Rodrigo Alarcon
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Piano Teacher
Rodrigo Alarcon is a North Bay musician with a B.M. in Music Education from Sonoma State University. He has been playing music since age 11, when he first joined his school orchestra as a cello player. Back then loud rock music was all the rage. He was immediately drawn to the sound of distorted electric guitars and started playing guitar too.
While in college for music, he began playing guitar, singing, and writing for the band Nice World. Alongside bandmates Matt Bailey and Austin Missner, he went on to record and mix the first few Nice World records that they currently perform live. Rodrigo also plays guitar in the very loud mathcore band Suplex.
As a music teacher, Rodrigo strives to both teach students the musicianship skills that today’s bands demand, and to empower students with the tools they need to make the music they’re interested in. He is a guitar teacher, bass, and piano teacher at School of Rock Santa Rosa.
Rhyne Erde
Drum Teacher
Rhyne Erde has been playing, studying, and recording music for over 20 years. He started with a love for rock-and-roll music then pursued a major in Jazz at SRJC. He studied under drum masters Chuck Brown (who taught the drummers from Frank Zappa & Santana) and Pete Magadini (drummer for Diana Ross). His style incorporates different genres of music ranging from rock, country, jazz, blues, funk and everything in between. He has performed and recorded with legendary musicians such as, Grammy award winner Sam Bush, Tom Constanten (The Grateful Dead), Greg Errico (Sly and the Family Stone), and Lester Chambers (The Chambers Brothers). Some of his more recent projects have been Electric Tumbleweed, One Grass Two Grass, Eric Long, The Highway Poets, The Jugtown Pirates, and The Space Orchestra. Rhyne is passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of music with the next generation of rockers!
Ian Andrew
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Keyboard teacher
Ian Andrew has been interested in music since he can remember and began his musical adventures by taking piano lessons as a child. After losing interest in piano he took up playing guitar around 12 years old. Ian attended Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) and studied music theory, sight reading/musicianship and jazz/rock/pop theory writing for big band. He performed in the SRJC jazz band and jazz combos. Ian has toured and performed in the Pacific Northwest and western United States, where highlights included opening up for Napalm Death at the Regency Theater in San Francisco and performing at the famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. Ian attended Sonoma State University (SSU) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies. He studied voice at SRJC and SSU and performed with SSU Chamber Singers. Ian has performed at Weill Hall, Cotati Accordion Festival and also private events with the SSU Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Band. He enjoys all styles of music and is interested in helping students express themselves and find their voice through music. Ian believes that the practice of music is a lifelong pursuit and improves one's quality of life and ability to connect with others. He is currently working on a self titled release, teaching himself Ableton, live performances and recently finished recording for his metal bands' second album. Outside of School of Rock he enjoys hiking, exercise, reading, cooking, and working on music in various styles.
Mike Saliani
Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher
Mike Saliani teaches guitar and drums. He plays gigs with his band the Mike Saliani Band all around Sonoma County. His music is loud and rockin' and Mike has a talent for bringing out the best in all the musicians he plays with. His warm inviting demeanor helps the musicians he performs with and the students he teaches to feel comfortable and play their heart out. He directs and co-directs seasonal shows at Santa Rosa School of Rock. Mike started teaching music in 2011 in Mill Valley, Ca. He was the music director at School of Rock Santa Rosa in 2019. He has performed and recorded his music with many amazing artists professionally in the Bay Area since 2001.
Gregory Bailey
Drums Teacher
After picking up his first pair of drum sticks at the age of eight years old, our drum instructor Gregory Bailey has not put them down since. Growing throughout the years, Gregory was always eager to start bands with his friends and be seen performing. Even if it meant wearing a silly outfit for his high school’s marching band. However, a few years into his high school career, he realized he didn’t have the same post high school plans as his peers. Quickly earning his GED, he exited school at 17 and moved down to Los Angeles to attend music college for a bachelors degree in performing arts. Two years into his education, he finally started gaining recognition as not only a proficient musician, but a very energetic performer as well. Within a year, he was regularly playing shows in the local LA music scene and traveling on short leg tours with artists and bands that wanted his spirited playing on their tracks. After being a freelance musician for awhile, Gregory became creatively unsatisfied and decided to drop out of music school with an associate’s degree. With the encouragement of one of his best friends and fellow School of Rock instructor Atreyu Hanonhano, Gregory moved back to his hometown in Sonoma County to teach at School of Rock and start a band with his friends. To this day, he finds it very ironic he left school twice to play music, only to end up becoming a teacher himself at only 22 years of age.
Cameron Croft
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher
Cameron Croft grew up in Santa Rosa and was inspired to pick up guitar while on long drives with his father blasting Guns N’ Roses, ACDC, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Started playing drums in marching band and drumline in middle school and later jazz band in high school. He started playing in rock bands with fellow school of rock employee Atreyu Hanohano. He picked up his main instrument, guitar, when he was ten Some of his biggest inspirations are John Frusiante from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Henrix and Jimi Page. He also likes to cook and draw in his free time. His goal is to inspire his students to play and practice guitar.
Alex Bryceson
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alex has been a guitar player for over 15 years and is also skilled in vocals, bass, and drums. He has played with a few bands throughout his career and has learned what it takes to get on a stage and make an impression!
Whether you want to improve your skills in an instrument you play or want to try out something new, Alex can put you on the fast track to learning a skill that will last you a lifetime. Music is his passion and he hopes he can make it yours!
Kirana Peyton
Vocal Teacher
Raised in the Midwest, Kirana Peyton cut her musical teeth playing bluegrass and country songs with her family. Over the years, Kirana has been involved in a wide variety of bands and musical projects spanning genres such as indie-folk, psychedelic rock, and ambient electronic.
Kirana received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Sonoma State University in 2012. During her time at SSU, she studied classical Indian singing extensively with Dr. Laxmi Ganesh Tewari and was one of the few recipients of the Lalmani Misra Memorial Scholarship.
Kirana’s various musical collaborations include recording and touring with Drag City artist Faun Fables. These shows included opening for Nick Cave and Bonnie “Prince” Billy. In other projects, she’s recorded with notable engineer Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, Bill Laswell) opened for Duo De Twang at Phil Lesh’s Terrapin Crossroads, and played with Les Claypool at the Hopmonk Tavern. More recently she has toured throughout the US and Europe with Sub Pop and Memphis Industries artist Jesca Hoop. Shows with Ms. Hoop included Paul Simon’s farewell concert in London’s Hyde Park, Glastonbury Music Festival, and Austin City Limits.
In 2021 she released a collection of original songs called “The Redwood Flowers”. She continues to write and perform with the very talented guitarist Dave Lux.
Because Kirana has a deep love for music and life, her warmth and encouragement help others discover and develop their own unique voice to express the music that lives inside of them.
Conor Manning
Drums Teacher
Conor Manning is a passionate drummer with over seven years of experience behind the kit, specializing in rock and punk styles. He was a student at School of Rock Santa Rosa for four years, spending most of that time as a dedicated member of the House Band and gaining valuable experience performing on stages all around the Bay Area.
Conor is currently studying Commercial Music at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he also plays in the college's jazz combos. He performs regularly with the Ryan Woodard Band and brings a wide range of influences to his playing and teaching.
With two years of teaching experience, Conor enjoys working with students of all ages. His teaching philosophy centers on the belief that musical growth comes from engaging both the body and mind—whether it’s learning to internalize rhythm or developing stage confidence. In lessons, he focuses on coordination, timing, technique, and performance readiness, all while keeping it fun and supportive.
Outside of teaching and performing, Conor loves listening to music, watching horror movies, and taking long walks to recharge and stay inspired.
Ben Flannagan
Vocals Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher
Ben Flanagan is a dynamic and passionate vocals teacher with over 30 years of experience as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Though he also plays guitar, bass guitar, and drums, vocals have always been at the heart of his musical journey—inspired by the raw, emotional power of the grunge era and the voices that defined it.
Ben is the lead singer of the hard rock band Black Map, with whom he has toured internationally alongside bands like Bush, Chevelle, and Evanescence. He’s played over 500 shows worldwide, released four albums, and had two singles reach the Mainstream Rock Top 40. His vocals have also been featured in soundtracks, including Nitro Circus 3D, and he created the custom intro music for Weezer’s 2023 live show.
As a vocals coach, Ben is deeply committed to helping students develop their unique voice and identity. He believes in learning by emulating great singers—Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley, Sam Cooke, Adele, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and others—but always with the goal of finding your own sound. His lessons focus on tone, technique, control, and performance confidence, all while keeping things fun and supportive.
Ben holds a degree in Philosophy, which he credits for shaping his creative approach to songwriting and vocal interpretation. Since joining School of Rock Santa Rosa in Spring 2024, he’s loved watching students grow and discover what their voices are capable of.
Fun Fact: Ben has performed in 14 countries and 49 U.S. states—Alaska is the only one left!
Link Semet
Bass Guitar Teacher
Link Semet is a passionate musician and instructor who teaches bass and guitar with a focus on making music approachable, fun, and empowering. A former student at School of Rock Santa Rosa, Link studied there from 2019 to 2024, participating in seasonal bands and serving as a member of the House Band. She originally started on drums before falling in love with the bass, which she’s now been playing for over five years.
Link’s musical interests cover a wide range of rock styles—classic rock, alternative, metal, funk, grunge, and more. She’s currently active in the Bay Area music scene, having played with Gas Money (2022–2024) and currently performing with her band, Lean-To. She’s also taken music theory courses at SRJC and brings experience in both live performance and songwriting.
As an instructor at School of Rock Santa Rosa, Link values creating a positive, stress-free environment where students feel supported and engaged. She tailors her teaching to each student’s learning style, believing that encouragement, patience, and clear communication are key to helping anyone grow musically. She especially enjoys seeing her students build confidence and reach those exciting “aha” moments. Her favorite part of teaching at School of Rock is watching students develop their skills and find their voice as musicians. Some of her biggest musical influences include Tool, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, The Cranberries, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains.
Fun fact: Link’s first concert was a School of Rock show—and now she’s inspiring the next generation to rock the stage too.
Carmen Gutierrez
Vocals Teacher
With over 25 years of experience as a teacher and musician, Carmen Marie Gutierrez has been singing since she could talk. At a young age, Carmen used music as a form of self-soothing and creative self-discovery. This led to her growing interest in many musical instruments; learning to play piano, guitar, trumpet and drums.
Carmen specializes in soul, R&B, jazz, blues, pop, folk-rock genres. Acoustic Soul and R&B being her favorite, although she is classical trained in voice. She has an open mind about all genres and was accepted into the Choral/Opera Studies program of Fredonia, NY in 1997. She studied flamenco music in Spain in 2002 and Latin Folk in Mexico in 2004. She attended Potsdam University in New York that contains the Crane School of Music from 2000-2005. Carmen began playing her original music at open mics and live events, building a name for herself as a singer in college.
After moving to the Bay Area in California in 2007, she started her music career as Mama Crow and performed at large national venues, popular music festivals and recorded nine albums. This is where she gained knowledge and first hand experience in event production, stage performance, stage set up, sound engineering and tour management. With just over a decade of successful endeavors as a singer-songwriter, nationally touring musician and recording artist, she settled in Sonoma County to raise her family.
In addition to this, Carmen worked as a preschool teacher with concentration in music, dance, art and leadership. She began working in private and public schools at first, later to discover alternative education models like Waldorf and Montessori schools, nature connection programs and Spanish immersion in early child education.
As a fellow School of Rock parent with a child currently attending, Carmen also directs the Little Wings and Rookies programs in Santa Rosa. She is also a 1:1 vocal instructor and loves teaching others while inspiring and building confidence in singers of all ages and experience levels. With a dedication to building community, guiding the youth while sharing tools in self-expression and musical growth, Carmen has found her home at School of Rock Santa Rosa.
Zen
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Zen is a multi-instrumentalist with a deep love for all things music. He plays guitar, piano, drums, and bass—and has been immersed in music since the age of 5. Though he began seriously pursuing it at 15, music has always been a core part of his life. From school recitals to drum circles hosted by his father, Zen’s musical journey has always been rooted in community and creativity. Zen was born in Las Vegas and moved to Northern California at 16. His first concert was Billie Eilish—an experience that opened his eyes to the power of live music. Today, he continues to be inspired by musicians who play with feeling and intention, and he brings that same energy to every lesson he teaches.
With a passion for musical freedom and expression, Zen doesn’t limit himself to any one genre (though he’ll admit country’s not his favorite). After high school, he expanded his skills in music theory, classical guitar, and jazz improvisation at Santa Rosa Junior College. He also dove deep into music production, teaching himself how to use DAWs like Ableton to record, mix, and master his own music. Zen performs regularly as both a solo artist under the name Zenkarda and with his band 945, having played shows all around Sonoma County—including the Phoenix Theater and upcoming performances at the Luther Burbank Center. He’s also stepping into the world of musical theater, combining live performance with stage acting.
Since joining School of Rock Santa Rosa, Zen has been teaching music for over two years and brings a personalized, student-focused approach to every lesson. He believes music should be expressive, fun, and free—and adapts his teaching style to fit each student’s learning pace and interests. Whether you're here for a serious journey or just to jam, Zen is all about making sure you feel confident, supported, and excited to play. His favorite part of teaching? Watching students grow—not just in skill, but in confidence. The moment a student nails a tough riff or returns eager to learn more is what drives Zen’s passion for education. He truly values the community at School of Rock and says, “It’s something I wish I had growing up.”
Josh Buchignani
Drum Teacher
Josh Buchignani is a percussionist and session musician whose work integrates performance, cross-cultural rhythm studies, and ensemble collaboration. He earned his training in World Music and Performance at the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied under master percussionists Randy Gloss, Swapan Chaudhuri, and Houman Pourmehdi. His performance experience includes participation in a range of collegiate ensembles encompassing Balkan, Afro-Cuban, funk, and world percussion traditions. Beyond his academic work, Buchignani has contributed to the album Plush by the group Rusa and is currently performing with Vista Francisco. Through both live and studio contexts, his practice and teaching at School of Rock Santa Rosa reflects a commitment to the study and transmission of global rhythmic languages within contemporary musical settings.