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Nicolo Lodola
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Dave Jackson
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
David Jackson began his musical journey playing in church and has since accumulated 21 years of professional experience in Gospel, R&B, and Pop music. His career took off as a keyboardist for the Grammy Award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary. Over the years, he has earned production credits and collaborated with a diverse range of acclaimed artists, including Judith McAllister, Jonathan McReynolds, Lalah Hathaway, Tye Tribbett, Lena Byrd-Miles, Goapele, Rickey Minor, and Jennifer Hudson.
Kristen Cardiasmenos
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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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.
Ra Advincula
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Meet our talented musician Ra who brings our program more than 10 years of teaching experience and 20+ years of performing. Ra's extensive experience has earned them the chance to work alongside a variety of entertainers, including Audrey Mika, Dee Dee & Mix Co., Dream Wav Echoes, Gizmo Bros, Harmony in Sound, KWCI Band, Lamar Green, and Zhiyon Malay. DJing at clubs in Northern California such as San Francisco and San Jose and Southern California in Long Beach and Los Angeles, they have also participated in fashion shows hosted by Nordstrom, providing audio engineering and lighting production services. Beyond their current accomplishments, our musician aspires to collect and master 1000+ instruments. Ra has taught music theory and instruments in different churches around the Bay Area, with their ultimate goal being to build their own musical instruments in the future.
Jimmy Perez
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
With 15 years of drumming experience, Jimmy Perez brings energy and precision to every performance. He is a core member of Mondo Drag and Bolero and also plays in a Jimi Hendrix tribute band. Jimmy’s passion lies in Rock, Progressive Rock, and Classic Rock, with a particular love for the psychedelic sounds of the 1970s. His versatile style and dedication make him a standout in any musical setting.
Lorcan Krecek
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
Lorcan Krecek (they/them) is a composer, improviser, and pianist based in San Carlos, CA. A recent graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, with a B.Mus in Contemporary Improvisation and a B.A. in Russian Studies, Lorcan’s creative and academic research paths include the convergences of movement, music, and mythologies. Their composition “dwellings + belongings” was performed at the New Music Gathering in Portland, OR last summer, and they have attended the Yarn/Wire International Institute and Longy School of Music’s Divergent Studio as a pianist. Lorcan is also one third of the Wisconsin-based experimental improv group Elm Trio. In addition to their work as a contemporary classical pianist and composer, Lorcan is active in the Bay Area musical theater scene, having mostly recently played keys for BAD Musical Theatre’s inaugural production of American Psycho.
Rian Robinson
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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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 Hong
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$144
(4) 60 Min:
$280
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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
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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
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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!
Gabriel Peres
Distance: mi
(4) 30 Min:
$
(4) 60 Min:
$
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Guitar Center San Mateo 53 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Suite A San Mateo, CA
My name is Gabriel Peres. I began playing drums at age two and received formal training from my father until I was twelve. I picked up guitar in my early teens and soon after began recording my own music. By sixteen, I had added bass to my skill set and joined my first band, God’s Goggles. After the band dissolved post-high school, I shifted my focus toward developing my solo work, studying audio engineering, and strengthening my technical musicianship. I’ve since done live audio for numerous local bands and currently play drums for Birdstrike and bass for The Sea King. I am now in my second semester of college pursuing a dual major in Audio Engineering and Music Theory/Performance. I grew up inspired by artists such as Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Stranglers, The Beatles, Tom Petty, and David Bowie. My current influences include Muse, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Sleepyhead Hero, and Bear Ghost.