Alex Guillen: World Music Guitarist and Educator

World Music in the Schools  teaching artist Alejandro “Alex” Guillen is a distinguished musician whose work bridges tradition, innovation, and cultural expression. A native of Chula Vista, Alex is an accomplished guitarist with a repertoire that spans the globe—from flamenco and Polynesian music to bossa nova and Latin jazz. In his residency classes for the Center for World Music, he shares his love of global sounds by teaching the music of Hawaii on ukulele. Known for his encouraging, student-centered approach, Alex helps children discover the joy and self-expression that music making can bring.

Alex’s teaching grows from lived experience, not textbooks. His passion for cultural connection has taken him across the Pacific, where he completed multiple tours of Hawaii to study the islands’ musical heritage and oral traditions firsthand. That immersion brings authenticity and depth to his classroom, where historical stories intertwine naturally with hands-on music lessons.

Expanding access to music education is  a cause that Alex is passionate about. Beyond his work with the Center for World Music, he teaches guitar, piano, and percussion in both classroom and private settings, and contributes to curriculum development for programs such as the City Heights Music School and APT 4 Music. Always exploring creative ways to engage students, he integrates interactive digital platforms like MakeMusic Cloud and SeeSaw to keep learning lively and connected.

Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Berklee College of Music Online, specializing in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games. He previously completed an associate’s degree in music from San Diego Mesa College and pursued jazz guitar studies at San Diego State University. His craft has been shaped by world-class mentors, including Latin jazz legend Chucho Valdés, whose SF Jazz workshop left a lasting impression, and Spanish flamenco guitarist Manuel Valencia, with whom he studied in Spain. These experiences, along with extensive travel and research, continue to inform the cultural depth of his teaching.

We are proud to have Alex Guillen among our roster of teaching artists, where he brings his global musical perspective to local classrooms. Outside of teaching, he remains an active performer, appearing regularly at concerts and events throughout the San Diego area.