Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Hello, my name is Courtney Thompson. I'm from Los Angeles, California and ever since I picked up a guitar I wanted to know everything about it. I've been teaching professionally since 2007 while attending Citrus College in pursuit of a degree in Recording Arts. As an active member in the music scene, I still love expanding my knowledge on every instrument I play and sharing my discoveries with others. I invite you to join me on this quest. I can't wait to jam with you!
Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Education/Experience: Fifteen plus years teaching, performing, and recording experience. Well versed in Blues, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Classical, R&B/Soul, Funk, Latin, and Songwriting.
More information: I have been playing music since I was four years old. Over the course of the last fifteen years, I have played with several bands as well as written/composed music for many different artists and TV. During this time, I have also taught students of all ages, skill levels and abilities. It has always given me joy to me to share my love of music through teaching and it’s important to me that everyone has an opportunity to learn.
Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Hi! My name is Seth Keul, I teach guitar and ukulele at Guitar Center in Pasadena, CA. I first started playing guitar when I was 12. I learned songs from some of my favorite artists including Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, and many others. A few years later, I began playing with bands and writing music of my own. I went to the Los Angeles College of Music and received my Associates Degree in Guitar Performance. I'm currently writing and performing music in the LA area. I have a passion for teaching music and helping students to not only develope their skills\musicianship, but express themselves through their instrument. I enjoy playing many styles of music including rock, blues, r&b, and jazz. In our lessons, we will focus
on learning various songs, styles, and techniques.
Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Matt’s passion for drums, piano and guitar began at a young age. His specialized focus on drum technique and history began at Chapman University, where he was exposed to jazz, orchestral and contemporary percussion. Since 2010, his intensive study with Daniel Glass (Royal Crown Revue, Brian Setzer), has deepened his knowledge of grips, groove, and economy of motion. His fascination with 1920-60s playing styles led him to co-found The Fresh Rhythm, a Rat Pack-inspired swing band who earned residencies at the Disneyland Resort and several jazz and swing dance clubs across LA. He’s passionate about promoting efficient and tension-free technique for all styles and exposing the exciting connection between modern and vintage music.
Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Jacob enjoys sharing his love for music with other people and found the best way to do that is to compose and teach others how to play an instrument. He began his teaching career right after graduating college and has been at it for over a decade with no plans to stop. When Jacob isn't playing music, he enjoys spending time with family, watching cartoons and going to the beach.
Education/Experience: 15+ years performance & recording, 10+ years of teaching, 2+ years of music school
Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Patrick Dos Santos (he/him) is a classical guitarist with 15 years experience in music. He studied at Cal State Northridge under John Dearman, founding member of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and received a BM in Guitar Performance. In his time at CSUN he was selected for the honors guitar quartet, and spent a summer abroad in Spain studying with the famed Romero guitar family, as well as Grammy Award winning Mabel Milan. Although guitar is now his primary instrument, his musical journey began with piano, deriving inspiration from video game and anime music. Multi instrumental experience has provided him invaluable perspective and a keen ability to create a unique learning path catered to each student.
Guitar Center Pasadena2660 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA
Classically trained and soulfully inclined, Northern Colorado music educator, JL Gurung, was born entangled in the intricacies of music. The second child and only daughter to Nepalese immigrants, JL Gurung has devoutly studied piano and vocals since age 3. This singer-songwriter at heart occupies her day to day wielding an intensely unique indie-contemporary sound and a blithely unafraid disposition. An educator by soul and trade, JL prevails beyond every last odd as a Southeast Asian female in music education through the work she has fulfilled with her students, past and present.
These days, JL works as a freelance songwriter/musician outside of her teaching endeavors, offering a unique lesson experience as a working contemporary, classical musician, trained dancer, and former student of the law. Initially destined for the world of courtrooms and gavels, JL’s love of sonics and art proved too compelling to ignore. Her background as a dancer allows her a heightened perspective in groove and feel, whereas her studies of The United States Ordinance Code provides a valuable lesson in pragmatism and discipline. Additionally, Gurung devoted her LACM capstone to researching “The Complete & Entire History of Song,” supplying a one-of-a-kind approach to your run-of-the-mill instrument training.
An education with JL Gurung has proven itself time and time again to soar with a hopeful conviction that is grounded in personal truth. Harboring a penchant for turning musical novices into virtuosos, she brings flair to each personalized lesson through her unorthodox teaching style. Whether it’s the anatomy of voice or the craft of lyric writing, the JL experience is as dynamic as it is effective. New students can expect laughter, creativity, and perhaps the occasional history quip for good measure.
So, if you’re ready to trade in convention for melody and embark on a musical journey unlike any other, JL is the guide you've been searching for. What the courtroom lost, music academia has gained!
Guitar Center Pasadena5140 Fairmont Pkwy. Pasadena, TX
Jesse Holloway is a talented percussionist and dedicated instructor known for his passion for music education. Growing up in a musical family, Jesse found his true calling in percussion and honed his skills through years of practice. His journey as a performer and teacher began with a modest drum set in a performance with the Mainland Preparatory Academy choir at the age of three.
Jesse pursued a career in music education, inspiring students with his enthusiasm and deep understanding of rhythm. His teaching approach emphasizes patience, personalized instruction, and fostering each student's unique musical potential. Jesse guides students through various percussion styles, including jazz, rock, Latin, and orchestral, focusing on technique, sight-reading, improvisation, and ensemble playing.
Beyond technical skills, Jesse instills musicality, creativity, and collaboration in his students. He regularly offers performance opportunities, helping them build confidence and a sense of community. Jesse is also an active member of the broader percussion community, continually expanding his own knowledge.
Today, Jesse is a respected percussionist and beloved teacher, leaving a lasting impact on his students and shaping the future of percussion through his passion and dedication to music education.
Guitar Center Pasadena5140 Fairmont Pkwy. Pasadena, TX
Ms. Jessica Cruz is a 2020 graduate of Texas A&M
University-Commerce, where she studied with Dr. Zator.
While at TAMUC, Jessica studied in the Steel Band,
Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, Brazilian Percussion
Ensemble and Concert Band. Ms. Cruz has taught percussion
classes and private lessons in La Porte Junior High, Lomax
Junior High, Galena Park High school and Deer Park High
school.
Guitar Center Pasadena5140 Fairmont Pkwy. Pasadena, TX
Elijah Reed is a local Houstonian with over 20 years of playing experience. What started out as a curiosity for music quickly turned to obsession, leading him to branch out from Rock/Metal to Classical and Jazz. He was the lead guitarist for the Jazz band at San Jacinto College, where he got his Associates in Performance, before going on to release over 7 albums.
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 Pasadena, Texas 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!
