Nick Ikeda - Owner/Instructor
Guitar/Bass/Keyboard/Drums/Voice/Mandolin/Ukulele/Theory
Hello! Two of my greatest passions in life are teaching and music. I picked up the guitar over 15 years ago and since then have picked up the bass, drums, keyboard, ukulele, mandolin, and have spent a good deal of time recording in my home studio. I have studied music theory in college, been in bands and choirs, as well as played for musicals. I also have played in many churches in the past and have led worship on occasion as well. My teaching experience includes students of all ages (including special needs) learning anything from Taylor Swift to Bon Jovi! My teaching style caters to each individual keeping them engaged and wanting to come back to learn more. Learning should be both educational and FUN. I have been in the music retail business for the past 9 plus years and have worked in some of the most unique music scenes up and down the west coast. I have been the general manager of 5 major music retail stores in Medford OR, Reno NV, Roseville Ca, Sacramento Ca, and San Francisco Ca. Through my travels I have realized that there was one common thing that allowed me to relate to people anywhere I went and create instant relationships and friends. This common bond was music. I want to share this with you and your loved ones. There is nothing better than that feeling of strumming your first chord, playing that first drum beat, or completing your first song. I am honored and excited to be able to share this journey with you!
Guitar/Bass/Keyboard/Drums/Voice/Mandolin/Ukulele/Theory
Hello! Two of my greatest passions in life are teaching and music. I picked up the guitar over 15 years ago and since then have picked up the bass, drums, keyboard, ukulele, mandolin, and have spent a good deal of time recording in my home studio. I have studied music theory in college, been in bands and choirs, as well as played for musicals. I also have played in many churches in the past and have led worship on occasion as well. My teaching experience includes students of all ages (including special needs) learning anything from Taylor Swift to Bon Jovi! My teaching style caters to each individual keeping them engaged and wanting to come back to learn more. Learning should be both educational and FUN. I have been in the music retail business for the past 9 plus years and have worked in some of the most unique music scenes up and down the west coast. I have been the general manager of 5 major music retail stores in Medford OR, Reno NV, Roseville Ca, Sacramento Ca, and San Francisco Ca. Through my travels I have realized that there was one common thing that allowed me to relate to people anywhere I went and create instant relationships and friends. This common bond was music. I want to share this with you and your loved ones. There is nothing better than that feeling of strumming your first chord, playing that first drum beat, or completing your first song. I am honored and excited to be able to share this journey with you!
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Auriela Cecil-Solorzano - Instructor
Voice/Guitar
First off, I am a mother to an amazing 2 year old fire ball and sharing my passion for music with him is my favorite thing in the world. Music is not just my passion, it's my life! My background in music started in the womb, my mother sang backup for artists such as Lionel Richie and Phil Collins. So to say it's in my blood would be more accurate. I play guitar, bass, ukulele and drums. I've sang solo, backup, harmony and whatever you can imagine. Ranging from choir, worship teams, musicals, solo shows, to huge stadiums and music festivals. Styles range from top 40, jazz, blues, Adele, rock, and all the way to opera. If it has a beat, I like it! I want you to feel comfortable with me and let me help bring out the song in you. Music should be fun and make you happy! I love sharing my passion with others and would love to share it with you and your family! Theres no judgement in music, just the rhythm and the amazing feeling that it gives you. I look forward to meeting you and helping bring out the song inside of you!
Voice/Guitar
First off, I am a mother to an amazing 2 year old fire ball and sharing my passion for music with him is my favorite thing in the world. Music is not just my passion, it's my life! My background in music started in the womb, my mother sang backup for artists such as Lionel Richie and Phil Collins. So to say it's in my blood would be more accurate. I play guitar, bass, ukulele and drums. I've sang solo, backup, harmony and whatever you can imagine. Ranging from choir, worship teams, musicals, solo shows, to huge stadiums and music festivals. Styles range from top 40, jazz, blues, Adele, rock, and all the way to opera. If it has a beat, I like it! I want you to feel comfortable with me and let me help bring out the song in you. Music should be fun and make you happy! I love sharing my passion with others and would love to share it with you and your family! Theres no judgement in music, just the rhythm and the amazing feeling that it gives you. I look forward to meeting you and helping bring out the song inside of you!
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Maddy Villenna - Instructor
Guitar - Acoustic, Electric
I've been playing guitar for over 10 years now and love just about everything about the instrument! Music has been a prominent aspect of my life since my early childhood and I love every opportunity I get to listen to new artists and learn more about what inspires people to write music. In high school, I spent four years in our school's guitar program, both taking classes and performing live concerts with my peers. Since then, I've gained year's worth of experience working at a music retailer learning more about the instrument and helping people find the perfect guitar for them! Nowadays, I listen to a wide variety of music and love to play from blues, to heavy metal, to pop, to classic rock and anything in between. When I'm not playing guitar or listening to music, I'm going to college with a major in Graphic Art and Design. If you're interested in scheduling a lesson with me, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail with any questions you might have! I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your musical goals.
Guitar - Acoustic, Electric
I've been playing guitar for over 10 years now and love just about everything about the instrument! Music has been a prominent aspect of my life since my early childhood and I love every opportunity I get to listen to new artists and learn more about what inspires people to write music. In high school, I spent four years in our school's guitar program, both taking classes and performing live concerts with my peers. Since then, I've gained year's worth of experience working at a music retailer learning more about the instrument and helping people find the perfect guitar for them! Nowadays, I listen to a wide variety of music and love to play from blues, to heavy metal, to pop, to classic rock and anything in between. When I'm not playing guitar or listening to music, I'm going to college with a major in Graphic Art and Design. If you're interested in scheduling a lesson with me, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail with any questions you might have! I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your musical goals.
Colin Curtin - Instructor
Guitar/Drums/Voice
Ever since I can remember I have been dreaming up beats and melodies, even before I could play any sort of instrument. At the age of 11 I began playing drums out of a family full of guitar players, taking lessons with Ken Ballinger and Kelly Smith. At 16 Guitar eventually found me and became my main instrument under the tutelage of Tommy Armstrong Leavitt, as well as Vocal lessons under Larisa Bryski. The rest of what I know, I learned through years of playing with other people. At the age of 12 I joined in on my first Stairway to Stardom hosted by Skips Music. Being placed in a different band with 4-5 different people every year for 6 years showed me that a lot of what makes music is the interaction between the folks who come together to play it, listen to it, and be immersed in it. This lead me to study Music Theory in College where I decided this is what my life will be devoted to. After I turned 18 I was playing in multiple different bands (Most notably, North Bound Train, a Grateful Dead cover band) all over town, from the Ace of Spades to Torch Club to Bar 101 to out of town festival gigs. To this day I am learning new things about music and picking up new instruments, musical phrases, genres, and musical ideas all the time as well as making new lifelong friendships through the magic that is musical collaboration.
Guitar/Drums/Voice
Ever since I can remember I have been dreaming up beats and melodies, even before I could play any sort of instrument. At the age of 11 I began playing drums out of a family full of guitar players, taking lessons with Ken Ballinger and Kelly Smith. At 16 Guitar eventually found me and became my main instrument under the tutelage of Tommy Armstrong Leavitt, as well as Vocal lessons under Larisa Bryski. The rest of what I know, I learned through years of playing with other people. At the age of 12 I joined in on my first Stairway to Stardom hosted by Skips Music. Being placed in a different band with 4-5 different people every year for 6 years showed me that a lot of what makes music is the interaction between the folks who come together to play it, listen to it, and be immersed in it. This lead me to study Music Theory in College where I decided this is what my life will be devoted to. After I turned 18 I was playing in multiple different bands (Most notably, North Bound Train, a Grateful Dead cover band) all over town, from the Ace of Spades to Torch Club to Bar 101 to out of town festival gigs. To this day I am learning new things about music and picking up new instruments, musical phrases, genres, and musical ideas all the time as well as making new lifelong friendships through the magic that is musical collaboration.
Samuel Murrish - Instructor
Drums/Guitar/Bass/Piano/Ukulele/Theory
My passion for music began around the age of six as I was immersed in a musically gifted family. Watching my older brothers and father playing guitar and piano I was inspired to pick up the guitar and start learning to strum. Through my many years of playing I’ve branched out- also learning bass guitar, drums, and piano. To this day I still strive to learn and become a well versed musician on as many instruments I can get my hands on (most recently alto saxophone). My approach to music can be easily summed up as “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.” In my time working as a music instructor I have always strived to incorporate this philosophy to my student’s learning. Making music fun is the most important foundation to establish in order to build a lifelong love for your instrument- no matter what your age or current playing ability. Please send me an email if you would like to discuss how I can start you down the road to musical success. From choosing your first instrument to playing your first song I can get you headed in the right direction. When not in the classroom teaching I can be found working in my home studio, performing instrumentally for live theater as well as spending time with friends and family.
Drums/Guitar/Bass/Piano/Ukulele/Theory
My passion for music began around the age of six as I was immersed in a musically gifted family. Watching my older brothers and father playing guitar and piano I was inspired to pick up the guitar and start learning to strum. Through my many years of playing I’ve branched out- also learning bass guitar, drums, and piano. To this day I still strive to learn and become a well versed musician on as many instruments I can get my hands on (most recently alto saxophone). My approach to music can be easily summed up as “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.” In my time working as a music instructor I have always strived to incorporate this philosophy to my student’s learning. Making music fun is the most important foundation to establish in order to build a lifelong love for your instrument- no matter what your age or current playing ability. Please send me an email if you would like to discuss how I can start you down the road to musical success. From choosing your first instrument to playing your first song I can get you headed in the right direction. When not in the classroom teaching I can be found working in my home studio, performing instrumentally for live theater as well as spending time with friends and family.
Mike King - Producer/Engineer
Recording
Mike comes to us with an extensive background in the Sacramento music scene. He has been playing guitar and singing for over 14 years, playing in the local music scene for over 10 years, running front of house/live sound for over 4 years, and professionally recording for over 5 years! All the while he is finishing up his degree in Commercial Music Recording at American River College. Mike is fantastic with understanding your recording needs and will work with you to get that perfect recording. Mike also not only records, but teaches his techniques as well in normal one on one or group recording classes. Check out some of his latest recordings:
Digital Havoc (www.facebook.com/digitalhavoc)
The Way Out (www.facebook.com/thewayout916)
Motorize (www.reverbnation.com/motorize)
Adonis DNA (www.reverbnation.com/adonisdna)
Recording
Mike comes to us with an extensive background in the Sacramento music scene. He has been playing guitar and singing for over 14 years, playing in the local music scene for over 10 years, running front of house/live sound for over 4 years, and professionally recording for over 5 years! All the while he is finishing up his degree in Commercial Music Recording at American River College. Mike is fantastic with understanding your recording needs and will work with you to get that perfect recording. Mike also not only records, but teaches his techniques as well in normal one on one or group recording classes. Check out some of his latest recordings:
Digital Havoc (www.facebook.com/digitalhavoc)
The Way Out (www.facebook.com/thewayout916)
Motorize (www.reverbnation.com/motorize)
Adonis DNA (www.reverbnation.com/adonisdna)
Mikes Rates:
$60/hr studio time with a 2 hour minimum per song.
$100 for a mix and master on each song.
5 Song EP rate = $750
Includes a full 5 song EP fully mixed and mastered with 10 hours of studio recording time.
$60/hr studio time with a 2 hour minimum per song.
$100 for a mix and master on each song.
5 Song EP rate = $750
Includes a full 5 song EP fully mixed and mastered with 10 hours of studio recording time.
Zak Elliott - Instructor
Guitar
As a self-taught guitar player for the past 10 years, music has pulled me through the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. Playing with other musicians in various bands of different genres and performing for crowds of 5 people to sold out venues for hundreds of people has highlighted the possibilities of what music can bring. 3 years ago these lessons, trials, errors and achievements led me to the decision to teach others that are looking to start their own path. Learning an instrument can appear to be confusing and intimidating but in reality, learning the guitar is a very FUN and rewarding experience whether you're looking for your next hobby or looking to start a career. Taking the first step is the most important one and as an Instructor I can guide you through those steps in an effective way to learn correctly and avoid unnecessary, time consuming mistakes while having fun in a light environment that Spotlight Music Lessons provides. Let's get started with a custom lesson plan that gives you the opportunity to enjoy an individual experience learning the music you already know and love.
Guitar
As a self-taught guitar player for the past 10 years, music has pulled me through the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. Playing with other musicians in various bands of different genres and performing for crowds of 5 people to sold out venues for hundreds of people has highlighted the possibilities of what music can bring. 3 years ago these lessons, trials, errors and achievements led me to the decision to teach others that are looking to start their own path. Learning an instrument can appear to be confusing and intimidating but in reality, learning the guitar is a very FUN and rewarding experience whether you're looking for your next hobby or looking to start a career. Taking the first step is the most important one and as an Instructor I can guide you through those steps in an effective way to learn correctly and avoid unnecessary, time consuming mistakes while having fun in a light environment that Spotlight Music Lessons provides. Let's get started with a custom lesson plan that gives you the opportunity to enjoy an individual experience learning the music you already know and love.
Wade Quinn - Instructor
Drums/Percussion/Marching/Drumline
When I Starting drumming I used the best Percussion equipment for beginners, Pots and Pans with wooden spoons. At the age of 3 it was obvious what my career path would be to my father who was already a musician. Growing up I continued to play drum as well as middle school and high school drumline. I Performed with the Sacramento Mandarins where I was a Tuba player in 2010 and entered into the front ensemble in 2011 and continued in 2012. I Performed with Vanguard Winter Percussion (VWP) for the 2012 WGI season and I stayed in the program until 2014. I wanted to see this program grow and put a lot of hard work into it. I received 2 individual awards during my time with VWP, I received the rookie of the year award in 2012 and the Directors award in 2014. Not only have I grown as a performer but i have grown as an instructor as well. I have instructed and consulted many groups since 2012. In the fall of 2013 I started working at Granite Bay High School where I took over the front ensemble. After a successful Fall season I lead them to a Scholastic A Gold Medal in their first season in NCPA in the winter. I am still teaching with Granite Bay and work with Del Oro HS's Marching band. I am also a sound system consultant for Northern California specializing in Band and Marching. Becoming an instructor has been the best decision I have made. Seeing students grow and learn has been an amazingly rewarding experience. I still get joy out of seeing my students perform every show. I believe Music is the greatest tool in teaching life lessons.
Awards and recognition
Ponderosa high school Drumline - 2nd place drums (P)
Lincoln High School – Winter Percussion 2nd Place Novice (E) (M)
Vanguard Winter Percussion - Rookie of the Year 2012 (P)
Vanguard Winter Percussion – Director's Award 2014 (P)
Granite Bay HS Winter Percussion NCPA PSA Gold Medal 2014 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS Winter Percussion WGI PSO Regional Winner 2015 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS Winter Percussion NCPA PSO Gold Medal 2015 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS WBA 4A Gold Medal 2015 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS WBA 4A/5A Grand Championships Top 5 2015 (E) (M)
Drums/Percussion/Marching/Drumline
When I Starting drumming I used the best Percussion equipment for beginners, Pots and Pans with wooden spoons. At the age of 3 it was obvious what my career path would be to my father who was already a musician. Growing up I continued to play drum as well as middle school and high school drumline. I Performed with the Sacramento Mandarins where I was a Tuba player in 2010 and entered into the front ensemble in 2011 and continued in 2012. I Performed with Vanguard Winter Percussion (VWP) for the 2012 WGI season and I stayed in the program until 2014. I wanted to see this program grow and put a lot of hard work into it. I received 2 individual awards during my time with VWP, I received the rookie of the year award in 2012 and the Directors award in 2014. Not only have I grown as a performer but i have grown as an instructor as well. I have instructed and consulted many groups since 2012. In the fall of 2013 I started working at Granite Bay High School where I took over the front ensemble. After a successful Fall season I lead them to a Scholastic A Gold Medal in their first season in NCPA in the winter. I am still teaching with Granite Bay and work with Del Oro HS's Marching band. I am also a sound system consultant for Northern California specializing in Band and Marching. Becoming an instructor has been the best decision I have made. Seeing students grow and learn has been an amazingly rewarding experience. I still get joy out of seeing my students perform every show. I believe Music is the greatest tool in teaching life lessons.
Awards and recognition
Ponderosa high school Drumline - 2nd place drums (P)
Lincoln High School – Winter Percussion 2nd Place Novice (E) (M)
Vanguard Winter Percussion - Rookie of the Year 2012 (P)
Vanguard Winter Percussion – Director's Award 2014 (P)
Granite Bay HS Winter Percussion NCPA PSA Gold Medal 2014 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS Winter Percussion WGI PSO Regional Winner 2015 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS Winter Percussion NCPA PSO Gold Medal 2015 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS WBA 4A Gold Medal 2015 (E) (M)
Granite Bay HS WBA 4A/5A Grand Championships Top 5 2015 (E) (M)
Walter Bere - Instructor
Guitar/Piano
I grew up in the Sacramento area and have been playing guitar and piano for many years now. I love working with both beginners and more advanced students. I have played at many bands at churches, as well as in clubs and recording studios. I started a band a few years ago. I was the front man, leading on electric guitar. I now teach guitar and piano and work as a sound engineer for a few local churches.
Guitar/Piano
I grew up in the Sacramento area and have been playing guitar and piano for many years now. I love working with both beginners and more advanced students. I have played at many bands at churches, as well as in clubs and recording studios. I started a band a few years ago. I was the front man, leading on electric guitar. I now teach guitar and piano and work as a sound engineer for a few local churches.