Chidimma Carter - Founder & Music Director
Wife, homeschool mom of 3 boys, worship leader, teacher, entrepreneur, and singer/songwriter, are some words that describe Chiddy Carter. With over 20 years of professional teaching experience with over 16 years of leading worship and songwriting, with 10 years of professional studio recording and production, chidimma has dedicated her time and efforts to raising the next generation of musicians, including worship artists and youth worship leaders who are eager to fulfill their God-given dreams in music.
As the founder of Guitarlina School of Music, Chidimma is dedicated to helping people who have the zeal for music and who dream of playing a musical instrument or becoming a worship leader someday.
Because learning a musical instrument helps children to succeed in all other areas of life, It has been the primary goal at Guitarlina School of Music for our team to help every student become successful adults and to instill in them leadership qualities through learning to play music.
Chidimma lives in the bay area with her husband and three sons.
Karen Killian - School of Worship Director
Karen Killian is an accomplished private piano instructor with over 20 years of experience, specializing in a wide range of musical genres. Though her foundation lies in classical music, Karen proudly embraces the role of a “Bach to Rock” instructor, guiding students through an expansive musical journey that spans from classical compositions to contemporary styles.
In addition to her work as a piano instructor, Karen has been deeply involved in the worship ministries of Sacramento Area churches for the past two decades. She has served in various capacities, including as Music Director, Worship Pastor, and occasional consultant, helping churches build and enhance their worship ministries.
Karen’s expertise also extends internationally. She has taught Gospel Music compositions in workshops in Hamburg, Germany, and has contributed to both the adult and children’s divisions of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Studies and Worship Arts and a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from EPIC Bible College and Graduate School. Karen currently serves as a Professor of Worship Arts at EPIC Bible College, where she is passionate about equipping students with the tools they need to use their musical talents to serve their churches and communities.
Karen’s deep commitment to both music education and worship ministry has made her a valued mentor and educator in the music community.
Brandon Barnes - Music Instructor
My name is Brandon Barnes and I am a Musician! I have been into music all my life, starting in church when I was 12 years old! Since then I have been fascinated with music and music production. Throughout high school and college I have applied my time, energy and passion into my instrument through developing proficiency in my instruments, music theory, and music ettiequte. I have played in Church Choirs Jazz Ensembles, Jazz combos, Orchestral and Musical Percussion and Rock bands. I am currently attending San Francisco state with a Major in Psychology and a minor in Music. Music is my passion and I can’t wait to share this special gift with you.
Yessie Flores - Music Instructor
My passion for music began in childhood, but it truly came to life in high school when I started studying voice and music theory. In 2019, I began learning piano—and though it was challenging at first, I stayed committed and grew into a confident player. That journey ignited a desire to help others overcome their own learning hurdles.
Since 2022, I’ve been teaching individual music lessons to students of all ages. In 2024, I expanded my skills to include guitar and drums—proving that with a strong foundation in music theory, learning any instrument is possible.
I’m especially passionate about working with students who may struggle at first but have a heart to learn. My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and personalized to make both theory and practice fun, accessible, and empowering for every learner.
Yessie is currently in the music pedagogy program at Los Medanos College to expand her horizons and hone in on her expertise in music education.
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Sarah Zuniga - Music Instructor
Hello, my name is Sarah, and I have always been curious about music and its ability to inspire, connect, and bring people together. Now I always need a song playing in the background.
I especially enjoy teaching and guiding students as they discover and develop their musical talents.
Currently, I am pursuing a degree in pedagogy to strengthen my teaching skills and equip myself with the tools to better support every student I work with.
I proudly stand by Guitarlinas’ mission of “Raising leaders through excellence in music education”, as it reflects my own values.
Outside of work, I serve as a worship leader at my local church, where my faith continues to fuel my love for music and my desire to glorify God with skillfulness.
Jaydon Spears - Music Instructor
Jaydon Spears has spent most of his life in the Bay Area. Due to his parents’ love for music, Jaydon developed a passion at an early age. He picked up piano at age 8 and dabbled in percussion and bass. Today, his extensive musical knowledge has not only enabled him to compose award-winning works but also allowed his band “The MJs” to generate over $10,000 through local gigs. Jaydon believes that with dedication and passion, any student can obtain mastery in any aspect of both music and life. He has spent his entire life honing and perfecting his virtuosic abilities and learning the language of music. At LMC, he’s put these skills to good use by helping the Recording Arts Classes!
Additionally, his love to see kids succeed in every endeavor remains the focal point of his life. Through his music band and an organization he Co - Founded: STEM and Sprout, he provides fun and free experiments to kids from 0-11th grade! By teaching kids the love for music that he developed at a young age, he wishes to equip children with lessons applicable to their day-to-day lives, whether perseverance or A Altered Dominant Drop 2 (a chord on the piano).