Instructors

Grant Sayler

Grant Sayler is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting and unique young guitarists in the Northwest. Grant, a Portland native, spent his childhood playing the violin. After seven years of classical study, Grant became infatuated with the sounds of rock and roll and his musical interests shifted to the guitar. After several years of noodling, he began studying the guitar seriously in 8th grade. During his sophomore year of high school Grant began studying jazz and improvisation with acclaimed musician and instructor Alan Jones; Alan has acted as Grant’s musical mentor ever since. Grant has studied with Alan Jones, Scott Pemberton, Ambrose Akinmusire, George Colligan, Ben Monder, Nir Felder, John Stowell, Tom Guarna, and many others. Influenced by the teaching styles and philosophies of his previous instructors, Grant teaches each student based on their individual desires and abilities and has taught both privately, and at The Northwest Academy. Currently, Grant is completing a degree in jazz performance at Portland State University and playing in many groups around Portland. During his career, Grant has had the honor of playing and recording with musicians such as Esperanza Spalding, George Colligan, Charles Mcpherson, Alan Jones, Darrell Grant, Mel Brown, Dan Balmer, John Gross, Thara Memory, and many more. Grant is a founding member of The Wishermen, a standout Portland Jazz Collective who recently recorded their sophomore album, soon to be released on Seattle’s Cavity Search Records.