Izzy Sanchez

Izzy is an East Bay native and lifelong musician. He recently finished his Music Performance Major in Jazz Guitar from Chabot College. Although he is trained in Classical and Jazz guitar, he also has over 10 years of experience performing Hard Rock and Metal. He has been teaching for over five years, specializing in music theory and advanced technique. (Though he also loves getting new students started!)
Izzy can teach many musical styles and his teaching emphasis is on reading music, fret board recognition, and improvisation. Besides the classical and jazz performances he has done for music school, he has also composed and performed in various metal bands throughout the Bay Area. Whether it’s performing or teaching, music has always been a big part of his life. Izzy can’t wait to get you started!

Alive or Dead, What Musician would you do anything to see?

I would have loved to see the impact Bob Marley had in his time.

Greatest Musical Influence?

All the virtuoso guitar players from the 80’s metal era – Paul Gilbert, Michel Angelo Batio, Yngwie Malmsteen.   

What did you want to be while you were growing up?

A Rockstar 🙂

If you could have any ‘Super Power’, which one would it be?

I really dislike traffic so it would be fun to be able to teleport 🙂

If you could master any other instrument which would it be?

The piano. I’ve always enjoyed that instrument as it is very closely related to the guitar.

Have you had what people would consider your “15 Minutes of Fame”, and if so when/what was that?

I’ve played at many venues throughout the Bay Area but a highlight for me was playing at ‘The Slims’ in San Francisco. A lot of artists I look up to have played there and it was a bit of a personal accomplishment for me to be able to do that.

It’s your last meal: What would it be?

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches are my favorite.

You are sent to a deserted island, and you only have one album to listen to: Which is it?

It’s really hard to pick just one but I still love Yngwie Malmsteen’s – “Trilogy” album to this very day.

If you could leave one lesson with your students what would it be?

To work hard at your instrument but never to forget to have fun. Playing music should enrich your life and bring joy while also instilling discipline.