Tom Jacobs

Tom Jacobs is a former senior staff writer for Santa Barbara-based Pacific Standard magazine, and a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Daily News and Santa Barbara News-Press. He tracks and analyzes trends in the arts and social sciences, with an emphasis on psychology, the role of culture and the cultivation of creativity. A native of Chicago, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University.

Articles By This Author

Weston Sprott

Artist Spotlight

As in Any Other Field, Black Orchestral Musicians Are Held Back by Racism, Weston Sprott Argues

Tom Jacobs - September 5, 2023

The Met Opera trombonist has a bird’s-eye view of the industry from teaching at Juilliard and Santa Barbara’s Music Academy.

Camerata Pacifica Season Brings Top Talent to SoCal

Tom Jacobs - August 29, 2023

Accordion virtuoso Julien Labro and percussionist Ji Hye Jung lead an impressive lineup that also includes a new in-house Baroque ensemble.

Samuel Carl Adams

Artist Spotlight

For Samuel Carl Adams, a Composer Is Both Architect and Bricklayer

Tom Jacobs - August 21, 2023

The San Francisco native reflects on his inspirations, his writing process, and finding his own musical voice.

Jacaranda Chamber Ensemble

Jacaranda’s 20th Season Will Be Its Last

Tom Jacobs - August 7, 2023

The creative and cutting-edge Santa Monica concert series will be shuttering in February 2024.

Erin Keefe

Artist Spotlight

Violinist Erin Keefe on the Musician as Translator

Tom Jacobs - July 25, 2023

The acclaimed concertmaster, who’s in La Jolla this month and next for SummerFest, talks about balancing her orchestral and chamber roles.

Eugene Izotov

Artist Spotlight

Eugene Izotov: Technique, Artistry, and Courage on Oboe

Tom Jacobs - July 10, 2023

The SF Symphony principal chats with SFCV about cultivating passion for his instrument, both as a performer and teacher.

Calidore String Quartet

The Deep Humanity of Beethoven’s String Quartets

Tom Jacobs - July 10, 2023

Music@Menlo has structured this year’s festival around a performance of the complete cycle by the Calidore Quartet.

At USC, Research Shows the Benefits of Music Extend From Childhood to Old Age

Tom Jacobs - June 6, 2023

The university’s Brain and Creativity Institute and classical station KUSC collaborate on a concert and panel discussion.

Kaija Saariaho

Classical World Mourns Death of Composer Kaija Saariaho

Tom Jacobs - June 5, 2023

There will be an added poignancy to the San Francisco Symphony’s performances of Adriana Mater this week.

Gustavo Dudamel

Gustavo Dudamel Says “Au Revoir” to Paris

Tom Jacobs - May 30, 2023

The in-demand conductor is resigning from his position at the Paris Opera after just two seasons.