Our Guitar Teachers
Andres Sagredos
As an instructor, Andres Sagredos believes in cultivating a comprehensive approach to music education that goes beyond technical proficiency to embrace creativity, expression, and personal growth. Whether teaching pop, jazz, contemporary, rock, or blues, Andres emphasizes the importance of developing a deep understanding of musical concepts while encouraging students to express themselves authentically through their playing.
In his lessons, Andres prioritizes creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel inspired to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and collaborate with their peers.
Above all, Andres is dedicated to instilling a lifelong love and appreciation for music in his students, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their musical passions with joy and enthusiasm.
Now accepting new guitar and voice students for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
Andres Sagredos is a knowledgeable and experienced musician with over a decade of involvement in the vibrant music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a BM in Composition from San Francisco State University and an AA in Audio Production from Diablo Valley College, Andres possesses a solid foundation in both musical theory and technical expertise. He is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist, proficient in a versatile array of genres and styles.
With more than seven years of teaching experience, Andres has honed his skills as a music instructor at various institutions across the Bay Area. At these institutions, he has not only taught private lessons in vocal and guitar instruction but has also developed student curriculum encompassing technique, music theory, ear training, and repertoire. Andres has led audition-based performance ensembles and conducted rehearsals for a diverse array of performance groups.
As a freelance musician, audio engineer, and educator, Andres has performed regularly in Bay Area clubs and venues, composed original music for visual media, and engineered recording and mixing sessions out of his home studio.
Stephen Danska
I’m Stephen Danska – a dedicated guitar instructor with over a decade’s experience nurturing students’ talents. My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a love for music, encouraging creativity, and instilling a solid foundation of technical proficiency. As an active guitarist I infuse a spirit of artistic adventure whether in the classroom or on stage. It is my calling to inspire and share my musical expertise with students and audiences alike. I cannot wait to pass on my deep knowledge and lifelong love of the guitar to the next class of aspiring musicians!
Stephen Danska is a Bay Area native and accomplished guitarist, renowned for his versatile musicality and extensive experience both in teaching and performing. His musical journey began in third grade when he embarked on the path of classical music, starting with the piano. After five years of dedicated piano study, Stephen's passion for music led him to embrace another instrument—the guitar. He graduated from California State University East Bay in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with a focus on jazz guitar performance.
Since completing his formal education, Stephen has become a prominent figure in the Bay Area music scene. As an active performing guitarist, he has graced the stages of numerous theater companies, including notable productions such as Ratatouille with the San Francisco Symphony and Berkeley Rep's premieres of "Paradise Square" and "Kiss My Aztec." His versatility shines through as he effortlessly transitions between genres, from playing in the orchestra pit for Broadway touring musicals to sharing the stage with artists ranging from country to heavy metal.
Justin Sakogawa
Justin champions a hands-on approach to learning music, working with his students in practical and understandable ways that even his youngest students enjoy. He lives for the “lightbulb” moments with his students – the times when they first grasp new concepts, with the same joy and excitement he experienced as a young learner and realize the potential they afford.
Justin Sakogawa holds a degree in music and has nearly two decades of guitar teaching experience in individual and group settings, for both public and private institutions. Justin has appeared in eight studio albums and has toured extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
During his off-hours, Justin is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, instilling discipline and providing encouragement to help people achieve their personal goals. Justin lives in Pleasanton, California.