Guitar

Ashley Serrano

Education and Background

Ashley Serrano is a guitarist and music educator whose work spans private instruction, higher education, and performance. She began teaching herself electric guitar at age 14, inspired by artists including Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Prince, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci. Her early love of electric guitar eventually led her to pursue formal training in both classical and contemporary guitar.

Ashley earned her Associate of Arts in Music with an emphasis in classical guitar, studying under Dr. David Chapman. She later attended McNally Smith College of Music, where she studied with Dr. Eva Beneke and earned a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance.

In 2017, Ashley continued her studies at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where she received a scholarship to study with Grammy-winning guitarist Scott Tennant and legendary classical guitarist Pepe Romero. She earned her Master of Music with honors.

Ashley has been a member of the CSMA faculty since 2019 and currently serves as a Lecturer in Music at California State University, Stanislaus, where she teaches guitar. Her appointment brings her musical journey full circle, as she now works with her former teacher and mentor, Dr. David Chapman. She also maintains an active teaching and performance career throughout the Bay Area.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe every student deserves a teacher who sees their potential and supports their musical journey with patience and authenticity. Not every student connects with music in the same way or at the same pace. My role is to meet students where they are and help them build the confidence to discover and express their own musical voice.

My teaching reflects the versatility of the guitar itself. I can guide a student through delicate classical fingerstyle one moment and help them channel their inner rock star the next. Whether they are interested in Bach, Van Halen, or something entirely their own, I believe their musical interests should help shape the learning process.

I create collaborative lessons that balance technique with creativity, often incorporating games, challenges, improvisation, and performance goals. Technique is essential, but I want students to understand what it allows them to do musically. Inspiration gives us a reason to develop the technique.

I’ve taught young beginners, adult hobbyists, college students, ensembles, classrooms, and corporate music programs. Whether a student is learning a first chord, preparing for an audition or exam, refining advanced musicianship, or returning to music after years away, I aim to provide instruction that is thoughtful, challenging, and personal.

Ultimately, my goal is to help each student become a confident, expressive, and independent musician.”

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