Alex VanValen performing

Santa Barbara, CA

Alex
VanValen

Soul · Funk · Indie · Rock · Blues · R&B
Performances Lessons Sound Equipment Guitarist for Hire
20 Yrs playing
100% Service-oriented
SB Local
8+ Age welcome

Available for booking — Performances · Lessons · Sound Equipment Rentals · Guitarist for Hire

Call / Text (805) 602-1195

About Alex

Santa Barbara Musician.
Teacher. Performer.

I began playing guitar nearly 20 years ago, and have been performing with bands for the last 10 years — ranging from Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Blues, R&B, and Soul.

I moved to Santa Barbara nearly 15 years ago to attend Westmont College and receive my B.A. in Psychology. I have spent many years working in various settings in mental health and related services thereafter, even receiving a Certified Life Coach licensure.

Working in those settings helped me to hone in on the skills I incorporate in my teaching style — patience, active listening, and adapting to the needs of each individual.

🎸

Solo, Duo & Full Band

Performances across Santa Barbara County. Sound acquisition & Bose PA included.

🎓

Guitar Lessons

All ages 8+. Beginner to intermediate. In-person SB or online.

🔊

Sound Equipment Rentals

Bose PA system available for rent. Professional setup & support.

🎵

Guitarist for Hire

Available for studio sessions, events, and private performances.

Guitar Lessons

Learn the way you play.

First lesson is always free. No commitment, no pressure.

What I Teach

I teach basic and beginner guitar for children and adults, as well as a curriculum-based course for intermediate players who'd like to level-up by learning chord shapes and scales up and down the guitar fretboard, chord embellishments, and improvisation.

In all of this, the interests, artistry, and creativity of the student are prioritized while rudimentary skills are built over time.

I also teach pre-show grounding techniques for performers, methods for booking gigs, sound acquisition, and provide artist coaching.

Free Consultation

$0

A 50-minute intro session. Meet, play, set your goals. No commitment.

  • 50 minutes, no obligation
  • In-person or remote
  • Goal-setting conversation
  • You'll leave having learned something
Book free session
Best value

Monthly Package

$220 / 4 lessons

Weekly lessons — the fastest path to real progress.

  • 4 × 60-min lessons per month
  • Save $40 vs single sessions
  • Priority scheduling
  • Video progress tracking
Start a package

Ready to play?

Book a free 50-minute consultation. No experience needed, no commitment required.

Always free · No card required Book free consultation

Videos

Watch & Listen

Live performances, originals, and more.

Video 1

Performance · Video 1

Video 2

Performance · Video 2

Video 3

Performance · Video 3

Get in Touch

Book Alex or
start a lesson.

Call / Text

(805) 602-1195

Instagram

@guru_rilla

Location

Santa Barbara, CA
In-person: SB · Goleta · Carpinteria
Remote: available worldwide

Available for

  • Solo, Duo & Full Band Performances
  • Guitar Lessons (all ages 8+)
  • Sound Equipment Rentals
  • Guitarist for Hire
  • Artist Coaching

Bose PA system & sound acquisition included with performances.

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