Instrument/Department: Bagpipes/Woodwinds
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2023
When Jake was five years old, his parents knew something was off. He was carrying a fanny pack under his arm, and they didn’t know why. After some investigation, they discovered he was pretending it was a set of bagpipes. They found him a teacher, and he’s been a bagpiper since.
Jake has traveled the United States, Canada, and Scotland to compete, perform, and educate. He was a founding member of the Feadan Or Pipe Band in Rochester before competing with the world championship-winning 78th Fraser Highlanders in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jake is a grade-one solo competitor and has studied under some of the greatest living pipers, including John Cairns, Bill Livingstone, Jack Lee, Ken Eller, Donald Lindsay, Jim McGivillary, and many others.
Inspired by the instruction he’s received, Jake has been teaching students of his own for several years. Everyone learns differently, and Jake loves creating a specific learning plan that is best for each student’s needs. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, Jake can provide instruction for any level.
As a Hochstein alum, he is thrilled to be returning. In addition to bagpipes, he played saxophone in Hochstein’s Jazz Ensemble program under Dick Delaney for many years.
Jake is a lifelong Rochestarian and lives in Irondequoit with his partner, Colleen, and their three cats. When not bagpiping, you can find him tending to his garden, playing video games, or trying to figure out what’s for dinner. He holds a BA in History and Philosophy and an MS in Global Business and Leadership from Nazareth University.
Go Bills.
More About Jake Kwiatkowski
Hometown: Spencerport, NY
Why the arts matter: It’s the expression of what truly makes us human. To lose touch with it is to lose touch with our greatest gifts.
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At home with my partner and cats.
My favorite local restaurant: Too many to list. But Dogtown has the best plate in town.
Favorite TV Show: I’ve been a Trekkie since I was a kid. Live long and prosper, everyone.
What people would be surprised to know about me: Usually, my answer to this is “I’m a professional bagpiper…”