"I am about to enter my third year as a student of Dr. David Jacobs. I have had many teachers in my life and Dr. Jacobs has stood out amongst them as an instructor who has made an incredible impact on me as a conductor, musician, and person. Conducting is an art form that is incredibly difficult to understand and master for oneself, let alone to understand it enough to be able to teach it effectively. Dr. Jacobs understands conducting on a very deep and visceral level and is able to adapt and mold himself as an instructor to fit your needs as a person learning to conduct. I have watched him change his teaching style to best fit my needs and to whomever he is teaching. Above all, I have felt valued and respected as his student and assistant these past two years. Dr. Jacobs has been open and generous with his knowledge and resources, constantly giving me opportunities to get on the podium and setting up professional work for me. Years from now, I will look back on my time at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance and feel immense gratitude to have studied with him."
- Daniel Cho, current student, class of 2022
"It is hard to overstate how much I learned in the two years I spent at the University of Oregon. Dr. Jacobs has built a Master's program that eclipses most DMA positions in podium time, industry opportunities, and high-level instruction. Dr. Jacobs is a patient, compassionate, and highly competent instructor who always makes time for his students. Quite frankly, there are very few instructors out there who understand the craft of conducting as well as him. This program is a hidden gem!"
- Jonathan DeBruyn, MM Orchestral Conducting 2019
“The amount of experience and practical podium time I was given as a conducting student at the University of Oregon was truly remarkable, and most importantly - it reflected the realities of everyday life as a conductor. There are so many opportunities to conduct at UO as well as the surrounding Eugene community. Dr. Jacobs works tirelessly to help his students understand the art of conducting an orchestra in all its facets, from the practical preparation of parts to bowings, to rehearsing and the concert itself. The education is holistic, rigorous, and jam-packed with opportunities to grow and learn. I enjoyed my time at UO immensely.”
- Evan Harger, MM Orchestral Conducting 2017, ABD Michigan State University, Director of Orchestral Activities at Marywood University and Associate Conductor for the Maryland Chamber Winds; Recently presented at the Oxford International Conducting Studies Conference
"The Orchestral Conducting program at the University of Oregon pairs outstanding education with extraordinary opportunities. Extensive experience on the podium, detailed feedback, and meaningful arts leadership training combine for a holistic approach to teaching the next generation of conductors to direct ensembles at every level. Students have the opportunity to conduct multiple orchestras, engage with new music through the university's composer's forum, and gain invaluable knowledge about everything a conductor does without a baton. In all endeavors, it is the exceptional teaching of Dr. David Jacobs that makes the program a standout in an otherwise crowded field of graduate schools across the country. He is invested in the success of his students, gives detailed and meaningful feedback, and provides individual lessons as well as real-time coaching in front of the ensembles. Dr. Jacobs prepared me for auditions, employment, and a lifetime on the podium. He's the kind of mentor that every aspiring conductor is searching for. After my time in UO's conducting program, I was immediately hired as music director of a small symphony orchestra and shortly thereafter invited to a doctoral program in conducting on a full scholarship. Serving as an assistant conductor for the University of Oregon's orchestras is the kind of rare and rewarding opportunity conductors simply shouldn't overlook."
- Zeke Fetrow, MM Orchestral Conducting 2015, DMA Eastman School of Music 2020