ROCK CAMP DATES
Meet Our Instructors
At Danman’s Music School, our team of talented, passionate instructors brings decades of combined experience in teaching, performing, recording, and inspiring students of all ages. From classically trained pianists to rock band veterans, each teacher is handpicked not only for their musical expertise but for their ability to connect, encourage, and make learning fun. Whether you're just starting out or sharpening advanced skills, our instructors are here to guide your journey and help you discover the joy of making music.
Vocals, Piano, Ukulele, guitar, harmonica, harp, bass, songwriting, & Live Performance
Bianca Brandi is a UCLA-trained musician and performer with a passion for creative expression, live performance, and teaching. She draws from her background in solo work, band projects, and musical theater to help students find their voice and grow with confidence. Currently performing with Plumes and The Sweet Somethings, Bianca brings energy, experience, and a love of music to every lesson.
Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Bass & Ukulele
Brett Ecklund is a seasoned guitarist, educator, and composer with nearly four decades of teaching and performing experience. He has taught thousands of students across the U.S. and has worked with institutions like the University of Texas and the National Guitar Summer Workshop. A published author and recording artist, Brett blends deep musical knowledge with a holistic approach to creativity, drawing from genres like rock, jazz, classical, blues, and world music. His passion for music is matched by his dedication to helping students grow both musically and personally.
Saxophone, Piano, Clarinet, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Bass & Ukulele
Billy Campbell is a dynamic and dedicated music instructor known for his engaging approach and strong student connections. A longtime staple at Danman’s, Billy brings brass and band instruments to life through exciting, modern song choices and live performance opportunities. Whether in lessons or on stage, his passion, versatility, and mentorship keep students coming back year after year.
Guitar, Voice, Drums, Ukulele, Piano + Bosnian copper tongue flute "East Reign"
Zoe Zehren is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and dynamic music instructor who has been teaching at Danman’s since 2023. Known for her creative approach to music theory using colors and sounds, Zoe specializes in working with young beginners and inspiring students to explore multiple instruments and songwriting. She’s the lead singer of the all-girl band Pun Intentions, a solo performer, and an award-winning vocalist with international touring experience. Zoe also works as a host and producer for ESPN and serves as CMO of Arts For All, bringing music education to underserved youth across California.
Voice, Guitar, Ukulele & Piano
Kalia Ottesen is a passionate music instructor and classically trained pianist who has been teaching for over five years. She began her teaching journey with academic tutoring before transitioning to private piano instruction, and now brings her skills to Danman’s Music School. In addition to teaching, Kalia is the pianist for the band Inertia and serves as her church’s organist. Her musical interests span classical, rock, jazz, and pop, and she brings a vibrant, student-centered energy to every lesson.
Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Guitar & Music Production
Faith Floyd is a singer, songwriter, and piano instructor who brings creativity and confidence to every lesson. A graduate of LMU, she has been teaching beginner piano for several years and joined Danman’s in 2025. Faith performs regularly across LA and San Diego as a lead singer and synth player, and also releases self-produced music. Her style blends alternative, funk, and indie influences, and she’s passionate about helping young students explore music with the same curiosity that fuels her own artistry.
Sye Sharp
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Drums & Voice
Sye Sharp is a music instructor at Danman’s Music School with 9 years of teaching experience and a degree in Music from Regis University. Specializing in jazz, funk, and classical styles, Sye brings a strong background in theory, improvisation, and recording. He’s passionate about helping students grow into confident musicians and hopes to one day compose film scores.
Bianca Moore
Vocals, Piano, Ukulele & Guitar
Bianca Moore is a warm and encouraging music instructor with a passion for acoustic and chill styles. She’s performed at school and church events and is currently part of the CVCS and ZION worship bands. Bianca focuses on making music fun, memorable, and meaningful for her students, while continuing to grow in her own faith and musicianship. (Also, she loves sushi!)
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Music Production, Voice & Drums
Neil Levin is a talented multi-instrumentalist and performer who has been teaching at Danman’s Music School since 2022. Known for his expertise in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, ukulele, and voice, Neil quickly became a student favorite. He’s an active performer across Orange County and the creative force behind Cosmic Blues, a genre-blending tribute to modern blues. Neil’s original songs have aired on jazz radio, and his music is regularly requested by students eager to learn directly from his SoundCloud catalog.
Guitar, Bass, Drums
Michael Lucas has been a cornerstone of Danman’s Music School since 1999, bringing over 26 years of teaching experience and a passion for live performance to every lesson. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, Michael teaches guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, with a focus on rock, pop, metal, and progressive rock styles. He has played in over 1,000 live performances and is currently a member of the band Flock of 80’s. Known for his high-energy approach and dedication to his students, Michael aims to create opportunities for new musicians while continuing to share his love of music with inspiring people around him.
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums & Saxaphone
Kenny O'Connor is a guitarist and music instructor at Danman’s Music School, teaching since 2019. With 4 years of experience and a background in local jam bands, Kenny specializes in theory, technique, fingerstyle, and improvisation. He teaches blues, rock, R&B, and country boogie, and focuses on helping students express themselves confidently through their instrument.
Voice, Ukulele & Piano
With a background in choir, musical theater, and church performance, this passionate young instructor brings warmth and enthusiasm to every lesson. She has casually taught ukulele and voice for a few years and draws from her own experience as a lifelong music student. Specializing in jazz, pop, classical, and theater vocals, she’s currently focused on developing her teaching skills while completing her senior year of high school. She looks forward to studying vocal performance and photography at BYU Idaho and continuing to inspire students through music.
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums & Voice
Lazaro Alberto is a passionate performer and music instructor at Danman’s Music School, teaching since 2022. With over 13 years of performance experience in venues across Orange County and LA, Lazaro brings a strong focus on artistic expression and multi-instrumental skill. He specializes in pop, classic rock, and folk, and is dedicated to helping students find their voice and grow as musicians.
Drums, Piano, Voice, Guitar, Bass & Ukulele
Justine Conlee has been teaching at Danman’s Music School since 2013 and brings over 12 years of teaching experience to her students. A lifelong performer, she began playing in bands at age 11 and has toured internationally. Justine has recorded studio albums and specializes in performance, theory, technique, and recording across rock, pop, country, and classical music.
Drums, Piano, Harmonica, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Bass & Ukulele
Jesse Conlee is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and dedicated music instructor who has been teaching at Danman’s Music School since 2012. With over a decade of teaching experience, Jesse offers expert instruction in drums, guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele. He currently performs with Slapbak and Mr. Elevator, and has recorded multiple published albums. Known for his focus on performance, theory, and music reading, Jesse brings energy and experience to students across styles like rock, pop, and contemporary music.
Drums, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Garageband and Production
Sam Cowan is a versatile music instructor, producer, and session musician who has been teaching since 2017 and working with Danman’s Music School since 2019. With a laid-back, student-centered approach, Sam focuses on helping kids develop their own musical voice through ear training, intuition, and a love for learning. He teaches across genres including rock, jazz, country, and rap, and is always open to exploring new styles that students are passionate about. Sam’s goal is simple: play great music, have fun, and help others grow while doing it
Flute, Piano, Guitar
Dan Lefler is the founder of Danman’s Music School and a lifelong music educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. Specializing in flute, piano, and guitar, Dan has performed in over 6,000 live shows and released 10 published CDs. He brings deep expertise in performance, theory, and music reading across styles like classical, rock, pop, and contemporary. Dan is currently developing a full online music school platform and is committed to ensuring Danman’s continues to inspire students for generations to come.
Master Chess Teacher
Will Amner is a dedicated chess instructor and tutor originally from the UK. After leading group classes of 20+ students, he now focuses on one-on-one coaching to support individual growth and strategy development. A 1500-rated player and founder of the weekly Dana Point Chess Club at Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, Will brings passion, focus, and international flair to every lesson.
Piano, Voice, Guitar, Bass & Ukulele
Mia Wright is a passionate singer, actress, and performer excited to begin her teaching journey at Danman’s Music School. With a strong background in musical theater, voice, and stage performance through the Laguna Playhouse and Camino Real Playhouse, Mia brings energy, creativity, and confidence to every lesson. She aims to inspire young students by sharing her love of music, storytelling, and the arts.
Guitar, Mandolin, Bass, Ukulele, Trumpet & Trombone
James Fitch is a dedicated trumpet and music instructor who has been teaching at Danman’s Music School since 2019. With over seven years of teaching experience, James brings a strong background in performance and pedagogy, having played with the Saddleback College Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and various combos. His musical expertise spans classical, jazz, and commercial styles. James is passionate about music education and plans to pursue advanced degrees in musicology to continue inspiring the next generation of musicians.
