Meet Our Teachers!

FOUNDER

Billy is a multi-instrumentalist, singer song-writer. He has been regularly teaching guitar, drums, and bass to kids and adults all over the greater East Bay for over ten years. Billy’s enthusiasm, rock ‘n roll experience, and unique teaching style has ensured his continued success and will help get you on the road to success, too! Hear his band Gravys Drop.

PORTLAND, OR

With over twenty years of musical experience, Dave performs bass in two bands, drums in another, and manages his own solo noise project. Armed with an associate's degree in Music from Portland Community College, he excels in bass and drums, with proficiency in guitar and piano. Passionate about live performances, he cherishes sharing his musical journey, aiming to inspire others as it has inspired him.

BAY AREA, CA

Brendan, a musician since age seven with a classical and jazz background, played various instruments while studying English and Russian at Oberlin College. Immersed in the Bay Area music scene post-graduation, he teaches piano, bass, guitar, and drums, along with music theory and diverse styles. In spare time, he explores surrealism, politics, and continues Russian studies. Brendan rocks out with the psych-punk band Turqouiz Noiz.

BAY AREA, CA

Carver, legally blind in his youth, developed a deep love for music, forming bands in high school and DJing at KCPR in Cal Poly. Settling in the Bay Area, he worked as a buyer and sound engineer at Rasputin Music, recording and touring with various bands. Primarily a bassist, he collaborated with The Shants, Dedications, Brianna Lea Pruett, and the Khans. Carver remains dedicated, educating, volunteering at KALX, and teaching in schools for 3 O’Clock Rock.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Nixie is an experienced educator with a passion for live music, currently shaping young minds full-time in Sherman Oaks, CA. Outside the classroom, she channels her love for music by playing piano and percussion, enriching her teaching with rhythm and creativity. Nixie finds joy in attending live music events, embracing the energy and inspiration they offer to both her personal and professional life.

Music has been Ajax’s North Star for his whole life. In the ‘90s, he played lead guitar for an alt-country band called Granfaloon Bus that released 7 albums and was popular in Europe, where they toured extensively. Later he played bass for the Wrong Words, making two power pop LPs and touring the US. He also raised three children, now grown and also making music. Ajax has been teaching at 3 O’Clock Rock for a year now, and loves teaching young kids how to collaborate and listen to each other.

BAY AREA, CA

Theo is a singer-songwriter with experience in guitar and keyboard. From Berkeley, CA he has taught for the past year in both Berkeley and Oakland. With a background in rock and jazz guitar plus classical piano training, he hopes to introduce kids to playing rock and roll and cultivate a more enjoyable experience in his classes. Currently he is working on his own musical project, A Finch With no Name, but has not released any material yet.

BAY AREA, CA

Sam is an experienced drummer and multi-instrumentalist born and raised in San Francisco. He has performed drums and written songs in many different bands covering a variety of genres. Sam helps young musicians find their voice on their instrument and works with them on songwriting and recording demos and fully realized songs. Sam is currently performing in local bands Mayya and Mild Universe.

BAY AREA, CA

Sahil started playing guitar at 10 years old in 1999. Throughout the years he has played in numerous bands and has started countless music projects, picking up whatever instruments are needed. Music to him is a way of life, and to share the power of music and self expression to brand new, young minds is his newfound passion!

BAY AREA, CA

Spencer has brought his fun-spirited energy to many Bay Area bands, playing multiple instruments and contributing vocals and songwriting. As a certified live sound engineer, he records local bands in his DIY studio, Cosmic Jive. After touring the West Coast and Europe for five years, he now mentors the young rockers of the Bay Area! Spencer is currently playing with local rock band Juicebumps playing synthesizer and drums.

BAY AREA, CA

From teaching guitar at the young age of 13 to now being the talented guitarist of Ancient Rage, Dylan Sandstrom embodies dedication and skill. Despite being mostly self-taught, he has a strong foundation in music theory and technique, cherishing the few lessons he received along the way. Beyond the guitar, he also shares his expertise in bass, drums, piano, and vocals, bringing a rich musical experience to his students and audiences alike.

BAY AREA, CA

Dara started playing classical piano at the tender age of four, but decided later in life that she wanted to rock out and play heavy metal guitar. Over the years, she has played in bands, usually as the principal songwriter and front person. She loves playing live gigs, touring, and sharing her skillset with aspiring guitar players as a guitar teacher and more for 3 O’Clock Rock.

BAY AREA, CA

Brett is a skilled musician and filmmaker. He has worked with kids of all ages. He enjoys sharing his experience with others and having the unique opportunity to introduce kids to the amazing worlds of musical and visual expression. See Brett’s music video for 3 O’Clock Rock band, The Francis Lau Experience.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Award-Winning singer-songwriter Jesse Loren Strickman is known for potent lyrics and powerful, acoustic-based music. Annually touring the Pacific West Coast as the frontman of indie folk bands, Strickman has played everywhere from intimate cafes to outdoor amphitheaters and festivals. Growing up as a shy kid, music served as his outlet for expression, so he loves getting to pay it forward to the youth of 3 O’Clock Rock!