Business Details
30 Years
experience
Professional Music Lessons & Recording in San Diego
Founded in 1996, JCB Music has established itself as a premier destination for music education and professional recording services in San Diego. With over 25 years of experience in the music industry, including ownership of The Iron Horse Music Hall in Massachusetts, Craig Blaine brings a wealth of expertise to guitar instruction, vocal coaching, and songwriting development. Our studio offers personalized lessons tailored to individual goals, whether you're a beginner learning your first chords or an experienced musician refining your craft. The recording facility provides 24-track digital production with state-of-the-art equipment, serving singer-songwriters and hip-hop artists through a collaborative creative process.Clients benefit from Craig's dual perspective as both a performing musician and producer, with over 1,000 live performances and extensive session work experience. Our commitment to student progress is evidenced by structured lesson plans that emphasize favorite songs as learning tools, while recording clients receive comprehensive production support from initial concept to final mastering. The studio's location in San Diego's East Village offers convenient access with ample parking, maintaining a welcoming environment that has nurtured musical growth for two decades.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Vocal Coaching
Songwriting Instruction
Performance Coaching
Recording Studio
Session Work
Music Production
Album Art Design
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 25+ years teaching guitar, voice, and songwriting in San Diego
- Personalized instruction tailored to individual learning goals
- Professional recording studio with 24-track digital capabilities
- Military discounts available for active duty and veterans
- Convenient downtown location with 20 years of community presence
What people say
Patient instructor
Improved quickly
Fun environment
Professional recordings
Supportive coaching
Services
Guitar Lessons
Personalized guitar instruction for all skill levels, from beginners learning first chords to advanced players refining techniques. Lessons focus on favorite songs as learning tools, covering rock, blues, folk, and pop styles. Students develop chord transitions, strumming patterns, and performance confidence through structured yet flexible teaching methods.
Vocal Coaching
Comprehensive vocal development focusing on range expansion, pitch accuracy, and emotional expression. Sessions address breathing techniques, vocal warmups, and performance preparation. Tailored instruction helps singers improve tone quality and confidence, whether preparing for live performances or studio recordings.
Recording Studio
Professional 24-track digital recording services with state-of-the-art equipment and production support. Studio features Roland VS-2480 workstation, virtual instruments, and professional microphones. Services include mixing, mastering, and session work for singer-songwriters and hip-hop artists seeking high-quality recordings.
Songwriting Instruction
Creative songwriting guidance covering melody development, lyric writing, and song structure. Instruction helps musicians refine existing compositions or create new material. Focus on artistic expression through collaborative feedback and technical skill development in chord progressions and arrangement techniques.
Session Work
Professional session musician services including drums, bass, percussion, and backing vocals. Access to virtual instruments and real instruments like Martin acoustic guitar and Fender Telecaster. Services enhance recordings with professional instrumentation for artists needing additional musical elements.
People
Craig Blaine
Owner & Instructor
Music producer and instructor with 25+ years teaching experience. Former owner of The Iron Horse Music Hall, Craig offers guitar lessons, vocal coaching, and recording services. Performs locally as solo artist and session musician.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We specialize in guitar instruction for all styles and skill levels, along with vocal coaching and songwriting development.
Do you offer recording packages?
Our recording studio provides hourly rates with full production support, including session work and mastering services.
Are group lessons available?
We focus on individualized instruction to maximize progress, but can accommodate small ensembles with prior arrangement.
What recording equipment do you use?
Our studio features Roland VS-2480 Digital Audio Workstation, Native Instruments Komplete 10 software, and professional microphones.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, music theory is integrated into lessons through practical application with favorite songs and compositions.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Kevin Taylor
Aug 04, 2021
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Can't tell you how lucky I was to find Craig Blaine and JCB. Encyclopedic musical knowledge, plays everything, full of fantastic ideas. What a great experience. Recorded eight songs with Craig and he made them sound great. Could not recommend higher!
Shea K.
Mar 08, 2020
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Had my first lesson with Craig. Dude is really cool and nice. He explained things that made sense to me and clicked. Looking forward to more lessons. Thanks Craig.
Livalto Creative
Jan 09, 2020
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The best recording experience ever. Craig was really help to get my voice right, capture harmonies which I've never done in my life and accompany my instrumentals. Highly recommended.
Tavia Breen
Feb 23, 2019
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Working with Craig has been life changing! I started lessons with him two years ago with a limited guitar playing skill set and a desire to song write. He has coached me through all stages of my musical journey, from music theory to lyrical content. Craig is a songwriter and performer himself so he has tremendous respect for the craft. He's honest, but kind, with feedback, emphasizing the importance of words, chord progressions, cadence and phrasing.
Most important, Craig has helped build my confidence to the point where I am writing, recording and releasing my music on traditional platforms. If you're looking to grow as a musician and a human being, Craig is your guy! ~Tavia Breen
Most important, Craig has helped build my confidence to the point where I am writing, recording and releasing my music on traditional platforms. If you're looking to grow as a musician and a human being, Craig is your guy! ~Tavia Breen
Jessa Black
Nov 14, 2018
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Amazing experience always! Great guitar lessons and recording. Craig really helped tweak my songs to take them to the next level. Looking forward to much more music!
