Zanelle Zabala

Zanelle grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar and singing at age eight, learning her favorite songs and accompanying family members along the way. She participated in school band in middle school and took guitar classes in high school, where she developed a foundation in music theory. Largely self-taught, Zanelle specializes in acoustic, fingerstyle, and electric rhythm guitar and has recently expanded her skills to include lead guitar, bass, and drums. She currently plays in two bands, one of which focuses on using music to support a cause.

Zanelle believes that building a personal connection to music is key to keeping students engaged and motivated. She gets to know each student's favorite music, interests, and goals so she can tailor lessons to what excites them most. Her lessons encourage students to experiment, explore different sounds, and feel comfortable expressing themselves through music. She enjoys helping students discover their own musical style while giving them the skills and confidence to bring their ideas to life.

Outside of teaching, Zanelle is an adventurous listener who enjoys exploring music across all genres. She loves attending local shows, visiting music stores to try unique instruments, and discovering new sounds. Beyond music, she enjoys drawing and painting, exploring animation and other forms of art, and playing video games. She is also a big fan of game and film soundtracks, which reflect her appreciation for the many ways music can tell a story and inspire creativity.