Jake Hanlon

Jake Hanlon is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in Atlantic Canada where he maintains an active career as a performer and educator frequently performing with regional and international acts.

Hanlon released Follow and Autumn Song (co-leads with Paul Tynan), both nominated for Jazz Recording of the Year by the ECMA. In 2019 Tynan and Hanlon expanded and joined forces with Greg Smith and Stephan LeViestro in the Netherlands to release Dual Chromatic: Beyond the Pale, a live recording. In 2021 Hanlon releases his co-leads project with his brother, Josh Hanlon, DFW-based pianist/composer.

Hanlon is an assistant professor of music at Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish Nova Scotia and has been a member of the faculty of music since 2008. As a member of the faculty, Hanlon teaches jazz guitar, music theory and Composition. His contributions to the visiting artist program has allowed him to perform with international artists such as Dave Liebman, Chad Wackerman, Tim Haggans, Peter Erskine, Andy LaVerne and more. Hanlon is an alumnus of the University of North Texas and Saint Francis Xavier. 

Hanlon has performed with canadian artists such as Paul Tynan, Mike Murley, Kirk MacDonald, Ethan Ardelli, Mike Rud, Diane Nalini and David Braid. He is available for events public and private as well as clinics in your area.

Teaching Testimonials

"His Students are in the best of hands."

John Stowell, International Jazz Artist

"I had the pleasure of having Jake Hanlon as an arranging teacher and group instructor at St. FX between 2008 and 2011. Jake was not only extremely knowledgeable but also a truly fantastic educator. Jake takes the time to ensure each student is truly understanding curriculum while encouraging all to embrace challenges and become stronger musicians. I feel very fortunate for his guidance in my life now that I am a member of the Canadian jazz community." 

Zoe Leger - Pianist, Singer, Composer/Songwriter based in Halifax NS

"When I was a budding jazz guitarist, Jake opened my eyes to the work of many great jazz guitarists and their styles. Through his immersive, practical approach to guitar instruction, I was not only provided with the requisite tools of a functional jazz guitarist, but I was able to grasp and work towards a more sophisticated approach to improvisation and musicality."

Matt MacDougall - Guitarist/Composer/Educator based in Nashville TN

"Jake Hanlon is among the top-tier of educators in music. He is well versed in the history of Jazz and plays guitar like a true professional. While I was under Jake's instruction, he taught me arranging with such clarity and honesty. The thing that stands out for me is how willing he is to give younger, less experienced students a chance. When I was beginning my career in music, Jake invited me to come play a few engagements around Antigonish with he and some other professors from the St.Francis Xavier Jazz program. You can't beat real life experience and Jake is well aware of that."

Dave Farrell - Bassist based in DFW Texas, USA

"Hanlon will always find time to play and share his musical knowledge. Thus, sparking interest in musicians young and old. His dedication to this music is both contagious and inspiring."

James Shaw - Saxophone/Composer in Halifax NS

“Jake Hanlon is an exceptional musician and knowledgeable teacher. Jake mentored and taught me while I was completing my undergrad at St. FX University and played a significant role in helping me advance my skills as a guitarist and overall musician. He went above and beyond his duty as a teacher and gave me opportunities I would not have had otherwise. If you were looking to improve your skills as a guitarist, I would highly recommend studying with him.”

Sammy Wilson - Guitarist/Composer in Halifax NS

"He has taken a lot of input from students and incorporated this into the material he selects for class discussions. Much of my memories from St. Francis Xavier come from the time spent in Jake's classes and bands. He maintains a professional, entertaining work environment which is necessary for any musician to flourish. I owe much of what I've gained from university to Jake."

Matt MacLennan - Bassist/Composer based in Halifax NS

"When I began studying with Jake I had the work ethic but lacked direction in my jazz guitar practice. Jake was able to immediately hone in on what I needed to get to the next level in my jazz playing. To this day I continue to implement his lessons within my own performing and teaching career."

Ben Holt - Guitarist/Composer based in DFW, Texas