Our Story
Now celebrating our 20th year, 851 Music Studio continues to be one of the most innovative and welcoming places to learn music in the Bay Area. Over the years, thousands of students have come through our doors—children, teens, and adults—many of whom discovered their confidence here, grew into skilled musicians, and eventually found themselves performing in bands, recording in studios, composing original songs, or simply enjoying a lifelong relationship with music.
The studio began with humble roots. When a much-loved Benicia music store closed unexpectedly after the sudden passing of its owner, the teachers faced an uncertain future. Considering the risk that part of our local music community might disperse, we made a commitment: to build a new space where students could learn, create, and belong. This vision grew into 851 Music Studio—a place that blends professional instruction, vintage equipment, and modern technology in an environment that is warm, supportive, and inspiring.
Today, students enjoy private lessons, group workshops, ensemble jams, performance opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art computers used for ear-training, personal projects and music learning apps, some which are on our site under the Tools tab. Whether you’re taking your first steps or polishing advanced skills, you’ll find expert teachers who genuinely care about your progress and your enjoyment.
Research consistently shows that learning an instrument strengthens brain development—improving spatial reasoning, memory, emotional regulation, focused attention, and creative problem-solving. But beyond the science, music offers something more personal: it reaches places where words cannot go.
If you're curious about music—whether classical, jazz, folk, rock, funk, or anything in between— we warmly invite you to experience a complimentary first lesson. Come meet us, explore the studio, and see how music can become a meaningful part of your life.
We would love to hear from you. Why not give us a call today?
Jeff Campitelli
For 20 years, Jeff Campitelli is the one drummer that virtuoso-guitarist Joe Satriani consistently relied upon. In Joe’s words, “He sets me free to really play. He always finds a deep groove and pocket, which I’ve learned I need to play my best.”
Jeff enhances, supports and lifts the music. He plays for the song. What also sets him apart is his ability to perform equally well, both live and in the studio. Many artists today have their live guy and/or their studio guy but Joe has everything he needs, all on one drum throne. Through the years with Satriani, Jeff Campitelli has made 21 albums (including 3 Gold and 1 Platinum), 7 live concert DVDs and has played on 15 Grammy nominated songs. On the infamous G3 tours, other guitarists Jeff has backed up include Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Robert Fripp, Steve Lukather and Kenny Wayne Sheppard, to name just a few.
In parallel with his performance career, he has always taught lessons. Jeff studied with renowned drummer/teacher Chuck Brown and started teaching Chuck's overflow of students early on. "Teaching reinforces learning on the teacher's part and is a way of giving back to a community that gives so much"
Asked if he would work with beginners Campitelli enthusiastically replied, “Absolutely. It’s fun to work with beginners to open their eyes to the amazing possibilities but I’m also looking forward to working with more advanced students who might need a little brush-up or help in a specific area like studio work or a new style.”
Garrett Mingardi
Garrett Mingardi has been teaching at 851 Music Studio since 2019. He started piano when he was 9. two years later he began guitar and as the years went by, he became more and more serious about his music related studies. He is skilled with the guitar, piano, bass and singing. He has immersed his life in musical projects. Garrett works with recording, songwriting and has recently graduated with a AA degree.
He plays in multiple bands, gigging weekly and loves teaching lessons.
J. Shelby
James (J.) Shelby is the owner and director of 851 Music Studio. He has been teaching since 1980. His musical path changed in 1988 when he met his friend and mentor, guitarist Steve Sage, who modeled deep generosity and camaraderie within the music community. Through Sage, J. was connected with jazz-great guitarist Warren Nunes, whose intensity and “time-waits-for-no-one” drive left a lifelong impression.
In 1991 J. began regular work with the blues band Superstitions. He has continued performing throughout the Bay Area ever since, most recently with groups such as Three of a Kind and Out of the Blue. He spent the first half of 1999 performing with musicians from the John Lee Hooker band while based in Tucson, Arizona, before returning home to Benicia. In 2006 he founded 851 Music Studio.
J.’s approach to teaching comes from a simple idea: We take what seems impossible and make it possible—and eventually beautiful—through curiosity, discipline, and joy. He credits his primary composition teacher, William Matthew, for bringing him into the Boulanger lineage and shaping his commitment to clear fundamentals. J. organizes instruction carefully—but allows each student’s interests, energy, and ambition to lead the way. Whether someone wants to understand their instrument more deeply or prepare for professional-level work, he teaches with the belief that virtuosity comes from love, not coercion.
Over the decades, many of J.’s students have gone on to perform publicly, write their own music, or work in touring bands. Even so, he takes equal pride in helping any person become more musical and artful—often in ways that surprise them. At heart, he still thinks of himself as someone who simply loves playing guitar, especially blues and jazz, and who values listening above all other musical skills.
851 Music Studio reflects his philosophy: freedom through discipline, growth through fun, and mutual respect and service from everyone who walks through the door.
Established 2006
We invite you to join us on the musical journey!
Trusted teachers. Community roots.
From first notes to stage ready.
Ask about our complimentary first lesson...
