Shipra Mathur
Studio Coordinator
Shipra was born and raised in India and brings over 20 years of expertise in marketing and public relations. A passionate traveler and dedicated foodie, she finds inspiration in exploring new cultures and cuisines.
Shipra joined School of Rock Pleasanton as a way to give back and nurture her love for creativity and music. She finds working with the amazing team and trusted brand School of Rock to be very fulfilling. She is also the co-founder of Monday Chill, a luxury sustainable apparel brand for adults and children, where she channels her commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical fashion.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Shipra is a proud mother to two spirited teenagers, balancing her professional journey with the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Mike Stephens
Drum Teacher
Mike Stephens has been passionate about drums since the age of nine, when he first heard the thunderous beat of a bass drum and was instantly hooked. Growing up in North Pole, Alaska, Mike played in the local band Righteous Alliance, and earned a reputation as a standout drummer in the area.
After high school, Mike relocated to Los Angeles to study at the prestigious Percussion Institute of Musician's Institute (MIT) in Hollywood, California. While in L.A., he performed in a variety of original bands, from the heavy metal sounds of Stealth to the alternative rock vibes of Liquid Vision. He went on to record an independent album with the band Sweet William under Denali Records and toured extensively throughout the L.A. music scene. Mike now lives in Pleasant Hill, California, where he has been the drummer for the band DDA for the past fifteen years.
In addition to his performing career, Mike has been a dedicated drum instructor since his early days in Alaska. His lifelong love of drumming and live performance fuels his enthusiasm for teaching, and he is excited to bring his experience and energy to School of Rock Pleasanton.
Kevin Seal
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Kevin Seal is a songwriter, producer, and singer who plays a variety of woodwinds and keyboard-based instruments. He led music instruction at the Raskob Institute for Holy Names University, and at East Bay School for Boys in Berkeley. When not teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, he is the arena organist for the San Jose Sharks, and performs original music with his band, Seal Party.
As a performer, he has toured in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has recorded on hundreds of studio projects across many genres. Kevin is an alumnus of Indiana University (Jacobs School of Music), and went to UC-Berkeley for graduate school.
Dmitry Novokhatskiy
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dmitry is a versatile instructor, performing musician, and songwriter with over 20 years of experience in rock and metal music. He has spent five years teaching guitar both privately and in music schools across Europe and the U.S., helping students of all levels develop their skills and ignite their passion for music.
As a performing artist, he has released multiple albums with his band, as well as solo projects, blending elements of various rock and metal subgenres. His extensive live performance and studio experience allow him to bring real-world knowledge and energy into every lesson.
Dmitry is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Pleasanton, focusing on developing both technical skills and musical creativity. Dmitry’s mission? To inspire, push, and unleash the rockstar in every student.
Diego Soto
Drum Teacher
Diego Soto is a dynamic recording and performing drummer based in the Bay Area, known for his versatility, groove, and passion for rhythm. His musical journey began in local school bands at HPMS and Amador Valley, eventually leading him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Drum Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in May 2024.
Diego draws inspiration from a wide range of styles; R&B, hip-hop, funk, and rock are just a few of his go-to genres, but his love for music transcends labels. Whether he's on stage, in the studio, or behind the kit teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, Diego brings energy, precision, and heart to every beat.
Beyond performance, Diego is a dedicated advocate for musicality and collaboration. He emphasizes the drummer's vital role in serving the music, supporting the groove, elevating the ensemble, and always playing with purpose.
Lindsey Riddle
Vocal Teacher
Lindsey is a singer-songwriter with a background in choral, classical, and sacred music. She got her start in music singing at church and in school choirs, and playing classic rock songs around the campfire with her family. She went on to study music at California Lutheran University and is classically trained in vocal performance. During college, she performed and toured with the CLU Choir, sang alto in the University Quartet, and was a vocalist in other bands and groups.
After college, Lindsey dove more into her singer-songwriter roots- writing, recording, and performing her own music. Her latest EP, Along the Way, released in June 2024. Some of her favorite artists and music influences include Brandi Carlile. Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, and The Beatles. Lindsey is also an experienced vocal teacher, and loves to share her passion for singing through teaching music at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Franklin Vasquez
Guitar Teacher
Franklin Vasquez is a dynamic and versatile guitarist based in San Francisco, celebrated for his high-energy performances and eclectic musical style. With his mint green Fender Stratocaster in hand, he captivates audiences with his charismatic stage presence and infectious energy.
Originally from New York City, Franklin studied music and guitar at NYU and was in various local rock bands playing the Downtown NY scene at clubs like CBGB's, Brownies, Webster Hall and more. As a member of the Bay Area band, Pop Rocks, Franklin contributes to a unique blend of '80s and '90s-inspired music that resonates with a diverse audience. The band's performances are characterized by their "universal party music," offering something for everyone and creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond his work with Pop Rocks, Franklin has been involved in various musical projects, showcasing his adaptability and passion for music. Whether performing on stage, collaborating with fellow musicians or teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, Franklin Vasquez continues to be a prominent figure in the San Francisco music community, known for his commitment to delivering memorable and electrifying performances.
Monique Horyza
Music Director
Monique was born a natural keyboardist and music lover. Before she could read, she could play piano. She began Classical piano lessons with a private instructor at the age of 4. Graduating top of her class in 2011 with an Associate’s Degree in Keyboard Technology from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, she is now a professional-level keyboardist with the ability to play keys and piano in any genre or style of music. At advanced levels, she understands music theory, composition, live sound, digital music, music production, and music directing.
Monique has played keys live and in studio recording sessions for multiple artists in Sacramento and Los Angeles. For years she also has been writing, recording, producing, and releasing her own music while working in multiple personal projects such as 'Adequate' and 'Inside the Sun.' In December 2021, Monique was hired at School of Rock Sacramento as a Keyboard + Piano teacher and Core Program Director, and in September 2025, she was promoted to Music Director at School of Rock Pleasanton. She is happy and eager to work alongside talented musicians to help passionate students achieve all their musical dreams.
Dawud Coleman
Studio Coordinator
Born and raised in the East Bay Area, Dawud has been invested in the arts since birth. Previously, he was a member of the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and his high school's Multimedia Academy before graduating from SAE Expressions College with the focus of Live Sound and Audio.
Alongside his artistry, he also brings years of expertise in program coordination and client relations. As a passionate digital media enthusiast, he finds inspiration by diving into new worlds created through various visual and audio means. Dawud joined School of Rock Pleasanton to give back to the youth and become a supportive figure, ensuring newer generations have a safe space to find community and find joy in the creative process.
Jaidon Ranieri
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jaidon Ranieri is a bass guitar teacher, guitar teacher, vocal teacher, drum teacher, and a keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Vinny Garrett
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Vinny Garrett is a bass guitar teacher, guitar teacher, vocal teacher, drum teacher, and a keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Ben Levine
Owner
Ben Levine is a Bay Area native and seasoned bassist with over 40 years of experience. A USC Music Master's graduate and Pi Kappa Phi honoree, Ben made his mark recording five albums with the acclaimed bluegrass tribute band Honeywagon, whose Green Day Blue Grass hit #3 on the Billboard bluegrass charts. He toured for over a decade with top-tier country artists, performing across all 50 states and internationally in Europe, Canada, Mexico, Greenland, and China. Since 2012, Ben has anchored himself in the Bay Area, teaching at Diablo Valley College and rocking stages with leading cover and tribute bands. Now, as the founder of School of Rock Pleasanton, he's passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians in his hometown community.
Anna-Lei Jones
Vocal Teacher, Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Anna-Lei is a vocal teacher, Little Wing teacher, and Rookies teacher at School of Rock Pleasanton.