Find Music Lessons

Michael teaches guitar on Mondays and piano on Fridays. 

(Please take note when registering. Due to the equipment in the room he teaches in on each of those days, you must register for the correct day, depending on instrument. Thanks for understanding!)

As a professional performer, composer, and educator, Michael has dedicated the past 15 years in helping students develop their craft on the guitar. Beginning his career as a Music Education Major and classical guitar student at the State University of New York at Fredonia, he obtained a chair for the esteemed Fredonia Guitar Quartet. Michael performed with the group for multiple tours, including an international tour of Spain at many celebrated Universities and Music Conservatories. Once relocating to Los Angeles, Michael completed his Associates degree in Audio Engineering at the Los Angeles Recording School and began work in music editorial for film and television. In 2018, Michael signed as a recording artist with Sony Music Entertainment and began his professional stage career as a songwriter and national touring musician. Alongside a busy touring schedule, Michael continued his passion for education and has maintained a steady teaching schedule. He has taught private lessons and group classes throughout Los Angeles and, for six years, led the guitar program for at-risk and homeless youth at Covenant House California.

Michael enjoys teaching in various styles including: rock, pop, metal, country, and classical. He provides instruction to students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Beginning with the fretboard fundamentals and foundational technique, Michael approaches the guitar with the basics of note reading and practical exercises while maintaining the focus on the students’ overall goals and musical style preferences. He likes to help strengthen the individual skills of the player while encouraging future band/ensemble development. Michael’s overall goal is to help bring out the gifts and talents that all students posses while keeping the joy of music at the center. Michael is always excited to meet new students and looks forward to assisting you on your musical journey!

Fun facts about Michael:
-Enjoys riding motorcycles and ATVs
-Has had his music showcased in television shows and video games
-Likes Sci-fi and Fantasy movies
-Loves Italian food
-Has performed on seven national tours
-Favorite sport is Hockey
-Enjoys collecting music and movie memorabilia 
-Grew up in New York
-Favorite dog is a Siberian Husky
-Enjoys traveling and new adventures

Elizabeth teaches:
Piano/Voice on Mondays (Eastside location)​​​​​​​
Piano/Voice on Tuesdays (Eastside location)
Piano/Voice on Wednesdays (Eastside location)
Piano on Thursdays (Foothills location)
Guitar & Guitar/Voice on Fridays (Foothills location)
 

Elizabeth is a passionate music educator, who draws inspiration from a profound belief in the transformative power of music. Armed with a background in Vocal Performance from the Music Conservatory at Ithaca College, a B.A. in Music from CUNY Hunter College, and a recent Master’s in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  

Elizabeth sees music as a universal language that helps unite and inspire. Apart from composing, songwriting, and instrumental studies Elizabeth has dedicated years to developing and creating a pedagogical style that encourages a supportive, open, and safe classroom, and applied studio environment for aspiring musicians of all ages. Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy, emphasis is placed on helping to foster and cultivate a willingness to learn within each student.  This willingness sets a foundation and is seen as the cornerstone for students' growth—academically, emotionally, and technically. 

Elizabeth cultivates an open and supportive classroom environment, encouraging both musical exploration and the development of critical thinking skills. Advocates for breaking down traditional educational hierarchies to better foster collaboration within the learning process that becomes a guide for students to thrive on their musical journeys. The overarching goal is to assist students in recognizing their unique gifts and potential and the impact they can have on the world around them. Through this approach, Elizabeth aims to create an environment where the willingness to learn flourishes, opening doors to endless possibilities for academic and personal success.

Meet Jesus Gabriel Galvez Gaytan, a passionate and dedicated music educator and classical guitarist, based in Tucson, Arizona. With over nine years of experience teaching music to students of all ages, Jesus has developed a profound commitment to using music as a means to connect and uplift his community.

Jesus began his musical journey at the age of 7 right here at Allegro! He began offering private lessons for guitar and violin at the age of 15, which allowed him to share his love for music with others. 

In addition to his teaching, Jesus has held various leadership roles in community-based and professional musical ensembles, where he has served as a supervisor, manager, and event coordinator. His dedication to education is further highlighted by his volunteer work at John E. White Elementary, where he also worked as a guitar instructor for 2 years in the Mariachi/Folklorico program, enhancing the musical experience for young students.

Currently pursuing a degree in Music Education and Performance at the University of Arizona, Jesus is actively involved in the Bolton guitar program and has achieved recognition as a 2024 UA Schaeffer Guitar Finalist. He also plays a vital role in the UA mariachi ensemble as the section lead for violin. Additionally, he is a member of the professional mariachi group, Mariachi Agave.

Jesus's diverse musical background includes accomplishments such as being a semi-finalist in the 2022 Southwest Guitar Festival and a recipient of various accolades during his high school years. Beyond music, he has extensive experience in caregiving for special needs.

A bilingual educator, fluent in both Spanish and English, Jesus is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.

In his free time, Jesus enjoys exploring different musical styles and engaging in community projects that promote the arts. He believes that music is a powerful tool for connection and expression, and he is excited to continue sharing his passion with the next generation of musicians.

Me siento cómodo enseñando a estudiantes que hablan español.

*Please note: John is currently teaching ONLINE ONLY*

I moved here to Tucson from Southern California. I love the hiking, pace of life and the people here. I have been a guitarist/teacher most of my life. My love for guitar and music began in elementary school, when our music teacher allowed us to try various instruments. After that, I new the guitar was for me. It was in Jr. High that I began taking lessons and learning songs by ear from Santana to Genesis. In college, I studied theory, piano, music appreciation and took a professional musician performance class. I eventually opened up my own recording studio in Southern California where I produced, recorded and played on many local bands and artists' projects. After some years in the studio, I desired to pursue something that I felt had greater meaning. I began teaching guitar, art, music, coaching, along with many other things, at MVCS private school. I found I loved teaching and did this for 15 years. During this time, I also became a recording artist with Spotted Peccary Music, which I’ve released two recordings and am working on a third. I have had my music featured in the top 20 for the year by Textura.org and in the top 100 for the last 20 years of Echoes Radio. I’ve strived to be a complete player who can play finger style, electric lead and still keep up with modern music. I really enjoy seeing students grow and discover their own voice on the guitar, no matter their age or skill level.

Me siento cómodo enseñando a estudiantes que hablan español.​​​​​​​

*Please note: John is currently teaching ONLINE ONLY*

Tommy Dominick has been a professional musician for more than thirty years performing as a local, studio and touring musician. He was born and raised in Southern California and started playing music at the age of sixteen and received his formal music education from Cal Poly University, Pomona, Calif. He was the bass player/keyboardist for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee, Michael Bruce, guitarist- songwriter from the original Alice Cooper Group. Tommy enjoys history, quiet walks, gardening, reading, online gaming and 3D computer animation.

Me siento cómodo enseñando a estudiantes que hablan español.

​​​​​​​Alejandro Arenas is a rock, metal, classical and mariachi guitarist who likes to expand his musical career by exploring new styles, and is always willing to learn new forms of art. He has developed his dream of becoming a musician, performer and teacher throughout his life and is always looking to teach new aspiring artists regardless of their background.

Arenas' musical journey has been over 15 years, making him gain different kinds of experiences. In 2016, he began teaching guitar, piano, bass and voice lessons to students of all ages at Instituto de Musica Frets in Nogales, Son, Mexico. In Fall of 2020, he earned his Associates Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Music at Pima Community College. When studying at PCC he performed different musicals with their pit orchestra such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert in 2018, and Mamma Mia in 2019. In Fall of 2023, Alejandro earned his Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona. He has studied and received masterclasses from different renowned musicians such as Michael Lich, Tom Patterson, Ana Maria Iordache, Sergio Assad, David Russell, Edwin Guevara, Erick Quijada, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Cobre, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and amongst others. Alejandro has performed throughout Arizona and Sonora, Mexico playing in classical guitar ensembles and solo, rock bands, choirs and mariachi groups. He has also participated in guitar competitions such as, William Wolfe and Schaeffer Guitar Competition at the Fred Fox School of Music.

As of today, he is an active member of Mariachi Arizona and performs as a session musician with ensembles and solo throughout Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Outside of music Alejandro likes video games, movies, musical theater, photography, and spending time with his loved ones.

David Oregon received his Bachelor of Music in Guitar performance at the University of Arizona. During his time at the University of Arizona he had the opportunity to participate in competitions placing as a finalist three times in the William Wolfe Competition and placing third in the Schaeffer Competition. He also participated in masterclasses with renowned guitarists such as David Russell, Sergio and Odair Assad, and Margarita Escarpa.

Outside of his classical guitar studies, David is also an experienced electric guitarist. His favorite genres to play are Metal, Rock and J-pop. He enjoys recording instrumental covers of his favorite songs.

In his free time he enjoys playing video games and collecting items such as toys, cds, cards and other types of pop culture merchandise. As well as watching Japanese tv shows and Anime.

Me siento cómodo enseñando a estudiantes que hablan español.

Samuel is a passionate and experienced music instructor dedicated to helping students unlock their music potential. Samuel found a love for music that was greater than himself in a gigantic double bass, eventually paving the way to exploring other instruments, like guitar and ukulele. With over 15 years in the Tucson music scene, Samuel has performed in several bands and has managed several concert series, including KAMP Radio Concert Series and Cellar Concert Series at the University of Arizona. Now, his focus is nurturing the talents of other aspiring musicians. 

His teaching approach revolves around creating a supportive and inspiring environment for his students. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pick up your first instrument or looking to fine tune your songwriting, Samuel looks for a tailored way to guide you on your musical journey. In your lessons with Samuel, you can expect to feel empowered to read sheet music, improvise, and even compose your own pieces of music. Developing skill and technique is a major part of his lessons, but overall, Samuel wants each lesson to be fun, engaging, and enjoyable. 

Music is transformative and a lifelong skill that provides empowerment, joy, and inspiration and Samuel looks forward to sharing that passion with you!

Fun Facts About Me

1.) I’m a dog dad to a senior dog named Charlie, also known as Char Char
2.) I worked at Blow Up Records in London and was the Promotional Assistant for the Latitude Festival. (Even got to see Ed Sheeran before their rise to fame!) 
3.) I love whipping up new recipes in the kitchen and getting creative with my ingredients
4.) On my off time, I like to play video games with my girlfriend
5.) I often daydream about cool designs to put on t-shirts

Josh Mikesell was born and raised in Northern Utah and developed an interest in music at a very young age. Josh was able to develop his skills at an arts high school, earning the the William D. Bichmore Music Ambassador Scholarship. Since graduating, he has spent his time professionally performing, teaching, writing, recording, and owning/operating a venue. 

In teaching, Josh loves a slow and steady approach emphasizing control and technique as well as artistic expression, starting with focusing on a pattern-based practice strategy. He enjoys exploring many styles, genres, and techniques to tailor the lessons to each individual student. 

10 Fun Facts
1. Initials spell “jam” and he loves to jam! 
2. Driven full circle around the country, twice! 
3. Got invited to audition for “The Voice” once. 
4. Loves to read comic books and manga. 
5. Loves video games. 
6. Was part of Troop #1 in Boy Scouts. 
7. Fed an elephant a cupcake once. 
8. Loves to cook.
9. Loves to camp and backpack. 
​​​​​​​10. Loves his girlfriend more than anything! 

I have been playing the guitar for 17 years starting out as a self taught musician and later taking lessons to round out my knowledge of the instrument something I find myself still doing to this day. I have worked as a live performer and session musician. I have taught guitar and bass for 10 years ranging from contemporary Christian to metal and anything between. 

I approach teaching with a student forward focus, whatever you need to learn can be learned while teaching you what you like to hear. I prefer not to focus so much on exercise and center learning music that you connect with and enjoy. I look forward to helping you meet your goals and develop into a guitarist yourself. 

Please note: Scott only teaches piano on Thursdays

​​​​​​​As a composer I have found it necessary never to stray too far from performance. The sheer exhilaration one can obtain through playing an instrument is unique and powerful. I have devoted my life to trying to understand and master this elusive beast called Music. As a child, or a peculiar spirit, I demanded my parents get me guitar and piano lessons. I felt an instant connection to these instruments and was compelled to investigate. After years of inquiry I ended up attending New School for Arts, a high school devoted to the arts where I studied music composition. From there, I went on to the University of Arizona to receive degrees in Music Composition and Philosophy with minors in Mathematics and English Literature. For my Masters’ programs I wandered into the world of contemporary composers and experimental music at Mills College in Oakland where I finished my M.A. Music Composition as well as my M.F.A in Electronic Music and Recording Media. All the while pursuing a mastery of the instruments that caught my ear in the first place.

I am laid back and playful in my approach to music lessons. I like to gear lessons toward the interests of the student, and if I am doing my job correctly, all the traditional techniques will be painless. I also like to delve into music theory to give one a deeper appreciation as well as an understanding and steady grasp of the tools of composition if their heart is so inclined. When it comes to music I am rather eclectic and I feel every style has something to add to the techniques of a solid performer, so I tend to draw from many disparate places to offer a fuller experience. In no time at all, you should be playing pieces you love, understanding how they work, and perhaps embellishing them or writing your own.

Me siento cómodo enseñando a estudiantes que hablan español.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Please note: Scott only teaches piano on Thursdays

Jordin began learning guitar at Allegro in 2017 and it sparked a love for music which would lead him to pursue his music degree at Pima Community College which he received his associate degree in music from. Jordin is now a part of the Bolton Guitar Studies studio at The Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona where he is pursuing his bachelor's in music. During his time at PCC he toured with the Pima Community College Guitar Orchestra with momentous presentations in Nogales, Sonora, and in a Tohono O'odham music festival in Sells, Arizona. Along with Orchestral performances, Jordin also has an extensive solo concert program and is part of a Guitar Duet with colleague and longtime friend, Alejandro Arenas--which just this year, the Duo performed at the 2023 Sergio Assad Tribute Concert presented at the University of Arizona. Apart from studying under Micheal Lich at PCC and Ana-Maria Iordache at the UA, Jordin has also received lessons from Manus Noble, a Royal College of Music Alumni, and has participated in masterclasses of Erik Quijada from the University of Sonora, and of the world renowned guitarist and composer, Sergio Assad. Jordin is well versed in many different genres from Classical to Jazz Guitar, Swing, Singer-Songwriter, and Finger Style Guitar.

My Teaching Approach:
I like to think that anyone can learn to play music, there is no obstacle which we can't overcome with the proper guidance. I cater music lessons to each individual student's goals and interests. Teaching music which resonates with the student while also using that same joy-filled music to show the nuances of technique. Breaking down complex pieces of music into bite size material which the student can play today to keep the motivation high for their goals of tomorrow.

Ten Fun Facts about Jordin:
1. I love Minecraft
2. Favorite food is Pizza
3. Favorite drink is Pineapple Jarritos
4. Is a new dad
5. Hates swimming
6. Has a dog named Mackie
7. Loves reading
8. Favorite Guitarist is John Williams
9. Is fluent in Spanish
10. Favorite composer is Agustin Barrios Mongore

Me siento cómodo enseñando a estudiantes que hablan español.

Born and raised in northern California, Leland began teaching himself guitar at the age of ten. After high school, he began playing in local bands, developing a unique approach to the guitar, rooted in experimental music and progressive rock.
He has been involved in a wide range of projects across a diverse range of genres, including alternative rock, progressive metal, industrial, reggae, surf, country, ambient music and jazz.
He has spent countless hours both in recording studios and performing on stages from the tiniest dives imaginable to big-name music festivals and has had some of his music receive local radio airplay.
Leland has experience with acoustic and electric guitar, as well as extended-range guitars (7, 8, and 9-string), bass guitar and ukulele. He strives to identify each student's individual strengths and help the students expand upon them, with an emphasis on technique, accuracy, and ergonomics while cultivating a positive learning environment and, just as importantly, making learning music fun.
As a teacher, Leland is interested teaching the "rules" of music, as well as when and how to break them, and how to make it sound compelling to a listener.