Live album
Live Machine, Vol. 1
Jive Machine
Colin's funk rock band, voted Best of Santa Cruz 2022, captured live on stage.
Guitar · Piano · Drums · Bass · Production
Your sound,
unlocked.
Lessons at my Santa Cruz studio, in your home or online, for players ready to level up, and young musicians 10 and older. Theory, ear training and 20+ years of real-world performing, built around your goals.
Master Satriani
Contest winner · handpicked by Joe Satriani
Best of Santa Cruz
Jive Machine · Good Times 2022
20+ years
Teaching & performing
Your first lesson is free. Questions? Just ask.
“He tailors every session towards what’s needed while keeping an eye for building skills that will paint a bigger picture.”
Marcus R. · Student
Biography
Two decades on stage,
one student at a time.
Colin picked up the guitar at 14, and he still remembers the moment it clicked: the first time something he played actually sounded like a song. That spark, the feeling of hearing real music come out of your own hands, is what he works toward in every lesson today.
He went on to study at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, learning from some of the finest instructors in the world. After graduating, he joined MI as an instructor himself, teaching there while working as a session guitarist.
Since then, he's built a career on stage and in the studio. He toured with California reggae band Coastal Sage, sharing the stage with reggae's biggest names, including Collie Buddz, Eek-A-Mouse and The Wailing Souls, and has played legendary venues like the Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, The Catalyst and Shattuck Down Low. In the studio, he's recorded guitar for Ray Jay, Brandy and many other artists, as well as guitar work for TV and movie trailers.
He won the Master Satriani Contest, handpicked by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani himself, and his original funk rock band, Jive Machine, was voted Best of Santa Cruz 2022 by Good Times.
Today he teaches at his Santa Cruz studio, in students' homes and online, helping players who know the basics break through to the next level and helping young musicians 10 and up build a foundation that lasts. His goal for every student: that same lit-up feeling he had at 14.
Highlights
Musicians Institute graduate & former instructorMaster Satriani Contest WinnerJive Machine · Best of Santa Cruz 2022, Good Times Santa CruzToured with Coastal Sage
Instruments & services provided
Electric guitarAcoustic guitarBeginner piano
Beginner drumsBeginner bassMusic theory
Ear trainingRecording techniqueMixing & mastering
ProductionSongwriting & co-writingGuitar parts for your song
Guitar tone & live rig consultingBand coaching
Education & mentorship
Unlock your
musical voice.
Whether you want cleaner technique, a deeper grasp of theory, a better ear or your first finished recording, every lesson is shaped around where you are and where you want to go.
I
At the studio
Learn in Colin's Santa Cruz teaching studio, with amps, instruments and recording gear on hand.
II
In your home
Colin comes to you, on your own instrument and gear. A small travel fee applies.
III
Online
Live lessons over video from anywhere, with notes and recordings to practice with.
01
Private Lessons
Electric and acoustic guitar, plus beginner piano, drums and bass. At the studio, in your home or online.
02
Young Musicians
Patient, structured lessons for students 10 and up that build a strong foundation and a real love of playing.
03
Music Theory
Learn the language behind the notes, from chords and scales to reading charts and improvising.
04
Ear Training
Hear intervals, chords and progressions, then play what you hear without hunting for it.
05
Songwriting & Co-writing
Turn ideas into finished songs, or write one together: structure, harmony, melody and hooks.
06
Recording & Production
Recording technique, arranging and production, from first demo to finished song.
07
Mixing & Mastering
Balance, shape and polish your tracks so they're ready for streaming.
08
Guitar for Your Song
Need a guitar part? Colin records custom parts for your track and sends you the files.
09
Tone & Live Rig Consulting
Dial in your sound: amps, pedals, signal chain and a live rig that works night after night. Specializing in modelers like the Axe-Fx III.
10
Band Coaching
Tighter grooves, better arrangements and stronger shows, coached with your whole band in the room.
11
FIRST LESSON FREEClinics
Group workshops on guitar technique, theory, ear training and studio skills, for schools, stores and music communities.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free trial lesson and we'll figure out the right path together.
Book now →Your first lesson is free
Meet, play, and map out a plan together.
Save 10% with a pack of 4 lessons. In-home lessons add a small travel fee.
$60
30 min
4-pack $216
$75
45 min
4-pack $270
$90
60 min
4-pack $324
“My son just played Pipeline in his school talent show and rocked it.”
Shannon L. · Parent & student
Featured
Performance & video
Jive Machine, live
Live at the Capitola Twilight Concert, September 2021
Hendrix, SRV & Mayer soloing strategies
Techniques you can use from three blues greats
Sound samples
Tap to preview. Guitar, compositions and studio work.
Cruise Control
Original · Colin Gailey
Stillness
Original orchestral composition
Alpha
Jive Machine
Drop
Eric Thompson · guitar solo by Colin
never gonna work
Jadyn Sky · co-written, co-produced, mixed & mastered by Colin
Releases
Listen to the records
Solo instrumental album
Lucid Dream
Colin Gailey
Ten instrumental guitar tracks written and recorded by Colin.
Visual diary
Gallery
Reviews from students and families
Notes from students
“Colin is a FANTASTIC teacher!! He has been teaching me and my 10 year old son for about a year now. My son just played Pipeline in his school talent show and rocked it. I highly recommend Colin. He inspires you and builds confidence quickly, and he himself is a very talented musician!!”
Shannon L.Parent & student, 1 year
“Colin has been nothing but amazing helping me learn both the fundamentals and the more advanced theories as well. He tailors every session towards what’s needed while keeping an eye for building skills that will paint a bigger picture.”
Marcus R.Student
“Colin is an amazing musician, but an even more amazing person, teacher, and mentor. I have learned so much about music and performance from him, as well as a great deal about recording and composition too. He’s helped me so much in both my understanding of music and how to play! We’ve worked both in person and also over Skype, and both experiences are incredibly worthwhile. He is the most professional and talented musician I have ever met, and also the best music teacher I’ve ever had as well. When anyone is looking to grow their musical abilities of any kind, Colin is absolutely who I recommend.”
Wyatt H.Student, in person & online
“Colin Gailey is an amazing teacher, musician/composer, and guitarist! But his teaching and coaching style is so affirming and detailed. He is beyond knowledgeable, patient, skilled, and fully qualified to guide any student at any level to abilities you may not have believed you could achieve. I highly recommend Colin as a guitar, piano, or music teacher. And if you get a chance to hear his music, I guarantee you will be amazed one minute, and then become a fan the next! If you are serious about learning to play, talk to Colin Gailey and learn more about how he can help you reach your goals!”
Stephen B.Student
“Colin has been teaching our 8 year old son and 13 year old daughter piano for about six months, and they were both beginners. Colin has an excellent approach and has made piano fun while also teaching the fundamentals. We highly recommend him!”
Jon T.Parent of two piano students
“I was blown away by Colin’s music production skills! More specifically, he showed me how to incorporate production tricks into my music, giving my songs that professional polish they were missing.”Hear the result ↑
Jadyn S.Songwriting & production student
“Colin’s musicianship is something to be experienced, as he teaches with great creative authenticity. You’ll come away with new skills, as well as an added sense of confidence. Colin’s experience is broad and varied. Great stuff here. Not to be missed.”
Sarah A.Student