Adam Oliver
Adam Oliver is a renowned studio guitarist, music producer, and guitar educator based in Southern California. With over 20 years of experience, his playing has been featured in major motion picture soundtracks and as the lead guitarist for Spot Collins and The Sessions. Adam’s musical journey began at the age of 8, quickly progressing to mastery and earning him a place at the prestigious Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood, CA. His career has since encompassed performance, production, and education, making him a versatile force in the music industry. For the past decade, Adam has been one of the most popular guitar teachers in Orange County, inspiring students with his passion and expertise. Before that, he spent 10 years teaching in other regions, honing his craft as an educator. In addition to guitar, Adam teaches bass and ukulele, offering students a well-rounded musical foundation. As the founder and director of Irvine Art and Music Center’s (IAMC) Band Program, Adam has created opportunities for young musicians to collaborate, perform, and thrive. His emphasis on creativity and live performance ensures students gain both technical skills and confidence, making him a highly sought-after teacher.
Ameer Zhowandai
Ameer Zhowandai is a distinguished guitarist, music educator, and composer based in Los Angeles/Orange County. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Global Jazz Studies from UCLA and an Associate’s Degree in Guitar Performance from LACC, where he was awarded a full ride scholarship. Throughout his education, Ameer had the privilege of studying under acclaimed musicians including Tina Raymond, Tamir Hendelman, Terrence Blanchard, Arturo O’Farrill, and Cecil Alexander. With over five years of experience in teaching guitar, both privately and at music schools within the LA/Orange County region, Ameer has become a dedicated and passionate educator for students ranging from 5 to 45 years old. Currently, Ameer is actively recording and performing with jazz musicians in the LA area, in addition to composing scores for feature films and creating his own music. While his primary focus is Jazz, Blues, and Rock and Roll, Ameer’s teaching repertoire extends to a variety of other musical styles including R&B, Classical, Folk, Brazilian music (Bossa Nova), Persian music, and Metal. Beyond the guitar, he also offers beginner lessons in piano, bass, and drums, showcasing his versatile talent and commitment to spreading his love for music.
Mike Talanca
Mike Talanca has been involved in music for over 20 years. He attended Musicians Institute, where he earned an AA in Music Performance and received the prestigious “Most Outstanding Student” award upon graduation. Since then, he has been recording and performing with various groups and artists in the Southern California area. Some notable collaborations include Caskey, Jessica Sanchez, Geneva Cruz, Brent Jones, Adrian Galysh, and One Globe Radio, among others. Alongside his performance career, Mike also composes and arranges music for clients. He has composed pieces for the media department of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, contributing to their ongoing projects. Recently, he collaborated with the Legacy Scoring Orchestra, working on his original music for an upcoming release. Moreover, Mike possesses extensive experience as an audio engineer, having worked in recording studios for over 20 years. He has engineered recording sessions and excelled in mixing and mastering tracks for clients. Additionally, he has delved into sound design for cartoons. While Mike’s primary instrument is the bass, he is also proficient in guitar and ukulele. He warmly welcomes students of all levels, ranging from beginners to advanced players seeking to refine their skills or delve into advanced harmony.
Felicia Chen
Felicia Chen is a dynamic and versatile musician whose talents span across guitar, piano, and traditional Chinese instruments. Born and raised in Taiwan, Felicia brings a rich cultural perspective to her music and teaching, fluently speaking English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese. Felicia's musical journey began at the tender age of four when she started classical piano training. Her dedication and passion for music led her to develop impeccable pitch and a deep understanding of music theory, earning her the prestigious Level 5 Piano Teaching Certificate from Yamaha. As a trailblazer in her field, Felicia is proud to be the first Taiwanese female graduate of the renowned Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Her time at GIT solidified her reputation as an exceptional guitarist, capable of mastering a wide range of styles and techniques. Before pursuing her musical dreams in the U.S., Felicia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Chung Shan Medical University, showcasing her diverse talents and disciplined work ethic. Felicia is not only a talented performer but also a dedicated teacher, inspiring students with her vast knowledge and approachable teaching style. Her multicultural background and expertise in both Western and Eastern instruments make her an invaluable mentor for aspiring musicians of all ages. When she’s not performing or teaching, Felicia enjoys the quiet moments at home, spending time with her beloved pets and nurturing her creative spirit. Felicia Chen is more than a music teacher—she’s a true artist who bridges cultures, inspires growth, and brings out the best in her students. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, learning from Felicia is a transformative musical experience.