Your personalized 
pathway to music higher education

My name is Jacob John Kovacs. My friends, colleagues and clients call me "Jack." I live and work in Los Angeles and have been a professional musician for over fifteen years. As a recording guitarist and arranger, my credits include Lady Gaga, Masego, Matt Mason, Brian Hargrove, Rozzi Crane, Harry Mack, Rozwell Fitzroy, and countless others. For several years I was a member of the writing and instruction team at Fender Play, helping to produce hundreds of online tutorials and transcriptions for thousands of aspiring guitar players. I performed on TV's "Glee" and "Vanderpump Rules." To date, I have recorded three EPs as a solo artist.

 

When I was applying to music schools, I was rejected from two of my top three choices.

 

Though I was performing to the best of my ability at the time, there were many gaps in knowledge between myself, my private guitar teacher, and my mother (who herself is a school counselor of over 30 years); not just the answer to "Am I good enough?" -- But "How can I best convey my abilities and proficiencies?" Those rejections happened during the pre-screening process, and I never earned the chance to audition in person at those institutions. I was fortunate that my #1 choice and eventual Alma Mater, USC Thornton School of Music, conducted in-person auditions without a pre-screening. Today, nearly all major institutions require applicants to demonstrate their abilities via recording and video before the first in-person meeting even takes place.

​

For aspiring music students and their families, there will be what feels like an overwhelming number of tasks, factors and unknowns that accompany the music school application process. For their school counselors or private teachers, they may feel uncertain about giving advice when it comes to the specific needs pertaining to their students and the audition requirements that await them. This is why I founded SoundBound Prep: to offer my technical skills and accumulated wisdom from years in the music industry, as a resource for aspiring musicians, their families, and support network. I'm here to offer perspective, connect you to that life-changing private teacher, or produce and mix a recording or video that showcases your talents on a whole new level. 

​

If you are an aspiring music student, I understand how you feel if you're just exploring what it means to study music, and potentially have a career in this spectacular field. I'll never forget returning from the Berklee 5-Week summer program my sophomore year of high school, and knowing deep within my heart I could do nothing else but pursue music. If you're the parents, teacher or school counselor of such an audacious spirit, you may have wondered how to be encouraging and supportive, but realistic and knowledgeable about expectations and the logistical challenges that lie ahead. I invite you to read on about my services, or better yet set up a time to meet with me for a free 15-minute consultation.