Ben McCartney wears the many hats of a full time musician. In addition to directing the Guitar Program for Pima Community College, Ben, boasts a thriving and energized private studio at Southwest Guitar Studio, where he coaches students of all ages in various styles of guitar. He performs regularly throughout the Southwest in various ensembles, bands, and as a soloist including: Dutsi Spoon, Tucson’s best known 80's cover band The Mockingbirds, and his current project a guitar and saxophone duo called Elevation. As a forward thinker in guitar pedagogy, Ben is currently working on several publications, including a pedagogical approach to arranging for solo guitar, and a complete course study for guitar that covers various styles for electric and classical guitar. The method covers technique, harmony, improvisation, and music theory.

Darren Simoes is an accomplished live and studio bass player. He has also had 11 years of experience performing andcomposing music on guitar. Professionally, Darren, in collaboration with musical act, The Bled, has written and recorded two internationally received albums. Both albums moved a combined 100,000+ units worldwide. In support of the albums, he has traveled to perform throughout the continental United States and 12 other countries worldwide. Bass Player Magazine named Darren one of 2007's up and coming bass players for the year. His recording experience includes working with producer Brian McTernan (Thrice) and platinum award winning producer Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Blink 182). His musical background includes basic rock, jazz, blues, and heavy metal arrangements.

Robert Klasky began his guitar studies through the Royal Conservatory of Music at Toronto, Canada in composition and theory as well as studied Jazz at Sheraton College. Robert has toured extensively through-out the US and Canada. Studying guitar since the age of 8, robert enparts his love of the instrument ot his students and specializes in all styles.

Daniel Vildósola is an award-winning guitarist trained in both the Classical and Jazz genres. He is a composer, arranger, producer and teacher. Daniel has earned his Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of Arizona where he was a prizewinner in various classical guitar competitions including the Leonard and David Schaeffer Memorial Guitar Competition (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) and the William Wolfe Guitar Competition (2005, 2006, and 2007). Daniel has been on the teaching staff at Southwest Guitar Studio for the last four years. He works very well with students and is capable of teaching students of all levels and backgrounds. His method includes technique, harmony, music theory and improvisation. Daniel’s awareness of each student’s individual abilities allows him to provide lessons that meet their level of expertise as well as encourage them to reach the next performance level.

Mr. Andrews received his Bachelors Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory Of Music where he studied with composer Dr. Loris Chobanian. In addition he has had the privilege of studying with Stephen Aron at The University of Akron, Thomas Patterson at The University of Arizona, and Neil Zaza. He has performed in master classes with Pasquale Rucco and Douglas James. As an educator, Mr. Andrews has four years of experience teaching music. Over the years he has taught a large rang of styles to students of all ages and skill levels. Styles include, classical, jazz, rock, blues, country, and folk. He is currently working on his Masters and PhD In Music Theory at The University of Arizona.

Brianna Holloway is U of A student who has had a passion for the piano and music since the age of 6. Her private studio has grown over the last several years and she is accepting new students at Southwest Guitar Studio. She specializes in instruction for beginning and young pianists.