Jared
General Manager
Jared grew up in the Bay Area, where he began his musical journey by taking piano lessons at his elementary school. At age 12 he picked up a guitar and it was love at first sight. His first teacher gave him the tools to learn and play his favorite songs by ear, a skill he would continue to hone over the next 25 years. His next teacher brought Jared back to the fundamentals, teaching him the scales and techniques that would further develop his style and dramatically enhance his playing. He formed a short-lived ska band as a freshman in high school and then moved on to start a pop-punk quartet with his brother Ryan on drums. He played his first live shows, recorded his first EP with this group, and developed a passion for songwriting and performance.
Years later, Jared became a founding member of the Sacramento Rock band Smirker, a band whose influences include The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, Ween and many others. Jared began as the band's bassist and quickly developed a fondness for the instrument. Smirker, whose shows were composed of both cover songs and originals, played frequent gigs in the greater Sacramento area and went on to record their own EP. Jared brings over 25 years of guitar playing and over 15 years of performance experience to the School of Rock in Sacramento and looks forward to continuing his musical journey there for years to come.
Adam
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Adam began playing guitar at 17 and started writing songs and recording demos within a few years at his San Diego, California home. As his skills increased he began collaborating with other musicians and experimenting with different musical styles. For several years he operated a home-based project studio, producing and recording rock, indie, and underground hip-hop music with several local artists. During this time he also learned live sound and technical theater while working at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Later, Adam began working with young children, teaching music fundamentals and performing in preschools and classrooms. He rediscovered the thrill of performing and joined a few tribute and cover bands before finding his
home with local cover band The Deviant Strays as their sole guitarist.
Adam has experience in blues, funk, soul, country, folk, bluegrass, and Hawaiian slack-key music, but classic rock is and always has been his main inspiration. He hopes to pass on his love of music to the next generation of rockers at School of Rock Sacramento!
Mady
Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Mady was raised on rock and roll and was a singer from the start. She quickly started some gigging bands in high school and eventually followed her musical passions to college where she got a music degree in vocal performance. Throughout her years as a working musician, she has played a variety of gig settings including private shows, pubs, restaurants, and wineries, and performed national anthems for various collegiate and professional league sports including the MLB and NBA leagues. Outside of singing, she has played guitar, bass, piano, harmonica, and ukulele in professional settings.
She was introduced to teaching in high school and continued to teach privately through college and was the lead counselor and coordinator for Cal Poly SLO Music Camp for high school-age students. She is also involved in various music festivals, both based on classical and popular music. She is still actively playing music in Sacramento, the Bay Area, and the Central Coast as well as teaching.
Angel
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Angel began his musical journey when he purchased his first album in 1982, Michael Jackson's "Thriller." He immediately begged his parents for piano lessons and, although short-lived, these lessons solidified his yearning to be a musician. High school choirs tuned his voice but it wasn't until Angel got his first guitar as a junior that he finally found his calling.
During his 13-year stint as the lead singer and guitarist for the Bay Area band Mystic Rage, Angel also earned his bachelor's degree in Studio Recording and Sound Design. Additionally, he played in countless venues in California and Nevada, opening for bands like Slayer, Slipknot, Blue Oyster Cult, and more.
Angel became the guitarist and one of the main songwriters for the band A Million Exploding Suns. Now in a new band, Zero Day Threat, he has 100% creative control. Angel brings over 20 years of combined experience in performing, writing, engineering, and teaching at the School of Rock in Sacramento. He is passionate about imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Daegan
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Daegan began their musical journey over a decade ago, with the gift of a bass guitar. Immediately, they flocked to the stylistic approaches of Les Claypool, Flea, Justin Chancellor, and Victor Wooten. After a short while, Daegan took an avid interest in percussion. A hand-me-down drum set and practice pad granted them the ability to begin their percussive journey. Nearly 7 years later, Daegan is now a competent drummer, taking influence from the likes of Benny Greb, Danny Carey, Neil Peart, Larnell Lewis, Sarah Thawer, and many more. Daegan holds a deep passion for music and strives to bring the same drive and enthusiasm into each lesson.
Logan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Logan began playing guitar at age 10 due to his love of heavy metal and '90s alternative rock. He decided to take his guitar playing to the next level once he entered high school by joining the jazz band and discovering his love of performance and music theory.
In college, Logan was involved in classical and jazz ensembles and took up classical guitar training. He is currently in an indie rock band and his greatest guitar inspirations are Thurston Moore, Kevin Shields, and Stephen Malkmus.
Alyssa
Studio Coordinator
Alyssa is a dynamic Studio Coordinator and Rookies instructor at the School of Rock in Sacramento. Growing up in a family of passionate mariachi musicians, they were immersed in music from a young age.
Their journey, however, took an exciting turn as they discovered a deep passion for jazz and R&B. Pursuing this new love with fervor, Alyssa is currently studying at the college level, eagerly absorbing every nuance of these genres and honing their craft. Their academic pursuits are matched by a hands-on approach to music, having played in various bands and coordinated numerous live music events.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, Alyssa has extensive experience working with children with special needs. This background has cultivated their ability to create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment for all students. Their patience, creativity, and understanding make them an exceptional guide for our youngest learners. Their expertise in coordinating live music events also ensures that our school’s performances are always top-notch and memorable.
With a background that bridges traditional and contemporary music, Alyssa is dedicated to sharing their passion and knowledge, inspiring students, and fostering a vibrant musical community at School of Rock.
Landon
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Landon was born and raised in Woodland, California where he got his musical start at the age of 9. In third grade, he picked up the saxophone, but It wasn't until he started playing guitar that his passion for music truly ignited. He began to live almost a double-music life; classical and jazz in school, then rock and metal at home. In high school he was in ensembles like drumline and pit orchestra for the musicals Matilda, Beauty and the Beast, and Mean Girls. At home, he was learning some blazing-fast Metallica riffs and all 22 minutes of 2112 Overture. Landon takes massive influences from the likes of Nuno Bettencourt, Chuck Schuldiner, James Hetfield, Les Claypool, and others, using their influences as well as his own passion for music every single day in the lesson room.
Sierra
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher
Sierra is originally from the East Bay Area but grew up in Sacramento for most of her life. Sierra has been in love with singing ever since she watched Phantom of the Opera for the first time at 8 years old. This slowly opened her up to discovering more musical theater and finding her voice in music. In recent years, Sierra has mainly focused all of her energy on her passion for singing. She was self-taught for most of her teenage years but has been trained in operatic singing since the age of 19, and has continued her vocal journey in the Broadway/Musical Theater genre with other instructors over the years. Sierra's main goal in teaching is to help each person find confidence in their own voice and express themselves freely through their singing. Now, Sierra is able to immerse herself in her passion while working as a singing teacher here at the School of Rock in Sacramento!
Zelalem
Drum Teacher
Hey there, I'm Zelalem! I am a drum instructor. I enjoy playing funk, jazz, samba, R&B/hip-hop, and rock. I also play a little guitar and keys. In my free time, I love cooking and watching movies.
Anthony
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Anthony, also known by his stage name, “Antwon Vinnie,” is a Sacramento artist and musician. He has many passions and interests including but not limited to skateboarding, filmmaking, rock climbing, building things, making hats, solving Rubik’s Cubes, and of course, music. Anthony was introduced to music by his older brother and became obsessed with AC/DC. Inspired to want to learn the guitar, he was gifted a red Epiphone SG. His brother taught him the basics, and his Uncle Vin from Canada taught him to play the blues in E.
Later, Anthony transitioned to the piano, performing at his school's talent shows and jazz band. Eventually, he discovered a love for hip-hop and expressing his thoughts and feelings through rap. Anthony taught himself the art of lyricism and beat-making. Since then he has released many singles, a mixtape, a self-produced EP, and three self-produced full-length albums.
After nine years of rapping, Anthony decided to chase his long-time dream of playing in a rock band. He teamed up with some good friends and formed the band Pet Elephant. Though Anthony suffers from a neurological disease called MS, he doesn’t let it slow him down one bit when it comes to doing the things he loves to the max. Anthony is excited to teach and learn from his School of Rock in Sacramento students.
Ian
Drum Teacher
Enamored with the bombastic energy of punk rock from an early age, Ian started tapping along with Green Day’s “Dookie” and “Smash” by The Offspring on whatever he could. Over time, the tapping snowballed into a practice pad and a pair of sticks, to lessons with an industry veteran, to the drum kit, and four years in the high school drum line.
Two decades later, that punk rock energy, ethos, and enthusiasm have influenced his playing in a number of groups across genres, ranging from a little bit of time on the road with a hardcore band to the more introspective, indie rock feel of his current project - Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds.
Jessa
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jessa earned her BA in Music from Saint Mary’s College of California. With a focus on vocal technique and performance, she took part in the glee, chamber, and vocal jazz groups alongside working on her solo technique and putting on her senior recital in the spring of 2023. She also took piano classes and strengthened various classical and contemporary techniques to supplement this.
Jessa has loved music and performing for a long time, but her exposure to Estill Voice Training during her time at Saint Mary’s has allowed her to explore the full potential of the voice. She was previously a voice and keys instructor at the School of Rock in Walnut Creek and is ready to continue her journey at the School of Rock in Sacramento. She is excited to work with students as they discover what they are capable of and to help them achieve their goals!
Sean
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Sean is a talented multi-instrumentalist mainly focusing on keys and guitar, but also knows bass and more! He is currently gigging with his band, Bummer Dude, around the Sacramento area and produces his own music. His main musical inspiration is HIS DAD!
Nick
Drum Teacher
Nick is a drum instructor at the School of Rock in Sacramento who currently attends college and creates songs. He started his musical journey on a set of drums obtained from Facebook marketplace, with his first song ever learned being ATWA by System of a Down. A School of Rock Roseville alum, Nick leapt in skill during his first 4 years of drumming, 2 years of vocals, 8 seasons of the Performance Program, and 1 year of membership in School of Rock Roseville's house band: Hazmat, frequently collaborating with other musical programs and events. Nick has also gained a lot of knowledge of the musical world with his experiences in his former rock band: Ultraviolet, and former metal band: Gore. He now writes music and plays local shows with his current band: Final Straw, and attends college classes full-time at American River College.
Chris
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Christopher was born in Sacramento and raised in Elk Grove, California. Ever since his uncle bought him his first guitar, he knew he wanted to be a musician. He took his first guitar lessons, then took up saxophone in middle school and high school, and eventually took piano lessons.
After high school, Christopher attended Sacramento City College and earned two AA degrees in Commercial Songwriting and Commercial Performance. Now a certified music-maker, he is determined to share his love of piano, keyboard, and songwriting with his students at the School of Rock in Sacramento.
Kayla
Vocal Teacher
Kayla has spent over 12 years of choir, started recording music at the age of eight years old. Before joining School of Rock Sacramento, she was a student at School of Rock Elk Grove for over four years, and participated in the Performance Program for 13 seasons and House Band for five terms. Her favorite music genres are R&B, Pop, Reggae, and Jazz.
Alice
Studio Coordinator
According to her mother, Alice started singing when she was born. Alice can remember a tune after hearing it once and she is a one-woman band in the car!
All jokes aside, Alice started taking singing seriously in the fifth grade after a music teacher in summer school encouraged her to follow her dreams. From then on you couldn't stop her, taking choir in school, honor choirs, and solos for end shows in high school all the way to college.
Now Alice works at School of Rock Sacramento and can't wait to see where it takes her.
Jrue
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jrue is a passionate music educator with over two decades of experience in performance, education, and music/audio engineering. Originally from New Zealand, he brings a relaxed, culturally rooted approach that encourages creativity, rhythm, and playful learning.
A multi-instrumentalist, Jrue believes music is a language we all speak—whether we are wise to the theory or not. He sees teaching as a two-way exchange, where curiosity, rhythm, and creativity flow between student and teacher in ways that are both engaging and enlightening.
Outside of School of Rock Sacramento, he's a father of four and a lifelong learner, always exploring new ways to grow — in music and life.