Teachers

A New Hampshire native, Benjamin Fortin moved to Los Angeles to study in the prestigious GIT program at Musicians Institute. During his studies, he joined a 10-piece jazz/fusion instrumental band by the name of Mr. Giant. Additionally, he gigged with many local Hollywood artists. Immediately after earning his Associates Degree in Guitar Performance, he made his way into the local music scene as a work-for-hire musician.

Ben is available Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

A native of Shiraz, Iran, Sahand picked up violin at seven, having received around two years of Orff music training under Mehrzad Foroozan, a well-known local music coach for kids. Pursuing classical music, and with the enormous help of his family, he took lessons from various teachers, mainly those from the capital, Tehran. For years, he received instructions for both Western classical and Traditional Persian Music. At thirteen, Sahand composed his first piece for solo Violin, showcasing it in multiple cities and events. At sixteen, he left his home and arrived in the United States at eighteen, determined to pursue music more earnestly. During his College years, he studied with Dr. Leila Nunez-Fredell from 2018 to 2020. Sahand prepared to enter a university to further his musical studies with her guidance. 2020, he started studying under the esteemed Dr. Lorenz Gamma and earned his bachelor's degree in 2022. Sahand considers himself incredibly fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Gamma. He is currently continuing in the second year of his M.M.degree in violin performance

Sahand is available on Wednesdays

Chris Jacks is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, with over 30 years of playing, recording and composing experience. An MI graduate with over 15 years of teaching experience from total beginners to advanced, helping to improve technique, theory and how it applies to the instrument with an emphasis on composition and creativity. He teaches all styles.

Chris is available for online lessons only

Andrei has had a lifelong connection to guitar, having played for over 10 years. Growing up in the area, he started out at Dave Janssen’s School of Music throughout his childhood. The skills that he learned have carried over into his adult life as he has become a teacher himself. He has experience with rock, metal, blues, funk, and more.

Andrei is available Fridays and Saturdays

Joaquin was born in Los Angeles, where he developed a love for music at a young age, learning many different instruments in his childhood. Inspired by his father’s collection of concert movies, he picked up a guitar in his teenage years, making it his main instrument and never looking back. During his senior year of high school, he began his teaching journey by giving zoom lessons to his fellow students. He further honed his skills at Musicians Institute’s world famous guitar program G.I.T. where he would earn his Associate of Arts degree in 2023. Since graduating Joaquin has played in many bands including his original band Toadstar which he plays guitar and composes for.

Joaquin is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays