Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Tucson native, Thomas Gonzalez has over 20 years experience playing drums and 15 year of teaching experience. Having graduated in 2013 from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors Degree in Music, he has performed with various musical groups ranging in styles from jazz to funk and punk rock. Thomas has been an instructor with the U of A's "Pride of Arizona" drumline since 2013. He has served as the Director of Marching Percussion and Percussion Arranger since the 2019 season, as well as working with several Tucson-area high school drumlines. Thomas has experience teaching musicians of all ages, and is particularly fond of working with new students and seeing the excitement of people picking up a pair of sticks for the first time.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Mike began playing guitar as a teenager, being initially influenced by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers and other rock artists of the 60's. From the steel string acoustic guitar and basic rhythm electric guitar playing, he developed an interest in the nylon string (classical) guitar by listening to the prog-rock band "Yes", and classical concert players such as Andres Segovia and Christopher Parkening. These inspirations led Mike to take private classical guitar lessons from Norman Sholin MA, the founder of the University of Arizona's guitar program, and to study as a music major at Pima Community College. In order to become more proficient in various music styles, he enrolled and graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology, located in Hollywood California. It was there, that he learned the concepts of practical music application for improvisation, extensive chord progressions and "fretboard knowledge" which are applicable to diverse musical genres, including rock, blues, country, funk, jazz and rock/jazz fushion.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Lloyd has been playing for 22 years. He loves sharing his passion for music, and all the secrets he has learned over the years, with his students! Lloyd studied classical guitar at the University of Arizona and received a B.A. in Music Theory. Composing and performing are some of his favorite things to do and he hopes to share his knowledge and with the next generations.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Lawrence has been playing for over 20 years and teaching for the last decade. String instruments - from the guitar to the cello (and most things in between) - are his specialty. Lawrence has 14 years of musical pit performance & regularly gigs with various Tucson bands. He enjoys classical music, metal, and classic rock.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Taking music lessons from a young age, Justin taught himself guitar and bass during high school before proceeding to study music in college, gaining performance and production experience in various bands and venues along the way. Additionally, Justin is a classically trained vocalist, and also versed in many different musical styles, including rock, pop, gospel, and more. He also serves as the music director for a local church.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
I am interested in music as an engagement with personal and collective memory and imagination. I am a composer, improviser, and performer with a background in American "popular" song, European chamber music, and improvisation studies.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Diego has been playing guitar for 9 years and is currently pursuing a B.A. in music education Pima Community College. He believes that having a strong foundation in the fundamentals is paramount to being a great guitarist! His repertoire includes a range of genres from Classical to Classic Rock, Flamenco, and anything in between.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Michael has been teaching students for over 30 years. He teaches beginner guitar, and any level piano or vocals. Michael studied classical piano and voice intensively for 10 years and sang tenor solo and in opera many years. He has also given many joint piano and voice recitals, and was the music leader at St. Germaine's church.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Although Michael has a lengthy performance resume that spans from New York to Los Angeles, it’s his work as a music educator that drives his passion. He has worked with a variety of after-school programs, teaching youth the joys of music. Michael provides instruction to students of all backgrounds and experience levels on the basics of music theory, technique, and fretboard fundamentals.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Before Austin began singing in the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus at age 9, he was obsessed with music. At age 12, he began to teach himself how to play guitar with only his experience in boys chorus, and some rudimentary instruction from family members to aid him. By the time Austin entered high-school he had already played in several bands and was performing original material. It was during his high-school days that he continued to perform and record as well as go on his first tour. Upon entering college, Austin studied classical guitar while perusing a degree in Music Composition from the University of Arizona's Fred Fox School of Music. During this time he was able to see his music released on several physical mediums through record labels such as War Against Yourself Records, Folkvangr Records, and Avantgarde Music, among others. He also continued to perform both through touring and festival appearances. As a GC instructor, Austin seeks to pass on the knowledge he has gained through his experiences to the next generation of music makers, so that they may achieve their musical goals.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Bill is a Grammy-nominated musician who has been playing in bands since he was 15 - first in Tucson, and then in Seattle. He specializes in blues, jazz, R&B and soul on instruments that range from lap steel and pedal steel to acoustic guitar. Bill's teaching focuses on combining technique, music theory and improvisation to create a holistic style. He has played with many different bands, touring extensively across the United States and Europe, and has recorded on around 300 records. Bill has been teaching guitar most recently in Seattle for 25 years and recently moved back to Tucson to bring his music back to the desert.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Jeff enjoys playing punk rock, slap bass, slide guitar, jazz, bluegrass and classic country. He believes that teaching is about getting the fundamentals in place in a fun way that encourages students to feel confident. This way, once a student knows a couple things about where to put their hands, they can play music pretty much immediately. He studied music theory at Portland State University.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Hello! My name is Alejandro and I have been teaching music for 7 years. I went to Northern Arizona University and studied guitar, with an emphasis in classical music, under Tom Sheeley. I also performed in the NAU Jazz Bands and Jazz Combo. I have taught music at the middle and high school level and have led my performing groups to earn "Superior" ratings at local area festivals. My bands have also earned the No. 1 spot at Disneyland's "Music in the Parks" festival. My favorite type of music to play on guitar is pop punk. Some of my favorite bands are Green Day, Blink 182, Avenged Sevenfold, Guns N Roses and Linkin Park.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Music specialties include; Blues, Jazz, Bebop, Americana, Neo-Soul, Composition, Music Theory, and Improvised Music. Tim has taught at Melody School of Music from 2017-2020. Tim has been with Guitar Center since 2025.
Guitar Center Tucson4720 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ
Self-taught acoustic guitar. Vocal instruction from Broadway star Cheryl Porter. 18 years of experience in the Music Industry. Music Artist/Composer/Producer for 10 years. Has been teaching at Guitar Center since 2025. Music Specialties include Pop, Country, Soundtrack, Worldwide, Jazz and Holiday. Brena has performed gigs in Arkansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nashville, Tennessee. Brena currently works as a professional music artist in and around Tucson, Arizona.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
Matthew is a dedicated percussionist and educator with over six years of performance experience and more than four years of teaching students of all ages and skill levels. His musical journey has taken him across a wide range of styles and ensembles, giving him a deep, well-rounded understanding of percussion performance, ensemble playing, and musical collaboration.
As a performer, he has played with respected groups such as the Tucson Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, CDO Symphonic Band, CDO Wind Ensemble, CDO Jazz Band, and numerous small jazz combos, gaining experience in classical, jazz, and contemporary settings. Beyond the concert hall, he has performed professionally with artists including Jordan Manley and Garrett James and the Wanderers, blending technical precision with expressive, modern musicianship.
His work has been recognized at the highest level, including earning the Arizona State Seal of Fine Arts Excellence in Music Composition, an honor that reflects both his creative voice and deep understanding of musical structure. With Garrett James and the Wanderers, he helped win both the DUSK Battle of the Bands and Alice Cooper’s Proof Is in the Pudding Competition. These achievements led to performances on the DUSK Festival main stage and at the iconic Celebrity Theatre, sharing the stage with legendary artists such as Alice Cooper, Ed Roland, Don Felder, and Nita Strauss at the Alice Cooper Christmas Pudding Show.
As a teacher, his passion lies in bringing out the best in every student. He believes that meaningful growth happens in a safe, supportive, and motivating learning environment, where students feel encouraged to take risks and develop confidence. He provides clear, live, and comprehensible feedback, helping students understand not just what to improve, but how and why. Every student receives a personally tailored learning plan, designed around their goals, learning style, and musical interests—whether that means mastering fundamentals, preparing for auditions, or developing a unique musical voice.
His mission is to guide students toward success not only as percussionists, but as confident, creative musicians who enjoy the process of learning and performing.
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
With over 40 years of playing and 30 years of teaching experience, Deanna is a powerhouse musician and wonderful instructor! Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your talent to the stage, Deanna will meet you where you are and help take your skill to the next level! She is a seasoned pianist, who plays in the Marana Phat Band! She specializes in Jazz, Ragtime, Boogie-Woogie, and Classical piano styles! In addition to keys, Deanna specializes in Jazz, Pop and Classical vocals, and will teach you songs that you already love to sing! She also offers Ukulele lessons! In addition to the Marana Phat Band, Deanna is also the driving force behind her own project DC & Co! Whether you're looking to play your favorite songs, learn something new, or just brush up on your knowledge, Deanna offers personalized, inspiring and well-rounded lessons that will get you excited to play and have you looking forward to your next lesson!
Guitar Center Tucson3830 W. River Rd. Suite 110Tucson, AZ
With years of experience as a performer and instructor, Jordan is a true multi-instrumentalist who specializes in guitar, bass, and drums! Jordan is an exceptional Bules and Rock guitarist who blends expressive tone and phrasing with excellent technical skill! During your guitar or bass lesson, Jordan will dive deep into theory, tone, soloing and style across all genres, not just Blues! Jordan is also a seasoned drummer and percussionist, with a strong background in marching band and drumline! As a former member turned instructor of the CDO Drumline, he brings a high level of skill and excitement to drumline training, making him a go-to for marching percussion! Jordan is also the singer, guitarist and frontman for his band (Jordan Manley Band) that performs regularly both in and out of town! They have played multiple festivals including the Bisbee Blues Festival! Whether you're aiming to lock in a groove, learn to shred or delve into music theory, Jordan will be with you every step of the way by offering personalized, engaging and exciting lessons that will take your skill to the next level!
Discover the joy of music with personalized lessons from experienced instructors at Guitar Center. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we offer lessons for all ages and skill levels in guitar, bass, drums, piano, and more. Our Tucson, Arizona network of professional musicians is ready to help you achieve your musical goals. Start your musical journey today and find your perfect instructor at Guitar Center!
