Find An Instructor By

Nick Lodola
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Born and raised in Northern Italy, I discovered my passion for music as a teenager. At 14, I started learning classical guitar with my first teacher, Dario Tinivella, who introduced me to the fundamentals. As my love for guitar grew, I studied Blues and Jazz/Fusion at Lizard Music Academy with Fabio Casali, and later continued my training with Lorenzo Tipa at C.P.M. Milan before moving to the Bay Area. I consider myself a Rock and Heavy Metal guitarist, but I love incorporating the harmonic ideas I learned from Casali into my playing and compositions. My goal as an instructor is to help students find their own musical voice while building a strong foundation in technique and theory always in a fun and encouraging environment! I speak English, Italian, and Spanish.
Ron Keith
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Hailing from Philadelphia, Ron Keith’s musical journey began with singing in church and performing with the Philadelphia Boys Choir. As a teenager, he picked up the guitar and bass, eventually deciding to major in music at the University of the Arts. During his college years, he discovered a passion for piano, further expanding his musical horizons. Ron enjoys a wide variety of musical styles, including metal, jazz, rock, blues, and just about anything that resonates as “good music.” Influenced by teachers who emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind and ear, Ron has embraced this philosophy as both a performer and an instructor. Whether it’s Metallica or Motown, Miles Davis or Vince Gill, he believes in exploring great music and inspiring others to follow their passion.
Mike Owens
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Mike Owens has been playing guitar since the age of ten and brings over 30 years of teaching experience to his students. A graduate of Lewis & Clark College, he studied classical guitar under Scott Kritzer and honed his jazz guitar skills with Dan Balmer. Mike’s diverse musical background includes performing in rock, metal, jazz, fusion, and classical ensembles. While he primarily teaches rock, Mike specializes in fingerstyle guitar, a skill showcased in his 2006 fingerstyle guitar album. Over the years, he has performed extensively as a solo fingerstyle guitarist and as part of jazz duos with vocalists.
Robert Rodriguez
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Robert is our Online only Instructor born and raised in the SF Bay Area. Started playing guitar at 13 years old and it became my first true passion. After high school, attended Ohlone College in Fremont, CA studying music performance before moving to Cal State East Bay to pursue a BA in music composition. Has composed music for a feature film and many short films for filmmakers in the Bay Area, as well as performing in various rock bands, jazz combos, and even a hip-hop group.
Joshua Ray
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
My passion for drumming began in high school, where I built a strong foundation under the guidance of a championship-level DCI percussion staff in the marching band. After college, I expanded my skills to the drum set and started playing with my band, Circular Vision. With over 10 years of drumming experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, further deepening my expertise and love for percussion.
David Jackson
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
David Jackson is a seasoned musician and producer with 21 years of professional experience in Gospel, R&B, and Pop music. Starting in the church, he launched his career as a keyboardist for Grammy Award-winning duo Mary Mary and has since collaborated with acclaimed artists including Judith McAllister, Jonathan McReynolds, Lalah Hathaway, Tye Tribbett, Goapele, Rickey Minor, and Jennifer Hudson. His work as both a performer and producer has made him a respected figure across multiple genres.
Kristen
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Kristen is a fresh, dynamic, and soulful guitarist with a versatile skill set spanning Funk, Rock, Blues, Latin, Jazz, and more. She honed her craft under the guidance of renowned musicians like Garth Webber (Miles Davis) and Stevie Gurr (Dr. John). Picking up the guitar at age 10, Kristen found early inspiration in the psychedelic blues sounds of Jimi Hendrix, whose music ignited her passion for creative expression. With years of experience and a deep love for diverse musical styles, Kristen brings energy and expertise to every performance and lesson.
Adonis
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Meet Ra, a talented and versatile musician with more than 10 years of teaching experience and over 20 years of performing experience. Throughout their career, Ra has had the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of entertainers, including Audrey Mika, Dee Dee & Mix Co., Dream Wav Echoes, Gizmo Bros, Harmony in Sound, KWCI Band, Lamar Green, and Zhiyon Malay. Ra has also performed as a DJ at clubs throughout Northern and Southern California, including venues in San Francisco, San Jose, Long Beach, and Los Angeles. Their experience extends beyond performance, with work in audio engineering and lighting production for fashion shows hosted by Nordstrom. As an educator, Ra has taught music theory and a variety of instruments at churches throughout the Bay Area. They bring a broad knowledge of music, a passion for learning, and a unique perspective to every lesson. Always looking to expand their musical horizons, Ra has an ambitious goal of collecting and mastering 1,000+ instruments, with the ultimate dream of one day building their own musical instruments. Their creativity, experience, and passion for music make Ra an inspiring instructor for students of all levels.
Jim Perez
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Jimmy Perez is an accomplished drummer with over 15 years of experience, known for bringing energy, precision, and creativity to every performance. His musical passion centers on Rock, Progressive Rock, and Classic Rock, with a deep appreciation for the psychedelic sounds of the 1970s. Jimmy's versatile playing style and dedication to his craft have made him a sought-after performer in a variety of musical settings. Jimmy currently performs with Acid King and Bolero, and has previously played with Mondo Drag. Through his work with Acid King, he has toured extensively throughout Europe and South America, gaining valuable international performance experience and connecting with audiences around the world. His combination of technical skill, stage presence, and passion for music makes him an engaging and inspiring instructor and musician.
Rian
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Rian brings over 30 years of playing experience, blending his passion for music with a deep commitment to his craft. He is an active member of his church band, where he not only plays but also helps mentor other musicians. Rian works exceptionally well with individuals of all ages, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment. His diverse performance credits span from professional rock recording sessions to dynamic live performances across the region. In addition to his musical talents, Rian is known for his reliability, adaptability, and dedication to helping others grow in their musical journey.
Jessie
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Jessie Hong has over six years of experience teaching music and other subjects, backed by more than 20 years in music with formal classical training in piano. Specializing in music arrangement and ethnomusicology, Jessie’s work spans across genres, although they most often perform in classical and pop settings. Jessie’s performance credentials include roles as a performer and arranger for the Queer Chorus of San Francisco, along with prior experience as a church musician, playing keys, guitar, and bass guitar. Their diverse background reflects a deep commitment to music as both an art and a field of study.
Daniel Loor
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Daniel is a multi-instrumentalist who has been performing for over 20 years. After studying guitar, he began learning bass, drums, piano, and vocals. Daniel has played for audiences from Seattle, Washington to Mexico City and currently performs in venues across the Bay Area. Most recently, Daniel has performed with the bands Chokecherry and Fauxes. Daniel specializes in Pop and Rock styles and techniques. He is knowledgeable about a variety of music subjects, ranging from Musicianship to Pop Rock Performance, and he has enjoyed teaching his fellow musicians in the community. In addition to having an excellent grasp of music concepts, he also has a patient and easygoing teaching style. Daniel encourages students to excel and have fun throughout their musical journey.
Cesar Marquez
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Hi, I’m César Marquez! I’ve been playing guitar for 15 years and have spent the last two years focusing on music production. My passion lies in Rock, Metal, Progressive, and Pop, and I love helping students develop their skills and confidence on the guitar. As both a solo artist and a session guitarist for many Latin artists, I bring real-world experience into my lessons, giving students the tools they need to play with creativity and precision. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, I’m here to make learning fun, engaging, and tailored to your musical goals. ¡Hablo español y estoy emocionado de ayudarte en tu viaje musical!
Casey O'Connell
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Casey O’Connell is a friendly and passionate drum instructor from Pacifica who has been part of the Guitar Center team since 2026. He loves helping students discover their own sound and build confidence behind the kit. Casey enjoys playing a variety of styles, including rock, pop, and jazz, and brings that versatility into his lessons. Whether you’re just picking up the sticks for the first time or looking to develop your skills, Casey is excited to help students reach their musical goals!
Ruben
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
Book Now View Details
Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Meet Ruben, an accomplished pianist and dedicated music educator with over 20 years of private teaching experience. Throughout his career, he has worked as a music instructor, musical director, live performer, and studio musician, bringing a wealth of real-world experience to his lessons. A versatile multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ruben has collaborated with numerous artists for concerts, events, and worship services. His strong classical training gives him a solid foundation in music theory and performance, and he enjoys helping students learn to read, transcribe, and perform music with confidence. Whether you're a beginner learning the fundamentals or an advanced musician looking to refine your skills, Ruben brings experience, patience, and a passion for helping every student grow on their musical journey.