9uD?si=Ny_C322DRUyajhFhaOicFQ
I genuinely believe that everyone is capable of making music they can be proud of. Oftentimes, the biggest obstacle standing in the way is our own self-doubt. My approach is rooted in patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm, with the goal of helping every student feel confident in their abilities and excited to discover their own voice.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m lucky as can be! I have close to 20 guitars, and I’m able to record and produce music on my own in my studio. It’s pretty much everything I dreamed of having as a kid. My studio is also right next door to my wife’s office, which has been incredible. And, of course, I have a sweet little studio dog named Ellie, who serves as my very important assistant!
Pricing:
- Music Lessons: $35 per half hour
- Production Fees: Vary on number of songs and complexity, but very reasonable compared to big studios.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gertdogstudios.com
- Instagram: @gertdogstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gertdogstudios/
