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.
Angel
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Angel began his musical journey with the purchase of 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. After this project ended Angel decided to finally form the band he has always wanted. 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 and is passionate about imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
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.
Monique
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
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. By age 16 she joined a local pop rock band and was introduced to the culture of playing live music. It only took one show for her to know that playing keys live on stage was her calling! Studying at the Musicians Institute was the next step for Monique to hone her skills. Graduating top of her class in 2011 with an Associate’s Degree in Keyboard Technology, 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 Los Angeles. For two years she also wrote, produced, and released her own music while working with a drummer in a band they named Adequate. In December 2021, Monique was hired at the School of Rock in Sacramento as a Keyboard Instructor and Music Director for Rock 101. She says: "The incredibly talented souls that come to our school never cease to amaze me. Watching them achieve bliss from music from beyond their time is so pure, and is certainly something I am glad to be able to help share with the world."
Adam
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Ukulele 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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Gaby
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Gaby has loved music from a very young age. Her parents were determined to expose her to different music and musical experiences. Because of this, Gaby is drawn to many genres of music from rock to classical, blues to electronic, and jazz to metal. She has experience in many genres of singing, including musical theater, jazz, opera, gospel, and classical.
Gaby has a Bachelor of Music degree with a focus in Vocal Performance from Sacramento State. During her academic career, she found a love for teaching and sharing what she has learned with others. Now Gaby gets to continue doing what she loves by being a piano teacher and vocal instructor at the School of Rock in Sacramento.
Jordan
Drum Teacher
Jordan studied music theory and jazz improv while earning his associate's degree in sociology from Santa Rosa Junior College. He has over seven years of performing experience playing drums and bass and has played professionally in reggae and rock bands.
Jordan has over a year of experience as a special needs teacher and behavioral aid. He loves all genres of music and enjoys spreading the joy of music to everyone he talks to.
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.
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.
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.
Hunter
Studio Coordinator
Hunter was born in Walnut Creek and raised in Sacramento. Growing up in a musical family, he began his journey at age 6 when he attended a local music school. When he turned 12 he made music his own by joining his school’s marching band as a flutist. Since then Hunter has picked up piano, guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and the ever-elusive tambourine. He has had the privilege of playing in several bands, performing diverse genres such as jazz, blues, funk, pop, and rock.
Hunter firmly believes that the beauty of music is within everyone's grasp, provided they are willing to invest the effort and the passion. It's not about the virtuosos, it's about the journey, growth, and joy that music brings. For him, being a great musician goes beyond skill—it's about connecting with others, expressing oneself, and fostering a community of individuals who share the love of creating harmonies that resonate with the soul. This belief fuels his desire to not only create music but also to inspire others on their own musical journeys.
Abigail
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Abigail grew up surrounded by classical music and culture, inspiring her to start taking piano lessons in 3rd grade. Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, & Clementi were significant composers in her beginning journey at the piano. She has performed in numerous recitals throughout her childhood, as well as participating in the 2023 Winter recital at Sacramento State, where she performed Mendelssohn’s “Venetian Boat Song”. Currently majoring in music at Cosumnes River College, Abigail hopes to expand and share her knowledge of basic piano fundamentals as well as help her students blossom in their musical creativity and expression.
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!
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.
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.
Samson
Drum Teacher
Samson is a dedicated drum instructor and a lifelong musician. His passion for music began at age six, and since then he has cultivated his skills on both drums and piano. A proud Sacramento native, Samson earned his Bachelor of Music from the University of the Pacific, where he was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Jazz Ambassadors program. This opportunity allowed him to tour both nationally and internationally. With a deep appreciation for jazz, hip hop, R&B, and classic rock, Samson is excited to inspire and guide students as they embark on their own musical journeys.
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.
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.