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Jason picked up the guitar at age 9 and quickly knew it was his calling. Drawn to the precision of heavier music, he dove into bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, and Fates Warning, shaping his progressive metal style. At 14, he honed his skills and love for theory at the Denver Guitar Institute, studying scales, modes, chords, and songwriting. 

In his 20s, Jason co-founded The Quiet Room, a cutting-edge progressive metal band that signed with Metal Blade Records, released two albums, and toured the US and Canada alongside legends like Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Savatage. 

Beyond metal, Jason has a deep passion for acoustic guitar, mastering techniques in classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he’s known for his patient, customized approach, helping students of all levels achieve their musical goals in any style they choose.

Much like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, John’s Birthplace and passion for music began in the United Kingdom. With Scottish parents, one a graduate in physics and the other a classical musician, they would inspire him with musical artists such as Beethoven, Queen, Andrea Bocelli, and The Cranberries. Some of his oldest memories are of his mother playing Moonlight Sonata while he sat under the piano playing with legos. John moved to Sweden when he was 4, and North America when he was 9. He picked up the Saxophone in 3rd grade and on one faithful Christmas morning his first electric guitar. John began taking music lessons in Chester New Jersey and needless to say his destiny was forever changed. In high school his parents enrolled him at the Long Valley School of Rock. During his curriculum he started joining bands with paying gigs, studied at Berklee through scholarship programs, and after graduating Honors in Music Theory and Orchestra with Double Bass at Mendham High school, he became a School of Rock alumni. John went on to study Music Therapy and Psychology through the Jazz Guitar Performance Program at Montclair State University, as well as receive a Master Luthier Certification at the Summit School of Guitar Building and Repair in Vancouver Island Canada, where he also worked hosting open mics and playing in local bands. As many good stories come full circle, his trade schooling finished in Umeå with an internship at Jakobsson Guitars in back in Sweden. As a luthier John has worked with Breedlove Guitars as a Quality Control Specialist alongside instruments for the likes of Dave Mathews, and has built with Weber Mandolins for artists such as Keb Mo. John is a Luthier, Instructor, and performing artist with an avid musical career. Through his dedication to the art and cultivation of music, John has now come full circle to provide that same dedication towards teaching and nurturing his students at Allegro Music.