A performing musician since the age of 18, Dan has played professionally in bands for decades, bringing real-world performance experience into every lesson. His practical approach helps students not only learn technique but also understand what it takes to play confidently with other musicians.

For more than 25 years, Dan has taught guitar and songwriting, working with students looking to improve their skill levels and polish their music writing.

Jacob is a master of the Jazz idiom. Having graduated from Berklee college of music, he keeps very busy playing jazz all over the central coast. His approach to teaching is simple: “Allow students to learn the music that they enjoy listening to.” His philosophy (and ours) is that if learning music is FUN for the student, then practicing the instrument is easy and non-laborious. He will also supplement this with formal guitar techniques which encourage the student to reach their full musical potential. For videos of Jacobs work click here. www.JacobOdell.com

He has been playing music for over 20 years and has been teaching for over 10 years. While attending the University of Maryland he took 4 years of music classes ranging from music theory, orchestration, pedagogy of guitar, and singing performance. He has toured nationally with his various bands, playing dates on Warped Tour as well as opening for notable musicians. Currently, he plays with GhostMonster a local alternative rock duo with Nataly Lola, performing at wineries, hotels and restaurants all along the central coast.

Raised in a family of teachers (his mom teaches math and his dad teaches history) Jason is a natural teacher, possessing patience and understanding while still maintaining a fun environment. From teaching countless students of all ages, he has always found a way to tap into their interests musically and is always surprised from what he can learn from his students. He has taught everything from old country, jazz theory, pop music and even Russian ska-punk..

Gary is a guitar player’s guitar player by all forms of the phrase.  Having begun taking lessons at age five and teaching at age sixteen, he has spent his life learning and sharing the wonders of music with students of all ages.

Professionally, Gary has performed over 4,000 concerts, performing onstage with international artists such as Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Miranda Lambert.  Playing legendary venues such as The Grand Ole Opry, professional sports stadiums, and major music festivals.

Kevin is a credentialed teacher and taught special education in Los Angeles for over thirty-years. With an extensive background in computer technology and working with people with disabilities, he helped to create and design many of the early adaptive education programs in Southern California.

 Having developed a passion for music early in life, Kevin’s influences include The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Chopin. Playing guitar and piano since high school, Kevin has developed a love for most musical genres, which include Rock, Pop, Folk, Classical, Blues, and Celtic. Combining his passions for teaching and music, Kevin’s students enjoy his extensive knowledge and relaxed teaching style, allowing room for both theory and creative expression.

 Kevin lives in Baywood Park and is a multi-instrumentalist in the acoustic duo BAY LOVE with his partner Linda. You can hear both original and cover tunes and watch videos at their website (http://www.baylove.net), and follow them on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @baylovemusic805.

With a background in professional musical theater and nearly 30 years of performance experience, Savannah loves to help students realize their full potential through a passion-based approach. What fuels your fire? What moves you? Music has a natural way of connecting us to each other and ourselves. The best part? We’re all born with a built in instrument, and anyone can learn how to play!

Nearly every weekend you’ll see Savannah playing guitar and singing solo or with her band at a winery, restaurant, bar or special event in the Central Coast. She holds the belief that creativity and musicality are inherent human traits that everyone deserves to explore and experience, and hopes to help you find joy through practice and performance.

Justin is a classically trained violin/viola player with roughly 15 years of performance experience. He started playing music with friends and family at age 10 and it quickly became his lifelong passion and career path. In 2022 Justin graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree in viola performance. Since then he has amassed performance experiences ranging from orchestras and chamber music, to studio recordings and live music with artists here on the central coast. His music interests mainly center around alternative rock, funk, and classical music with artists like Paramore, Vulfpeck, and the Gorillaz and composers such as Brahms and Chopin being among his favorites.

Justin has taught lessons to students ranging from ages 8-20 in both private and in university settings. While he has extensive training in technical pedagogy on violin and viola, Justin prefers a student-led approach. Finding songs and repertoire that they enjoy listening to and incorporating those into technical practice. There can be a misconception that violin practice is all about drilling technique with exercises. And while developing technique is important, enjoying the time you spend practicing is what keeps you playing.

Samy Shalhoub is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, avant-garde performer, composer, and conductor who utilizes and develops multi-disciplinary approaches to pedagogy and performativity. Having earned a Master of Art degree in Music Performance Practice from the University of California Santa Cruz, he works with students studying classical guitar, piano, clarinet, and voice, building a depth of understanding around how the body, mind, and emotions all play a part in bringing music to life. He also supports emerging composers and conductors, helping students develop awareness around how musical ideas work, how to communicate about expression, and how to make music tangible through the use of standard music notation. Samy works with students of all ages and experience levels.

Krissie Miller is a central coast native, who aspires towards all things music and performance. She has been teaching private voice lessons and group theatre classes for the last three years, and has found true happiness in mentoring all ages. Krissie has been singing since she was 3 years old, went to school for Acting in SF at Academy of Art University. She makes it her mission to inspire all, whether young or old, to follow their heartsong and SING SING SING! Her motto is anyone can sing especially with the right care and commitment. She is trained in helping singers activate the most confident parts of their voice through teaching vocal technique, music theory, and building your story behind a song. She is so excited to be apart of the Grand Central Music team of teachers! She is currently offering voice lessons predominantly and is open to teaching beginning piano students.

Robbie Lopez is an accomplished guitarist, educator, and active performing musician in San Luis Obispo County and Southern California. He holds a Master’s of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton School of Music and has studied with jazz legends Ron Escheté, Charlie Shoemake, and Baba Elefante.

Robbie teaches students of all ages and skill levels, from learning favorite songs to developing technique, theory, improvisation, and reading. As a Cal Poly instructor, he brings a natural ability to make learning approachable, engaging, and fun.