Meet Our Teaching Faculty
San Francisco’s Best Music Teachers & Educators
Our Team, One Commitment
Our faculty is deeply committed to teaching as a profession, dedicated to helping students meet their unique goals.
Blue Bear teachers also work as musicians, expert in their individual crafts, with significant experience in the music industry.
Teacher Bios
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Mark Abdilla

Daniel Avina

Liz Baker

Kent Brown
What students are saying:
- “Prior to his class, I had never touched a guitar. I joined as a student in my mid-30s, and Kent’s patience and natural ability to teach (any level) have proven to be my musical lighthouse.” – David K.
- “From the beginning, Kent has listened to my aspirations, and my lessons have been based on my specific goals. Not only is he is a highly skilled musician, Kent is a fantastic teacher!” – Alicia C.
- “Learning to play a new instrument as an adult can be intimidating, but Kent creates a very relaxed and supportive environment that makes learning fun and enjoyable. With his tips and tricks, I was able to play my favorite songs in just a few months!” – Jaclyn H.
- “He is an outstanding teacher: extremely skilled with an enormous breadth of experience; fun and engaging; patient and encouraging.” – Jeremy K.
- “Kent takes the time to explain everything in plain language so that the whole class understands. He focuses each week’s lesson around a song that incorporates a new chord or technique (usually music that most people know – Beatles, Stones, REM, Pixies, Eagles, etc) which I find is a great way to learn.” – Dan S.
- “With all the knowledge I have learned from Kent, I have been able to write my own songs and play at open mic. I highly recommend you study guitar with him.” – Yuchun C.

Randy Clark
What students are saying:
- “Randy Clark is an EXCELLENT slide guitarist and fingerpicker. His technique is pristine and his attention to detail when teaching is awesome. Because of this, if you practice, you can become an excellent slide and/or fingerpicking guitarist in NO TIME!” – Riz A.

Greg Dayton

Sam Edelman

Rick Harrell

Rowan Katz

Evan Langley

Spencer Layne

Sean Leahy
What students are saying:
- “Sean is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and he knows how to teach music on the fly. He can quickly strip down complicated songs, whether it’s keys, rhythm and lead guitar parts, or the backup singer’s note, and have you sounding good within the first day of playing with your new band.” – Brett O.

Francesca Lee

J.T. Locke
What students are saying:
- “J.T. has been awesome to work with! Part drill sergeant, cheerleader, spiritual guru, fashion police and now great friend he has given me musical knowledge and ability way beyond my expectations!” – Alan N.

Hank Maninger

Lewis Martin

Richard Michos
What students are saying:
- “Richard has been teaching my son ukulele and electric guitar for over a year. Richard is a fantastic guitar player and a great teacher. He has a knack for knowing what will keep the child interested and engaged and is willing to be flexible to make sure that his students develop a passion. My son has gone from dreading practice to not having enough hours in the day to play to his heart’s content. He now wants to be a professional guitar player!”

Kevin Mullane

Brie Peterson

Taylor Phelps
Now based in San Francisco, he’s excited to connect with new students and be part of a vibrant and creative music community. Taylor teaches private lessons and group guitar on Wednesdays at Mission Bay, and private lessons, band workshops, and group guitar on Thursdays at Fort Mason.

Janak Ramachandran
What students are saying:
- “Every week is challenging, requiring lots of practice in between, but rewarding because skills that seemed impossible when they’re introduced come easily within a couple weeks. The variety and progression by which skills are introduced simply cannot be reproduced in a self-taught environment & the group setting provides the additional motivation to practice during the week. I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon Janak from the beginning and I highly recommend him to anyone similarly looking to learn guitar from the ground up!” – Forbes H.

Mike Rao
What students are saying:
- “I had never played guitar before starting lessons with Mike – he even had to teach me how to hold a pick! I have learned a ton from Mike over the years and still look forward to my lessons each week.” – Kathy M.
- “Mike Rao has a style that is so patient and laid back that you don’t realize how far out he’s pushing you. Then one day it hits you that you just improvised for 16 bars, and fell right back into the rhythm so the next student can solo –on a song that, last week, you didn’t even know how to play!” –Brian G.
- “Mike Rao has been an amazing guitar/music teacher. When I began lessons with him I was a 48-year-old non-musician. 8 years later I am playing, learning and comprehending guitar far past my wildest fantasies.” – Ian E.
- “Year after year, Thursday nights with Mike = best hour of my week.” – Brett O.

Paul Rodriguez

Davia Schendel

Leonard Sherman

Joan Torres
Torres began collaborating with Venezuelan, two-handed tapping marvel Felix Martin in 2020. Torres has performed as part of Martin’s trio in the Caribbean, South America, North America, and Asia. Torres’s bass work is also featured in Martin’s singles, such as “El Cantante,” and his 2024 album The Gathering. Additionally, as an early member of the Martin’s FM Guitars, Torres contributed to the development of their first bass guitar, becoming the first bassist to use dual-fretboard basses.
