Justin Dempsey
Drums, Band Aid Workshop, Jam Night
Justin has been studying the art of playing drums for 25+ years, and received a Performance Degree in Percussion from Musicians Institute in 2005. He has been an instructor at Music Freqs since 2008.
In Justin's drum lessons, he teaches his students technique, basic fundamentals, coordination, reading rhythms, rudimental concepts and patterns in creative ways. Justin encourages his students to create their own music and prepares them to play music with others. He has also written and recorded over 20 different play along songs offered in a virtual classroom for his students to learn drumming in all styles of music and offer his students a chance to play the songs live with him in their lessons or even record their drums to the song and have a professional sounding demo. Justin heads our Band Aid program and has been teaching it for almost a decade. As our music director, Justin has created programs here at Music Freqs including Jam Night, Master Blaster, and Boom Shaka. Justin has built a huge reputation from playing extensive tours in over 40 different countries and has recorded 10 full length albums for 7 different record labels as well as a handful of EPs and singles. He has also appeared as a session musician on many artists' recordings in the Ventura County and LA area. Justin has done session work that has appeared on programs like ESPN.
Hector Lopez
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele (Bilingual English & Spanish)
Hector holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Therapy from California State Northridge and an Associate of Arts degree in Music from Ventura College.
Hector has been in music since he was 8 years old and has been teaching music since 2012. Hector performs with our longtime instructor, Oscar Rivera at Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Camarillo as well. Hector's great deal of experience spans many genres by performing in classical and jazz music ensembles as well as several local bands over the years.
Liana Rodriguez
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Songwriting, Theatre/Acting
Liana's musical journey started early, beginning with piano lessons at age 8. Voice, guitar, and ukulele soon followed, fueled by an innate love for music and inspired by artists like Taylor Swift. Her passion deepened throughout her childhood, flourishing in choirs from age 12 and culminating in classical vocal studies in college. This dedication is reflected in her education. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Arts Performance and a Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration California State University, Northridge. Liana's not just a performer; she’s a songwriter currently working on her debut 5-track EP!
Liana's teaching experience is as diverse as her musical talents. She's been an assistant teacher to preschoolers, led summer camps, taught private and group lessons in voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele, and even led a musical theater camp! Her background isn't just musical – she's performed in everything from high school musicals and college operas to professional caroling gigs.
But what sets Liana apart is her approach. Students blossom in her welcoming, confidence-building lessons where "mistakes" are simply learning opportunities. Her students will tell you she's enthusiastic, encouraging, and dedicated to helping them find their own joy in music.
Corey Highberg
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Voice, Ukulele, Songwriting
Growing up in a house filled with instruments and surrounded by musicians, Corey naturally gravitated towards music. His mother played piano, guitar, and flute and his brother played bass who always had his friends over to jam in the garage. At 8 years old, Corey discovered an old classical guitar in a closet, claiming it as his own. Corey began playing upright and electric bass alongside mallet instruments and auxiliary percussion in 1991, studying music performance at Thousand Oaks High School and professionally for a short period after until 2002. He took a break from music and made a return in 2014, where he took on work as a jazz, motown, bluegrass, folk, and contemporary artist with several Southern California groups. In 2018 he resumed his college education, earning associate degrees in music, history, humanities, behavioral science and liberal arts at Ventura College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree of Letters and Science in Musicology in 2020 from The University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s Degree in music history at California State University, Long Beach in 2023. He currently teaches, writes, researches, composes, and performs music with multiple musicians and music groups. With a solid foundation in music theory and performance, Corey brings a wealth of experience to his teaching. His passion for sharing his knowledge shines through as he guides students in mastering guitar, bass, piano, and vocals.
Michaela Wilkinson
Voice, Piano
Surrounded by music throughout her childhood, Michaela began piano lessons at age 5. Her grandfather regularly took her with him to nursing homes, where he played guitar and sang hymns for the residents, she was a part of her church’s choir and yearly musicals, along with her older brother’s encouragement to begin music lessons of her own. She still remembers the excitement of the day her family brought home their first upright piano, an instrument she and her brother continue to share by playing “Heart and Soul” whenever they visit their parents.
Determined to pursue opera, Michaela auditioned for an arts high school at 15, was accepted, and moved away from home at 16 to focus on her training. By 17 she had learned her first opera role and completed the first of three international choral tours. She later auditioned for nine bachelor’s programs and received several scholarship offers before choosing the Vocal Performance degree at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, drawn by the teaching lineage of Timothy MacDougall through her instructor Maria Lazarova. In college she performed on two European tours with the Bob Cole Chamber Choir, recorded solos on the choir’s first album, won the Choir of the World competition in 2016, and collaborated with peers across jazz, folk, funk, rock, and electronic styles, experiences that confirmed her desire for a versatile career. Michaela’s performance work spans classical, opera, jazz, folk, rock, funk, pop, and musical theater. She has sung in jazz choir, performed with bands in multiple genres, contributed vocals to a video-game soundtrack, and helped present two video-game concerts with choral and orchestral forces. As a teacher she began giving private voice and piano lessons during college and later expanded into working with children as a nanny and Montessori classroom assistant before teaching group elementary enrichment classes in choir, general music, recorder, and ukulele. A kind and encouraging instructor, Michaela builds solid technical foundations while weaving in each student’s interests and goals. She emphasizes fundamentals, confidence, creative expression, and consistent practice habits so that students develop skills and curiosity that serve them both in music and in everyday life. She looks forward to helping students at Music Freqs discover how rewarding and enjoyable making music can be.
George Blecher
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Voice
Surrounded by music his entire life, George formally started learning music at age 10. Exploring music was inevitable for him as his dad worked in the music business. George began his music career in middle school playing tuba and then guitar, keyboard, recording methods, and jazz and blues music. George earned an Associates Degree with an emphasis in music from Moorpark College.
During his professional career, George received the 2015 Reno Jazz Festival Soloist Award. He has performed at hundreds of events including weddings, private parties, quinceañeras, and corporate outings. He has also performed at venues across Southern California including The House of Blues, The Roxy, The Whiskey Go Go, Viper Room, Dragonfly, The Mint, The Satellite, The Fonda Theater, Echoplex, and The Hotel Cafe in a variety of settings. George studied with such great artists as Don Randi, the owner of the Baked Potato in Los Angeles, Andrew Synowiec, multi-faceted musician with credits in the blockbuster film Frozen (including “Let It Go”) and Brendan McMullin Composer/Arranger, Trombonist College Music Professor and Band Director. Most recently, George has been studying with trailblazer Horace Bray who has become a staple in the New York music scene, playing regularly with John Splithoff, Michael Blume, and Sirintip.
George is a multi-dimensional music educator, teaching professionally since 2014. He is a motivated and empathetic instructor. George focuses on music fundamentals while exposing his students to a variety of sounds. He emphasizes that the student knows their music style preferences and that they listen to new music types daily. George keeps the lessons incredibly engaging. Students will be learning a musical skill set that can be applied to everyday life. He also incorporates note reading, ear training, and technique study. He focuses on habit building and creating routines that will bring great results.
Andilyn Ziegler
Voice, Piano, Theatre/Acting
Andilyn's passion for music began at a young age, blossoming into a well-rounded musical journey. Her powerful voice took center stage at a young age, captivating audiences with renditions of the national anthem at various sporting events. Andilyn began taking lessons at Rock City Studios (now Music Freqs) at the age of 7, making her one of the longest students we’ve had! Her musical exploration extended beyond solo performances. Andilyn actively participated in numerous theater productions and joined a Vocal Harmony Girl Group, captivating audiences throughout Ventura County. Choir has also played a significant role in her development; she has been involved since her freshman year of high school, even serving as choir president.
Music Freqs students might recognize Andilyn from the Band Aid program, where she not only lent her powerful vocals as the lead singer but also mastered the bass guitar in her current band, SPAM. Performing alongside fellow Music Freqs instructors Summer and Jason, SPAM has graced stages throughout Ventura County, including prestigious events like the PVRPD Summer Concert Series, the Strawberry Festival, Port Hueneme Beach Festival and more! Andilyn's pursuit of musical excellence continues at California Lutheran University, where she's majoring in Music Production with a focus on vocal performance. Her passion extends beyond the stage as she serves as a vocal worship leader for her worship ministry and her experience as a full-time childcare provider has equipped her with valuable insights into the needs of young learners.
With her extensive musical background, dedication to teaching, and infectious enthusiasm, Andilyn is poised to inspire the next generation of Music Freqs vocalists.
Annelise Ebell
Voice, Piano, Drums
Annelise, a lifelong singer, is a passionate and experienced vocal instructor with a deep love for music. After discovering her passion for opera, Annelise dedicated herself to honing her skills. She earned an Associate of Arts in Music with Honors from Ventura College, specializing in Vocal Arts and Opera Performance and is currently looking to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the same field. Annelise's stage experience is extensive, ranging from early roles in elementary and middle school musicals to her lead role in Hansel and Gretel at Ventura College. These experiences have honed her performance skills and solidified her love for opera. Annelise has studied and has sung in various languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Hebrew, German, and French and is familiar with the International Phonetic Alphabet. Beyond her performance experience, Annelise has a strong commitment to teaching and has been instructing private vocal lessons since 2022. She works with the Children’s Choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ventura and has also been cantoring with her church choir. In June 2024, she even had the privilege of singing with the choir at the Vatican and St. Francis Basilica. Annelise believes in a personalized approach to teaching, tailoring her instruction to each student’s unique needs and goals. She focuses on developing strong vocal technique, music theory, and performance skills, while creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Annelise’s passion for music and her dedication to her students make her an exceptional vocal instructor.
Will Farquharson
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Will’s musical journey began at age 10 when he first picked up the guitar, inspired by his dad’s skillful playing. His neighbor, an advanced guitarist, built on that spark, teaching him for about six years and helping him grow as a player. Will later attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he further honed his skills. Will has since shared his passion through teaching, starting with private guitar lessons for friends years ago and later spending about a year as a formal instructor at a school. Today, Will plays guitar in Those Animals, a band formed by a close friend, with regular performances at Tarantula Hill Brewing in Thousand Oaks and occasional shows at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. He also lends his talents to Michael Devon, a longtime friend who started a solo project. As a teacher, Will keeps lessons enjoyable and tailored to their interests, while introducing a range of music styles to broaden their perspective. With intermediate players, he offers music theory when they’re ready, helping them push past obstacles and advance their skills. He sees learning an instrument as a way to forge a lifelong bond with music and a meaningful form of self-expression. Students would describe Will as approachable, patient, and skilled at simplifying tricky concepts. Will aims to motivate younger students by showing them what dedication can achieve.
Kyle Thompson
Guitar, Piano, Bass, Ukulele
Kyle’s musical journey kicked off at age 8 when he got his first drum kit, but it was picking up the guitar at 12 that truly set his passion ablaze. Inspired by his dad’s bass-playing days in a band and the electrifying riffs of Van Halen’s “Eruption”, Kyle knew guitar was his calling. By 17, he was gigging with bands, and his musical exploration only grew from there. He’s since played guitar and drums in various groups, recording in ProTools for both solo projects and band recordings. From house shows and town festivals like the Avocado Festival to local Ventura venues and church performances alongside Annelise—fellow Music Freqs teacher—Kyle’s stage experience is as diverse as his musical taste, spanning from bluegrass to metal. Kyle has expanded his skills by studying at Ventura College, where he explored piano, music theory, world music history, and music production. Beyond guitar and drums, he’s got a solid grasp of piano, bass, and ukulele. His time working at a music store, where he sold and maintained instruments, scheduled lessons, and even jumped in on drums and bass for student showcases, gave him a firsthand look at the power of music education. As a teacher, Kyle’s all about building a strong foundation—whether it’s showing beginners how to hold a guitar, press down a string, and switch between chords, or guiding intermediate players through scales, picking techniques, and improvisation. His focus is on making students feel comfortable with their instrument so they can pursue their own goals, whether that’s writing songs, jamming with friends, or just noodling for fun. Drawing from his own early lessons, where learning scales and improvisation opened up a world of creativity, Kyle knows how to make learning music exciting. Students can expect a friendly vibe from Kyle—he’s thorough, approachable, and has a knack for breaking down techniques in a way that’s clear and sticks with you. With years of teaching friends and family, from first-timers to intermediate players, he’s honed a patient, encouraging style that keeps lessons fun and engaging.
Bennett Anderson
Bass, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano
Bennett's musical journey began by witnessing his older brother's high school band. Their energy and creativity ignited his own passion, leading him to pick up the bass in the 7th grade. Fast forward to high school, and Bennett's musical exploration exploded, culminating in learning guitar and drums shortly after that. Bennett joined Music Freqs in 2021 to refine his bass playing skills and explore more advanced techniques. His dedication and quick learning impressed his teachers, who recognized his potential as an advanced player. Bennett isn't just a talented musician; he's also a patient and encouraging teacher. His experience helping out at his mom's summer camp and teaching friends guitar and drums has equipped him with valuable skills to connect with young learners. He understands the challenges and rewards of hands-on music education, making him an engaging instructor for students of all ages. Bennett currently recorded with bands and solo projects, has performed in school concerts and jazz bands, and graced local Ventura stages. While bass is his main squeeze, he's also a multi-instrumentalist, comfortable with guitar, piano, ukulele, and drums, with a dab hand at mandolin, upright bass, and vocals too! As a teacher, Bennett prioritizes making music fun and informative. His students describe him as encouraging and funny. Currently attending Moorpark Community College with a focus on music, Bennett's journey is just beginning. Now, he's excited to share his passion and knowledge with the next generation of Music Freqs musicians!
Dylan Cerminaro
Bass, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Flute, Saxophone, Banjo
Dylan’s primary instrument is the bass, however, his first instrument was actually the flute in which he learned to play in the 3rd grade. Dylan originally wanted to be a concert flutist until 2007 when his friend’s band needed a bass player. He immediately fell in love with the bass and since then it’s been his primary instrument. Dylan attended Musician’s Institute in Hollywood for Bass Performance and has been playing bass (and sometimes the saxophone!) in his band, Two Brothers, since 2015 alongside other longtime Music Freqs teacher & recording studio technician: Max Dickenson. Two Brothers has released an EP and 2 Full Length Studio Albums, the latest one recorded here at Music Freqs. Bass is an underrated instrument and since it is Dylan’s main instrument, he makes sure to teach it in an exciting way by showing his students how to play different techniques and styles they want to learn as well as some they might not know about yet. Note - if you’re a bass player you’ll always get a gig and a band to play in as people don’t realize how cool this instrument is!
Summer Jones
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Summer began her interest in music as a toddler experimenting with music and sound. She began formal music lessons at the age of six. As a longtime student at Music Freqs taking lessons from multiple instructors, she began our Band Aid Program led by our own Justin Dempsey in 2019. Summer plays in our two student bands: ‘No Idea’ and ‘SPAM’ performing at several events around Ventura County including the Port Hueneme Beach Festival, Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District events, The Collection at Riverpark events, and more! Her band ‘SPAM’ even opened up for PVRPD’s Summer Concert Series in 2022 and played in front of thousands! ‘No Idea’ is now performing professionally at local restaurants and venues such as the El Rey Cantina, Twisted Oak Tavern, Copper Blues, The Majestic Ventura Theater and more! Since 2022, Summer has been a Music Freqs intern here helping at our Music Store, running the ticket booth for our events. She transitioned to be a “student teacher” for our Jam Night classes and more. Summer is passionate about introducing young students to music, and she strives to create a safe and encouraging environment in which to grow her students’ love for music. She is a patient and fun teacher who is great for any beginner in music.
Max Dickenson
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Voice, Music Production, Songwriting, Band Aid Workshop
Max has been playing music since he was 7 years old and has over 10 years of teaching experience. He graduated in Audio Engineering from Musicians Institute in 2013. Max combines music theory and songwriting within his classes.
Outside of teaching, Max is the lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter in local experimental rock band, "Two Brothers".
His teaching philosophy is to make sure that each student is having fun and reaching their musical goals while remaining inspired. Max is also our in-house recording studio engineer!
Dustin Reese
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums
Dustin grew up surrounded by music and began formal piano lessons at age 5. What started as an early foundation quickly expanded as he picked up bass and began playing in bands around age 14, later adding guitar and drums to his skill set. His parents introduced him to music young because of his natural love for it, but that passion truly took hold once he started playing the music he loved—classic rock, blues, jazz, soul, and funk—with other people.
Dustin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Media Composition from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), graduating in 2023. College deepened his love of writing and arranging; he thrived on the opportunities to put original music in front of strong musicians. Outside of school, he has been active in the local scene, performing with multiple bands and taking on one-off gigs across rock, funk, film score, and jazz. He has recorded his own music with the groups he’s been in as well as tracked for other artists. His professional experience also includes time at American Pie Records and a multi-year internship with a film composer.
As a teacher, Dustin is intentional about going far beyond showing students the notes. He knows that charts, tabs, and online tutorials are easy to find, so his focus is on the fundamentals that actually build independence: how to practice effectively, read music, play solid basic chords and melodies, and sound good while doing it. Once those are in place, students can figure out almost anything with time and effort. His lessons stay centered on songs—ideally songs the student loves—while carefully breaking down the smallest details of how and why something is played a certain way. The goal is genuine growth and the skills to keep developing long after the lesson ends.
Aspen Roos
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
Aspen has been singing and writing songs for as long as she can remember. She taught herself piano, guitar, and ukulele as a natural extension of that work, giving herself the tools to bring her own material to life. For her, music has always been a way to heal and express what she is feeling, and she still finds nothing more satisfying than the release of singing lyrics she connects with and sharing that art with others. She grew up deeply involved in theatre, studying both performance and the technical side of productions through countless classes and projects. That background continues to inform her teaching; she enjoys helping students who are passionate about theatre understand and navigate the local scene. Aspen has completed music coursework through Berklee College of Music and Moorpark College and is continuing her studies with the goal of earning her license as a music therapist. In the professional world she has worked with producers and songwriters in Hollywood, including an internship under a Grammy-nominated producer. She has contributed as a ghostwriter for successful artists, handled vocal production, developed her own music, and guided others through the process of turning personal experiences into finished songs. She is especially drawn to the moment when someone finally sings their heart out on a project they have worked hard to create. Aspen has taught in a public school setting and at a private music school before joining Music Freqs. She sees her role as fueling whatever a student is already passionate about—whether voice, guitar, ukulele, piano, or songwriting—while providing patient, clear guidance. She creates an environment where students feel safe to share and make mistakes, helping them build solid skills, prepare for auditions and performances, and grow into the exact artists they want to become. Outside the classroom she is involved with charitable projects that support children with special needs.
Sasha Gobrogge
Piano, Songwriting
Sasha has loved music since childhood, constantly singing and listening at home. Attending concerts and musicals as a child showed her how powerfully music can tell stories and connect people, sparking her dream of performing on stage and creating those same kinds of memories for others. Her parents supported that passion with programs, classes, and camps, and she began piano and singing lessons at age five. By fifteen she was writing her own songs and recording them in a small home studio. In 2024 she earned her Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music with a Songwriting specialization from California State Los Angles University, where she built strong performance, collaboration, theory, and musicianship skills. She performed in bands and choirs and directed, produced, and headlined her senior showcase of original songs with a full band - an experience that deepened her leadership skills and confidence. Sasha has taught music for about five years and has worked with children even longer as a camp counselor and childcare associate. One of her most rewarding experiences was teaching music through a nonprofit after-school program for underserved youth. She directed their end-of-year group performance and helped students go from complete beginners to playing a full song for an audience in just weeks. She has also taught private music lessons and group classes in elementary schools. Her approach focuses on fostering creativity, building confidence, developing good habits, and keeping lessons fun. She tailors each lesson to the student’s interests while covering essential skills, and she creates space for songwriting and improvisation so students can express themselves. Students describe her as compassionate, encouraging, kind, and someone who makes music feel exciting.
Oscar Rivera
Piano, Guitar, Bass (Bilingual English & Spanish)
Oscar Rivera is a long time accomplished musician with 25+ years of teaching experience. He has been an instructor at Music Freqs since 2009. Oscar graduated with a B.A. in Music from California State Northridge University. He has also studied classical/jazz guitar with Matthew Greif (from LAGQ) and has received Master Class training from Dusan Bogdanovic and Elliot Fisk among others. Oscar specializes in guitar, bass, voice, music theory, composition, improvisation and piano. Currently, Oscar is the Spanish Choir director at St. Mary Magdalene in Camarillo. He also performs on a regular basis in Ventura, Santa Barbara & Los Angeles counties either as a solo guitar player, as an accompanist or with various ensembles. His preferred styles of music are Classical, Rock, Jazz, Latin and anything with a beat.
Jason Maser
Drums
Jason has been a longtime student of Justin’s at Music Freqs and graduated from Justin’s lesson program. Jason was interested in continuing his drumming journey by serving as a substitute drum teacher here at Music Freqs. Jason earned a reputation as a great instructor and is now accepting his own students. Jason began learning music simultaneously through his middle school band program in which he played the clarinet. He also played in his high school jazz band and marching band. Jason has had a front row seat to observe how Justin has taught him drums over the years. This instructive blueprint and advice from Justin heavily influenced Jason’s teaching style. Jason's style revolves around teaching his students the various aspects of drumming while still keeping it applicable and engaging. He starts with the fundamentals and applies these to songs his students enjoy to keep it exciting for them. As his students advance, they will build on these existing fundamentals and learn new skills along the way to build upon their drumming knowledge. Jason is also in local band “Black Moon Lilith" that is actively performing in Ventura County and has opened for national touring acts.
Nick Morrison
Vocals
Nick's musical journey began as a child, but it was in high school around 2006 that singing truly became his passion. A dare from a friend led him to perform at his high school graduation—one of his first times singing in front of friends and family—and he instantly fell in love with the thrill of the stage. That spark ignited further when a close friend heard him singing rock vocals in the car and invited him to join a band. Nick’s very first performance with a band took place right here at Music Freqs (then known as Rock City Studios). Since then, Nick has performed extensively across Southern California at iconic venues including the Whiskey a Go Go, The Troubadour, Velvet Jones, The Mint, and many more. He has fronted several rock bands, most notably Once A Wolf, and has built a strong reputation for powerful rock vocals and dynamic stage presence. His deep involvement in drama programs growing up naturally blended his two greatest loves—singing and performance. As a vocal instructor at Music Freqs, Nick also brings that same energy to the store where he works. He specializes as a “lead singer” coach, focusing on rock vocals, stage presence, and helping students break out of their shells. His lessons emphasize being loose, expressive, and explosive when the music calls for it—while always keeping the experience fun and joyful. Students consistently describe him as fun, encouraging, and a total goofball, qualities he proudly embraces.Nick’s greatest goal is to pass on the same confidence and belief that was given to him. He knows firsthand how one person saying “you’ve got it” can change a life, and he is deeply committed to creating that moment for every student who walks through the door. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to own the stage, Nick is excited to help you find your voice and share it with the world.
Layla Lawrence
Theatre & Acting
Give a round of applause for Layla! By day, she's our office manager extraordinaire, keeping Music Freqs running like a perfectly tuned orchestra. But Layla's talents extend far beyond the spreadsheet. In December 2023, she donned her director's hat here at Music Freqs and co-led our smash-hit musical theatre camp, Elf Jr., which completely sold out! Layla's passion for the arts is infectious, and it's a big reason why we're offering even more acting and theatre classes and camps. We're lucky to have her! But wait, there's more! Layla earned an elementary school teaching credential with a focus in the performing arts, and her love of music started young from her musical family. Music eventually led her to the stage, which is her true passion. She even co-owns a local theatre company! As a mother of two, Layla is dedicated to the belief that arts education is vital for everyone, especially children. She feels honored to be part of Music Freqs, an organization that helps bring the joy of music to Ventura County.
Our Team
Brett DeCarlo
Owner
Brett DeCarlo began working in music professionally when he was 14 years old. His first job was at Sonora Recorders. After 2 years with Sonora he moved to Rumbo Recorders where he quickly rose to the role of Assistant Engineer at a very young age. Brett was born into a music family and grew up in and around the music business. Brett served as a touring musician for several bands before focusing on his own project as the main songwriter and bassist for the popular LA based rock band “Hey You.” Along the way, Brett worked with a number of producers including Mike Clink while he was signed to No Relief Records. Brett is an accomplished songwriter. Brett has written and composed music for television programs including Jimmy Kimmel, MTV, Discovery, NBC, CBS, FOX, as well as a variety of artists. Brett has the privilege of working with, and being involved in, several noteworthy projects in many different capacities. Brett is fulfilling his passion, which is supporting aspiring musicians, production and audio engineers.
Ann & Paul DeMartini
Owners
Ann and Paul took over ownership of Music Freqs (prev. Rock City Studios) in August 2014 after being approached by the previous owners of their desire to retire out of the business. Their son had taken lessons for years at Rock City and they did not want to lose what Rock City had to offer the community and agreed to take it on. Ann is no stranger to running corporations and businesses. She has been doing it for over 25 years and holds a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from Humboldt State University. Paul is no stranger to construction and building maintenance with his several years of experience in those fields. They both are major supporters of the arts, spanning several years of involvement throughout Southern California. The passion for continuing to provide a resource for aspiring musicians and independent artists is the driving force for the two of them. Their goals are to strive for excellence in everything that Music Freqs has to offer.
Chris Hernandez
Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Band Aid Director
Chris Hernandez started playing guitar at twelve years old. Music is his passion in life, leading him to study music for three years at Ventura College earning an Associates in Arts degree in Music. He studied from some of the greatest instructors in the County. He is educated in comprehensive music theory, ear training and jazz guitar. Over the last dozen years he has played in rock bands, blues bands and the Oxnard College Jazz Band. He is able to instruct students on reading sheet music, tablature, how to write and analyze the structure of a song, learn multiple aspects of music theory, solo using different scales and modes. Currently, Chris assumed a managerial role as assistant to our General Manager, Brett DeCarlo. His talents not only in music but in organizational management led him to coordinate our group programs and our ever expanding involvement in booking entertainment for outside events and festivals.
Layla Perez
Office Manager
Layla Perez joined our team in the beginning of 2020. She earned an elementary school teaching credential with a focus in the performing arts from CSUCI graduating in 2010. Her father is an accomplished musician and pushed Layla into learning music at age 11. Layla eventually parlayed music performance into theatrical arts, which is her real passion as she also co-owns a local theatre company, Unity Theatre Collective. Layla is a mother of two. Layla is dedicated to the idea that arts education is vitally important for all people, but especially children, and she feels honored to be a part of an amazing organization that is helping to bring music education to Ventura County. We are very happy to have Layla on our team.
Erika DeCarlo
Media Director, Photographer
Erika graduated with honors from California Lutheran University in Communications with an emphasis in Media in 2015 and has a certificate in Advanced Social Media Strategy. Erika has been working at Music Freqs since Fall of 2015. Erika currently is Music Freq's main social media content creator, and video production director. Erika started as an Assistant Director on many music videos with Rockerrazzi Filmz (2012 - 2014), in which some videos were published on RollingStones.com & Bono's One.org. She also co-produced the first ever professionally produced narrative Virtual Reality music video alongside Springbok Entertainment and New Deal Studios taking home the Best Virtual Reality Film Award at Digital Hollywood in 2015.
Max Dickenson
Recording Studio Engineer, FOH Engineer
Max Dickenson has been our studio engineer since 2017. Max graduated in Audio Engineering from Musicians Institute in 2013. Max also teaches ProTools & Recording, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting, Mandolin and our Band Aid program here at Music Freqs! Outside of teaching music and recording here with us, Max is the lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter in local band, "Two Brothers"
Kimberly Serratos
Office Assistant
Nick Morrison
Retail Team Member
Drew Esselstrom
Music Store Guitar Luthier
Michael Brown
Chief FOH Engineer
Chris Hernandez
Projection Technician
