// Samz School of Rock » Music Instructors

Music Instructors

 
 
Sam A. Martinez
Founder, Music Director

Veteran professional musician, songwriter, band leader, Founder and Music Director for Samz School of Music, Sam Martinez is a Salinas native and mentor for many of Salinas Valley’s top young bands and musicians.  With more than thirty years of experience performing and teaching music, Sam is widely regarded as a consummate and energetic performer. His original band “Kachabeat” was awarded “One of San Diego’s Top Original Bands” and recorded a hit single “Jah Beat the Devil” on the “Musician’s Who Care” album by BMI Productions out of Los Angeles.  In the early 1990’s, when it came time to raise a family he returned to his home town of Salinas where he formed the well-known “Chicano All Stars Band.”  Since then, the Chicano All Stars have become one of Monterey County’s most popular Latin Rock, R & B dance bands.  The band currently performs a variety of live music venues, outdoor festivals, corporate events, community fundraisers and private events.  Over the years, Sam has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with other great musicians such as: Tierra, Malo, El Chicano, Tower of Power, Jorge Santana with Suave, Richard Bean and SAPO, LAVA Latin Rhythms, Eddie Money, Maria Maldaur, Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, Sista Monica, John Broadway Tucker and other great musicians. 

Although Sam believes that “Teaching what you know to the next generation is like the final frontier in a performing career,” the truth is that Sam has been sharing his musical knowledge and experience with young musicians since he was a young musician himself.  Sam has been quoted, “Music is my life.  I live and breathe music 24 hours a day.” Through his own recording studio, “Sam’s Lab Recording” he has helped out countless numbers of young talented musicians by giving them opportunities to perform, coaching them on performance techniques, providing band rehearsal space and resources to help get young bands started. 

Sam was employed in Product Specialist/Sales at Gadsby’s Music Store in Salinas for many years until the family-owned business closed in March, 2009.  He has been a member of the National Association of Musicians Merchants (NAMM) and has been a buyer for musical instruments for the past thirty years.  Sam also taught drums through the Monterey Arts Council at various schools in the Monterey County area.  He has traveled to San Diego and Ventura County to teach kids there as well.  Sam has been involved with the Salinas Youth Council, judging for the Battle of the Bands and other local youth organizations such as “Youth in Motion” based out of South Monterey County.  For years, Sam had been dreaming of wanting to start a rock music performance school that could reach out to as many kids as possible.  His passion has always been to work with kids and help them fulfill their musical dreams.   Now that Samz School is moving forward, there is nothing to stop Sam’s enthusiasm in accomplishing his dream and fulfilling the musical dreams for many children!

 

Homero Chavez
Drum Instructor/Percussionist
Summer Sessions Instructor for Samz School of Rock

Homero Chavez is an independent drummer/percussionist, Cajon player, producer and instrument designer.  Homero Chavez and Sam Martinez have enjoyed a long friendship since Homero played drums in Sam Martinez’ original band “Kachabeat” back in San Diego.  Homero is currently serving as President of the International Percussive Arts Society for California.   Most recently, Homero has made news with his trip representing Peace Drums and Percussion in Russia.  His work as a musician, producer, educator, and instrument designer has been featured around the globe.  He is featured in Latin Beat Magazine, Drums, Modern Drummer, Drum Magazine, Back Beat, Community Drums, Percussion News, Music Industry, Up Beat and Musician magazine as a clinician and with his latest contribution to the percussion family, his signature Cajon.  The ergonomical Cajon instrument was the master mind of Homero Chavez and built by Michael Kotzen in California.  The Cajon is available for sale on line at www.kotztonecajon.com.

Homero is published in several entertainment and music industry magazines such as Percussive Notes, Guitar Magazine, SAMTE Journal and others.  His music productions have aired on the radio, internet and television spots for Allegiance Telecom, and the late Ricardo Montalban.  Homero has toured Russia, Poland, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America performing at various music and drum festivals.  As a resident of Pomona, California Homero is an active contributor in the community promoting percussion activities through programs like “StompKids” and a yearly summer camp for disadvantaged kids.  Homero endorses REMO RMC and conducts workshops at REMO and throughout the USA, Canada, Central and South America.   Homero is proud to be affiliated with the “Local 47 – The Roots of Rhythm” program, Peace Drums, Kotz Tone Cajon, Future Sonics, Triplet Drum Gloves, Super Sticks, Rhythm Tech, Wrist Builders, Phatfoot, and Factory Metal Percussion.

Homero has produced “El Canto De La Gente” CD and he has traveled nationally and internationally performing Major Drum/Percussion and Music Festivals like: SC Moscow, SOJ Moscow, SB World Percussion Music Festival, PASIC, KOSA, The Sierra Nevada Music Fest, Reggae on the River, One World Music Fest, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Grec Music Festival de Barcelona, Spain, Heimatklange Berlin, New Morning Paris, Radio One Belgium, Music Meeting Holland, Xtra Limmathaus Zurich, Red Sea Jazz Eilat Israel, Lincoln Center, Japan American Theatre, House of Blues, Conga Room, Troubadour, Hot House and many others.  Homero has performed at “Agustin Lara Awards” and tribute concerts with a variety of Mexican superstars.  The Samsung LPGA Tour Award Ceremony.  He appears on drums and/or percussion in the following productions: Son Mestizo CD, NBC Production of “GITANAS” CDs “KZ” Live at the Troubadour,” Denise Donatelli and “El Canto De La Gente.” 

 Contact Homero at: Homedrum@hotmail.com or www.myspace.com/hchpro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perry Vasquez
Local Luthier and Bass Guitar Instructor
Guitar & Bass Building Workshop Instructor

Perry started playiing, building, and repairing guitars and basses while attending Gonzales High School.  After graduating in 2001 and receiving the Music Recognition Award, Perry moved on and graduated in 2004  from the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, Arizona as a certified Luthier.  Since then, Perry has started Unga Guitars building one of a kind guitars, bass guitars and effects, doing repairs, modifications and restorations.  Perry also works for Santa Cruz Guitar Company building some of the best acoustic guitars in the world.  For the past ten years Perry has played guitar and bass for local singer/songwriter/keyboardist, Steve Vasquez and many other local and not so local musicians in a few different line ups.  The first being The Volcano Brothers, then the Groove Masters and currently Lang Street Band.  Perry teaches beginning bass guitar along with a guitar and bass set up workshop and a kit guitar workshop.  You can see some of his work on the following websites: www.UngaGuitars.com and www.Santacruzguitar.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tyee Miles
Guitar Instructor & Samz School of Rock
Summer Camp Instructor
  
Tyee Miles comes from a family that played music professionally.  He is a Salinas resident who started his music career at age 10.  Tyee self taught himself guitar until age 17 when he began studies with local guitar instructor, John Sherry until age 23.  At age 19 he joined local alternative rock band “Hate for State” and has since traveled  the country and played numerous venues and festivals. He began formal training at Monterey at Monterey Peninsula College with a major in Music Composition.  Tyee studied with Dr. Anderson, Conductor of The Monterey Symphony for two years as well as Sal Ferenteli and Eddie Mendenhal, instructor of Jazz Improv.  In 2004 , the Salinas Californian published an article about him.  Also several articles about “Hate for State” in Your Music Magazine and The Monterey Weekly as well as being featured on AMP TV on several occasions.  
 
 In 2006 Tyee began recording and engineering projects in his home studio.  He recorded local bands such as “Concious Uprising:, Mnemonic Device” and “Goraphoriac” and published bands such as “Pleatherface” and “Hate for State” under his label Knife Records.  In mid 2009 he began studies with Rusty Cooley at the Pro Music School in Texas and frequently sits in with local talent at venues in Austin, Texas.  To sample his music you can visit www.myspace.com/hateforstate and www.myspace.com/voodooboystrio. 
Tyee is one of Samz School of Music’s most experienced and versatile guitar instructors and has done an excellent job at teaching at our Samz School of Rock summer sessions for 2010.  If you are interested in scheduling private guitar lessons with Tyee, you may contact the Samz School of Music office by email at Samzschoolofrock@yahoo.com or you may contact Tyee directly at his email: tyeemilesguitar@gmail.com.

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Tovar
Guitar Instructor/Sam School of Rock
Summer Camp Instructor

Robert studied at Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, CA.  He currently studies at Hartnell College and plans to continue his studies to acquire his Masters in Music Theory.  Roberto also plays with the Hartnell College Jazz Band and the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship.  Robert is a local graduate of Alisal High School and participated in the Alisal School Band where he received the Music Recognition Award.  Robert is currently employed at Alisal School as an After School Program Specialist.  He has countless hours of live stage experience with various local bands and enjoys diffferent styles of music including rock. blues, classical, jazz and metal.  His inspirations are more classic rock based to the likes of (Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Eddie Van-Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Slash to name a few).  Playing music is one of the biggest part of his life and he currently plays with a local “Rock en Espanol” band named “Morteros de Piedra.”  Please contact Robert to schedule individual music lessons at his email: slashrtj@hotmail.com or contact the Samz School of Music office.

 

 

 

 

 

 Micah Cabaccang
Beginning Keyboards and Drum Instructor
for Samz School of Rock Summer Camp

 
 
 
Micah’s inspiration and motivation started around when he was five years old when his dad bought him a drum pad and sticks to master the fundamentals of sticking/rudiments and reading music.  Micah did not start playing the drum set until after he mastered the fundamentals.  Micah played in the elementary and middle school music program and has been playing drums for ten years.  Micah grew up listening to Rush, and the drummer Neil Peart, who was an immense inspiration for him.

Micah’s opportunities sky-rocketed when he entered High School and joined the Salinas High music program.  Micah is in the marching band, jazz band, concert band, combo jazz group and he accompanies orchestra and choir playing percussion.  Micah had the opportunity of a lifetime to be accepted in the Blues in the Schools Honor Band (B.I.T.S.) directed by Dennis Murphy.  Micah performed with The B.I.T.S. Honor band at the Next Generation Jazz Festival and in the Monterey Blues Festival the past two years and will again participate this year in April and June.  Micah also had the awesome opportunity to learn and work with first-hand with the renowned Monterey Jazz Festival Clinicians, such as Vince Lateano, and Peck Almond to name a few.  Micah was accepted in the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Star Band this year.  The MJF County High School All-Star Band directed by renowned saxophonist and flautist Mr. Paul Contos, includes the best and brightest student musicians from the Monterey County, and includes students from Carmel, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Palma, Salinas, Seaside and York High School.  Members of the All-Star Band are selected by the Festival’s “Traveling Clinicians” who visit Monterey schools once a month during the school year for one-on-one instruction in jazz.  The All Star band will be performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival in Noto, Japan with their annual tour in July.  Including the MJF All-Star band, Micah attended the Monterey Jazz Festival Jazz Camp for two years.  The MJF Summer Jazz Camp is an intensive two week immersion day program for young jazz students to learn and develop music skills and knowledge, with classes including big bands, small ensembles, vocal performance, instrumental master classes, and daily workshops on different music subjects.
 
Micah has attended numerous clinics including the latin jazz clinic at Hartnell College taught by the Latin Jazz clinicians.  Additional clinicians and teachers include: Diane Gehling (GVMS Music Teacher), Joe Johnson (SHS Music Teacher), Dale Harrison (SHS Choir Director), Vince Lateano (MJF Clinician), Peck Almond (MJF Clinician), Dennis Murphy (B.I.T.S. Clinician), Gary Machado (B.I.T.S. Clinician), Ali Jackson (Drummer for Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Sam Martinez (Director of Samz School of Rock and Chicano All Stars Band Mgr.), Billy Jones (Professional Jazz Drummer) and many more.

In addition, Micah volunteered at Samz School of Rock as a drum instructor during the 2009 summer program.  Micah is currently working on his solor album while using midi keyboards, audio engineering and digital recording.  Micah is available to teach beginning keyboard, drums and music theory.  He is a very versatile drum instructor, but he specializes in:

  • Marching snare/rudiments/sticking
  • Jazz/Big Band and Swing Drum Charts
  • Latin Grooves
  • Improv
  • R&B
  • Sight Reading

Micah is the instructor for you if you need techniques on improving drum speed/rudiments/sticking.  MIcah can help with ideas for drumming various styles such as jazz, latin, or rock.   If you are stuck on a drum lick or fill, Micah could help you analyze it and break it down and help you understand it.  If you are interested in keyboard and/or drum instruction from Micah, contact Samzschoolofrock@yahoo.com or contact Micah directly at Mcabdrummerboy831@yahoo.com.

Randy Dowdy
Bass Guitar/Drum Instructor

With 19 years experience in all styles of drums including marching and set playing techniques and 13 years experience in Bass guitar, Randy has played many styles of music including Rock, Punk Metal, Ska, Funk, Reggae, Blues, Jazz and Country.  He has worked with many talented musicians including John Orzel (Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra and the Santa Cruz Symphony), Joe Johnson (SHS Music Director), Rudy Ortiz (SHS and San Benito Drum Coach, SCU Vanguard Lead Snare Player), Omar Green (Concord Blue Devils Drumline Instructor/Drum Core Int. Competition Top 5 ranking three consecutive years).  In 2009 Randy began studies in Funk and Fusion Bass with Brian Gautier (Advanced Bass Instructor/Solo Artist) learning Slap/Pop technique, Melodic Theory and right hand studies.  Currently Randy has toured and performed across the country with “Hate for State” (Punk/Rock).  Randy can also be seen performing with Voodoo Boys Trio (Blues/Rock) and Pleatherface (Shred/Metal).  Randy has been featured in “Your Music Magazine,” “Monterey County Weekly” and the “Salinas Californian” and has performed live on “AMP TV” and 103.9 Santa Cruz X.  Check him out at www.youtube.com/tyeemilesguitar, and www.youtube.com/punkgumby. 

For beginning to advanced private lessons on bass guitar and/or drum techniques, Randy can be contacted by email at Samzschoolofrock@yahoo.com  or hateforstate@sbcglobal.net.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Kevin Nuckolls
Acoustic or Electric Guitar/Bass Instructor
Kevin Nuckolls has over 35 years experience playing and performing music in churches, clubs and concert halls.  He has lead youth of all ages in sing-a-longs and song services as a youth leader and Vacation Bible School volunteer.  He has been a vital part of many bands and worship teams and is eager to pass on his knowledge of music, musical teamwork and collaboration and rock band dynamics.  Kevin is a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in both acoustic and electric guitar and electric bass.  Kevin has worked with his good friend Sam Martinez in the past as recording and performing guitarist in his Latin Reggae and Ska bands, Kachabeat and Battlecry.  Kevin’s vast musical knowledge ranges from Rockability, Country, Blues and Americana to Reggae, Ska, Punk, and Metal; including all styles of rock in between.  His experience includes the playing of such diverse styles as bumbias, sambas, Jamaican blue beat, and Southern gospel.  Kevin’s current musical endeavors include the use of conventional electronic instruments in unconventional ways, always striving to push the envelope of creativity in music and art. 

“I’m training the next generation of beginning to intermediate students in the fundamentals of playing their chosen instrument and sharing tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way that have made it easier for me to understand.”  Availability is pretty flexible at this time.  Kevin woudl like to have students weekdays and early evenings.  Saturdays are available by appointment.  You may email Kevin to schedule individual music lessons at Knuck63@yahoo.com.
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alex Reyes
Guitar Instructor

Alex Reyes began playing guitar at the age of thirteen and has studied classical guitar for three years at Hartnell College.  He learned the basics of classical guitar skills and music theory.  Wanting to expand his knowledge on both music theory and guitar skills, Alex moved to Hollywood where he attended Musicians Institute and performed live at Catalina’s Jazz club and The Knitting Factory.  Alex studied with many famous guitar teachers such as Doug Rappaport, Tom Kolb, David Oaks and Greg Harrison.  His inspirations are Classic Rock, Metal, Blues and Classical guitar.  Alex grew up admiring such guitar players as Ritchie Blackmore, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen.
 
Availability is pretty flexible including weekends.  You may email Alex to schedule private lessons at Reyesalex87 @yahoo.com or email or contact the Samz School of Music office.
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Lopez
Sax, Flute, Clarinet, Piano &
Brass Instruments Instructor

Chris Lopez is an outstanding local musician who is a very talented not only on the saxophone but also teaches flute, clarinet and piano.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA.  He is an experienced instrumentalist and has also worked at the Stockton Golf & Country Club as an events coordinator.  He is experiencd as a private instructor coaching middle school students through high school age students in music.  He also has experience as a music coach at Arrowbear Music Camp located in Running Springs, CA  during the summer months.  Chris coordinated with other teachers, critiqued young musician’s sound and suggested ways to improve.  He developed plans to help produce better musicians.  Among the various instruments that Chris can teach he also teaches students compose and arrange original tunes, can help with theory and composition in Classical and Jazz.  To contact Chris for professional and private music lessons please contact the Samz School of Music office or contact Chris by email at christopher.sax@gmail.com.  You many also give him a call at (831) 540-8719.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

David Molina
Acoustic & Electric Guitar Instructor 

David Molina comes from a family who played music professionally and he was convinced at an early age that music was a noble goal to strive for. David first started playing classical guitar on a Paracho guitar which is a hand made guitar from Paracho, Michoacan, known as being Mexico’s center of quality hand made guitars.  He went on to learning different styles of music and has enjoyed teaching music for a few years.  David started teaching guitar while working at a local music store, Gadsby Music Co. in Salinas, CA.  David taught students at Gadsby’s for about five years until the store closed its doors in 2009.  He had a diverse group of students ranging from war veterans, field workers, young children, and other music teachers that played different instruments.  While working at Gadsby’s David enjoyed performing at the Fox Theater in Salinas and also being a studio musician with local bands.  David moved to Oakland to study music and he holds a bachelors degree in music.

While David attended school he performed self-penned songs in local clubs and coffee shops.  David understands that music lessons are available through many mediums in these times but often overlook advice only available through addressing the personal needs of his students.  David’s goal is to sharpen his students creativity that will enable them to have fun and express themselves through music.

Although David is an all around guitar instructor he excels in:

  • Songwriting/Music Composition
  • Folk Music
  • Finger Picking & Blues Music
  • Rock N Roll
  • Country Music
  • Reggae/Ska
  • Gypsy Jazz
If you are interested in private acoustic or electric guitar lessons with David Molina, contact the Samz School of Music office or contact David directly by email at: davidmolina831@gmail.com or call him at (831) 269-4168.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isaac Hernandez
Private Music Lessons in Spanish
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards

Isaac Hernandez holds a Bachelor in Music (1997 – 2000) from the School of Music Shalom in Honduras, Central America.  He specializes in private music instruction for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar and keyboards for spanish speaking students.  Isaac specializes in musical improvisation, composition and has experience as a musical director as well.  Isaac’s experience includes:

  • Music Teacher – 1999 to 2008 in the Apostolic Church in Honduras, Central America.
  • Music Teacher – December 2008 to present in the Apostolic Church in King City, CA.
  • Director of praise team: Grupo Exaltacion from 1998 to 2004
  • Director praise team: Roca Eterno from 2004 to 2007

Isaac is available for private music lessons and has a flexible schedule.  Contact the Samz School of Rock office or you may contact Isaac directly by email at isa_miusic7@yahoo.com or phone Isaac at (831) 214-3352.

Translation:

Instrumentos:  Teciado/Piano, Musica Clasica, Partitura, (beethoven, Sebastian, Bach, etc.) Guitarra Electrica/Acustica, Bajo Electrico, Musica Christiana.  Isaac ha graduado de Bachiller en Musica (1997 – 2000) en la Escuela de Musica Shalom en Honduras, Centro America.  Especialidad en guitarra, bajo, teclado canto, improvisacion musical, composicion, Director Musical.  Isaac tiene experiencia de:

  • Maestro de Musica:  Desde el ano 1999 al ano 2008 en la Iglesia Apolstolica en Honduras, Centro America.
  • Maestro de Musica:  Diciembre 2008 y en la actualidad en la Iglesia Apostolica de King City, California.
  • Director de Alabanza:  Grupo Exaltacion en Honduras en los anos de 1998 al 2004.
  • Director de Alabanza:  Grupo Roca Eterna en Honduras en los anos de 2004 al 2007.

LLame para clases de musica privadas en espanol:  Isaac (831) 214-3352  0 llame al Samz School of Music (831) 235-9589.

 More info. to be posted soon on other music instructors available to teach at Samz School of Music studio located at:

 Samz School of Music, Inc.
1111 North Main Street, Suite G
Salinas, CA  93906