Colin Reid

Show Director

A professionally-trained multi-instrumentalist who is fluent in all styles and specializes in rock. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Colin started piano lessons at age 5, guitar at 14, and has trained extensively with vocal coaches Brennan Barrett and Brian Williams. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Musicians Institute - where he was awarded the Musicianship Scholarship - and also an Associate of Arts degree in Performance.

Colin currently performs lead guitar and vocals with ex-Megadeth drummer Nick Menza in Deltanaut, lead vocals and lead guitar in Carnival Show, and guitar in Damn Hippie Freaks.

Colin brings tremendous experience to Rock Nation.

Brian Marshak

Co-Music Coordinator Santa Monica & Studio City
Guitar Instructor Santa Monica

Brian Marshak has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He grew up in New Jersey and began playing guitar at age 6. Having attended Berklee College of Music in Boston as well as Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Brian has the classical and modern schooling to blend with years of on stage, in studio and on tour experience.

Brian built two bands from the ground up while in LA and was the guitarist and music director: scheduling rehearsals, drilling songs, booking shows, arranging set lists and songs and of course keeping everyone in line.

Brian writes music for film, video games, TV and alternative media. His experience both inside and outside the classroom are important assests for his students.

Bjorn Englen

Co-Music Coordinator Santa Monica & Studio City

Bass Instructor Agoura and Studio City

Bjorn was born in Sweden and relocated to Los Angeles in 1993 where he became an honor nominated graduate and teacher of the Musicians Institute. In 1994-95 he got hired to play bass for the multi-platinum selling heavy metal group Quiet Riot. Bjorn has also performed/recorded with MSG/Survivor vocalist Robin McAuley (as well as members of Foreigner, David Lee Roth, Dio, Ozzy, Elton John, Deep Purple, Journey, Dream Theater, Rainbow, Heart, Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Sweet, Steve Vai, to name a few). Bjorn is currently touring the world as a member of neo-classical rock guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force. Bjorn's expertise as recording artist, world-wide touring musician and instructor is highly valuable to all of the Rock Nation students

Band Name: Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force

www.bjornenglen.com, www.myspace.com/bjornenglen

Breeann Pohlman

Manager - Agoura Hills

Breeann is a local girl graduating from Agoura High School in 1997. That same year she moved to Long Beach and attended Long Beach City College taking courses in child development and music education. She has a passion for music and truly enjoys working with the kids in our community. Her love of music started as a child and as always been a huge part of her life. She has been singing since she was a child and can often be heard singing around the school. She has great energy and enthusiasm which makes her a perfect fit for Rock Nation.

Holly Breckenfeld

Manager - Studio City

Born and raised in Chicago IL, Holly has been a music fan and performer for most of her life. Upon arriving in Los Angeles in 2008 Holly has stayed busy in the music world. From singing in the band Earthen, to participating in the "Girls of Metal" charity organization ( with all proceeds going to the ABTA) as well as working at a major music booking agency. In addition to being an accomplished vocalist, Holly also plays a wide range of instruments including guitar and drums. Her love of the arts comes from her musical family, and it has taught her to appreciate all styles of music. It's this appreciation and enthusiasm that makes her perfect for Rock Nation.

James Baker

Guitar Instructor - Agoura

James Zota Baker started playing guitar at the age of 10. He has studied with Jefff Richman, Robben Ford, Joe Diorio and Scott Henderson to name a few. James studied Jazz and Classical Guitar as well as Harmony and Theory at Santa Monica College and Graduated G.I.T. in in 1985. James toured the world with the legendary band WAR from 1998 to 2002 and shared the stage with such acts as: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Earth,Wind and Fire and Perry Farrell. James just finished co-writing and playing guitar on Edgar Winter's new CD "Rebel Road" Featuring Slash, Clint Black and Johnny Winter.

Band Name: James Zota Baker and Betty's Got A Secret Personal Quote: "Live from the Heart and Enjoy the Ride"

www.myspace.com/jameszotabaker, www.zotamusic.com

Electra Barakos

Vocal Instructor - Agoura

Electra Barakos, of Greek origin, is a graduate of California State University of Northridge, from where she received her Bachelors degree in Music - Classical Vocal Performance. Graduated with Honors and is a holder of two singing awards, the Vocal Arts award and the Society of Singers award. Has starred in numerous roles of Opera Productions and is also an active performer of her own original Rock pop Band, with which they perform at all the clubs in Hollywood. Electra has been invited to sing with famous Greek singers, the band "The Sweet", the band "Harlow", appeared in several tv shows, has sung in movie soundtracks and does voice over work for several cartoon shows as well as soap operas.

www.electrabarakos.com, www.myspace.com/electrabarakos, www.imdb.com, www.lacasting.com/electrabarakos, www.youtube.com/ecbmusic

Justin Citron

Guitar and Bass - Studio City

An L.A. native who has been a student of the musical arts since the age of 10, Justin Citron’s musical vocabulary ranges from operatic arias, to classic rock, to modern heavy metal. Justin attended the nationally coveted Musician’s Institute where he mastered the study of musical theory, composition, and stage performance. Justin is currently playing in numerous bands, composing a theatrical show, and is one of the most sought-after guitar teachers on the Westside.

Billy DiBlasi

Drums and Percussion Instructor - Agoura

Billy DiBlasi has been hittin' the drums for nearly four decades. Growing up in a very Italian musical family, Billy's mother wouldn't allow him to skateboard or ride a bike. Instead, playtime was spent playing music with his parents and guitarist brother, Joe DiBlasi. Billy has studied with drummers such as, Greg Bissonette, Henry Bellson, Graham Lear, Dave Weckel, Vinnie Colaiuta, and long time mentor and friend, Joe Porcaro, father of the late great drummer, Jeff Porcaro of 'Toto' fame. His credits include playing with Grammy Award winning artists in the studio and on television and film. Personal Quote: "Practice hard and go for your dreams."

Dawn Fulton

Bass and Guitar Instructor - Agoura

Originally from Oxford, Pennsylvania Dawn studied classical guitar privately with David Pedrick,of the Pedrick-Hutson duo. During her studies Dawn performed in many recitals around the Philadelphia Area including The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society. In the year 2002 Dawn moved to Hollywood to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology to expand her knowledge of her instrument. Dawn absorbed different musical styles like a sponge at G.I.T. earning her a Most Improved Student Award upon graduating in the spring of 2003. Addicted to the Californian sun Dawn remained in Los Angeles to pursue her career in music and teaching. Dawn has performed anything from country to her passion Metal/ Hard rock. Dawn played lead/rhythm guitar for Mistress of Reality a female tribute to Black Sabbath and can be heard on Girls Got Rhythm a cd featuring only the finest female tribute bands.

Mario Gorito

Guitar Instructor - Studio City

Mario was born in Brazil and came to the States at age 12. After finishing high school he came to LA to study at the LA Music Academy where he studied with great teachers such as Frank Gambale, Steve Fister, Ross Bolton, and Jeff Richman. Currently you can find him either working in the studios or playing live shows for different artists in the LA
area.

www.mariogorito.com, www.myspace.com/mariogorito

Jeremy Gritter / Rainbow / Beardo

Guitar Instructor - Agoura

Started playing guitar at age 10.

CURRENT BANDS * WHITESTARR, classic rock * BEARDO, rap / punk rock * RUN RUN RUN,
Indie rock * EAST-COAST BANDS * 1313, punk rock * Pendulum, punk rock * The Jeramy Gritter Project, jazz * EDUCATION *

University of the Arts, school of music jazz performance, music education, theory, ear training, writing, and reading music.
Studied with Jimmy Bruno, Pat Martino, Dan Lamb, and Mike Stern TOURING HISTORY * Opened shows with Alice Cooper,
ZZ Top, Pretenders, Stray Cats, Buckcherry, Poison, Mickey Avalon, Ima Robot and Candle Box.

http://www.myspace.com/beardostreetteamindiana, http://www.facebook.com/Beard0Beard0

Jared Karp

Drum and Percussion Instructor - Agoura

Playing drums for 20 years. Started playing in the 90's young punk scene. Grew up playing with guys from Linkin Park and Hoobustank among others. Graduated from Musicians Institute's Drums and recording program in 2001. Became a recording engineer/producer. Produces electro breaks, house, and hip hop beats and records and mixes in his home studio. Also works as a real estate agent in Agoura Hills at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's. Likes: Music, Classic Cars, Sandwiches Dislikes: Rainy days, The Black Eyed Peas. Favorite Drummers: Josh Freeze, Dave Weckl, Danny Carey

Margot Lane

Keyboard, violin, vocal instructor - Studio City

Raised primarily in Buffalo NY, Margot Lane had an innate love for music at an early age. She began studying keyboard methods and technique along with classical piano at Woodshed Music School. Through determination and practice she excelled at an extremely fast pace, earning her several awards and the nickname “radar”. Margot continued her knowledge and dedication by adding the violin to her stable talents. Several teachers furthered her studies including Western New York Hall of Fame member, Jimmy “The W” Wozniak.

Margot past employment included Guitar Center, and she has teaching positions at both the Buffalo Music School and Crossroads Music Center. Margot has recorded on several singles and worked with countless musicians both live and in the studio.

Nick Mason

Drums instructor - Studio City

Through his persistence he has been able to keep and maintain professional endorsements with the following: Peace Musical, Aquarian Drumheads, Ahead Drumsticks, Zildjian Cymbals, Factory Metal Percussion, Coffin Case, and MacEachern Drums. This has propelled his career to record over 21 albums, singles, EP’s, and soundtracks including videos for “Black Magic Marker”, “Suffercake”, and “Jack the Ripper”.

In 2006 Nick ventured into television as Co-host of Official Heat, a music news and entertainment program. He now lives in Los Angeles, CA where he continues to be a driving force behind the drum kit, frequently touring North America, orchestrating drum clinics, and thriving as an independent musician and teacher.

Trevor Menear

Guitar Instructor - Agoura

Trevor, born in Grand Rapids, MI and raised in Chicago, began playing music at 3. He attended University of Tennessee where he studied jazz performance for two years. He returned to Chicago to become more involved in the Chicago music scene. Trevor writes and performs his own music and has experimented producing his own tracks. He contributed a version of John Lennon's "John Sinclair" for Warner Bros. He appeared on ABC for an interview about his track contribution for Instant Karma. Trevor also participated in festivals like SXSW and CMJ in NY.

Peter Smith

Drums and Percussion - Santa Monica

Peter Smith has grown up around all styles of music and has een an active drummer for over 25 years. Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, he attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School and Santa Monica High School. Playing drums in Rock and Roll bands since the age of 13, he continued his journey to becoming an all around musician and educator. Furthering his studies throughout Junior High and High School, he played in the Orchestra and Concert Bands. This would eventually lead him to Colorado State University where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education (Percussion).

Dan Welby

Drums and Percussion - Agoura

Born and raised in Massachusetts where drumming began at an early age. Dan's first band, Hostile Groove, released their first album "Unleash the Massattack". Two songs from this album was acquired by Capcom for the video game Dead Rising. Dan attended Musicians Institute and continued on after graduation as an instructor and a house drummer for the Heavy Metal Guitar class.

Playing throughout southern California and the occasional US tours, Dan's experience as a professional musician is a great asset. For more info go to his website, www.danwelby.com