Music city accelerator

Meet our Instructors

Music City Accelerator faculty brings together over 25 years of real-world experience across performance, music production, publishing, DJ culture, vocal artistry, and more.

Our instructors aren’t just educators—they’re active musicians, label founders, engineers, and industry veterans with deep ties to San Francisco’s music scene and beyond. Students gain access to a wealth of musical knowledge, practical skills, and creative mentorship designed to help them grow as artists and refine their craft.

Steve Heithecker

Director of Education / Head of Music City Accelerator

In addition to his years of experience in the music industry as an engineer and producer, Steve is a certified Pro Tools expert, a published author and lover of synthesizers. Steve takes his experience and passion into the classroom when he teaches and offers students invaluable knowledge based on real world production.

Steve's credits include: Orchestral recording for the "Iron Man 2" game with Sega USA, recorded and mixed all 20 episodes of "Halo the Return, Mona Lisa Overdrive and Headhunters" for Microsoft Xbox Live, recorded Dialog for "Bioshock 2" for 2K, recorded Dialog for "Infamous 2" for Sony, recorded Grammy award winning Chanticleer for "Halo CE" 10th anniversary, recorded, mixed and mastered all of the in game music for Microsoft and Insomniac’s "Sunset Overdrive,” and his music credits include co-producing and mixing "Winter in America" and “Highest Wish” with Bill Ortiz (Santana).

Quinn Grodzins

Senior Instructor and Production Studio Manager

Quinn is an alum of Pyramind, and taught there from 2020 up until the company joined Music City San Francisco in 2025 to form The Accelerator. Quinn now teaches the Ableton Live and Sound Design curriculum here at The Accelerator, administers our online learning portal, and manages the production studios here as well.

Mac Vaughn

Instructor, Artist Development: Branding, identity, and song release strategy

Mac Vaughn is a visionary techno DJ, producer, and founder of Fierce Animal Recordings—a top 100 Beatport label known for pushing the boundaries of underground sound. A pioneer of the San Francisco rave scene in the late ‘90s, Mac brings decades of experience performing, producing, and developing emerging talent. His deep knowledge of electronic music is matched by a passion for personal growth, shaped by years of spiritual study and artistic exploration. At Music City Accelerator, Mac leads the Artist Development: Branding, identity, and song release strategy course, helping the next generation of artists unlock their creativity and define their own sound.

Danny Delorean

Instructor, DJing Classes

Danny Delorean is a veteran DJ, radio personality, and music director with over 20 years in the industry. A true DJ’s DJ and walking encyclopedia of genres, he’s played every major club in San Francisco, opened for international acts, and performed at festivals across the globe. From his roots in record stores and college radio to programming for stations like Live 105 and hosting the world’s longest-running Synthwave event, Turbo Drive, Danny brings a deep love of music and unmatched industry knowledge. At Music City Accelerator, he teaches DJing with a focus on skill, history, and hustle—equipping students to command the decks and stand out in a crowded scene.

Rashida Bryant

Instructor, Vocal Training

Rashida Bryant is a master vocal coach with over 20 years of experience helping singers unlock their full potential. From classical technique to R&B power, she brings a structured, results-driven approach that delivers fast, lasting transformation. Known for her deep technical knowledge and high-impact teaching style, Rashida helps vocalists build confidence, control, and presence—on stage and in the studio. At Music City Accelerator, she leads the Vocal Training program, empowering artists to find their voice and become truly unforgettable performers.

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Sunday

Latin

Latin Sundays @The Music City Underground Live Bands & DJ Sets

Experience the vibrant rhythms and captivating melodies of Latin music as we feature live bands and electrifying DJ sets, showcasing a diverse array of genres from Brazilian Rhythms/Salsa/Cumbia/Latin Jazz/Spanish Rumba/Latin Rock/ Forró & global beats. Feel the energy as talented musicians take the stage, bringing their unique flair and passion to every performance.

Enjoy DJ sets spinning Latin Jams with Disco 80s/90s Funk/Hip Hop/Tropical Bass/Rock/Breaks & more.

Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM

Tuesday

Jazz Music City San Francisco

🎷Join Us for Weekly Jazz Nights 🎶

Step into the rhythm and soul of the city at Music City SF every Tuesday for an unforgettable night of live jazz! Wheter you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking to unwind, our talented musicians will transport you through the smooth, sultry sounds of Classic Jazz, Soul Jazz, and Jazz Fusion.

Door Opens: 6 PM
Live Performance Begin: 7 PM – 10 PM

Friday

Eclectic

Eclectic Fridays @The Music City Underground

Step into the unexpected at Music City SF’s Eclectic Night, where musical boundaries are meant to be crossed! Every Friday, we bring you an exciting mix of artists, from funk to jazz, hip hop to rock, and everything in between.

Doors Open: 6pm

Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM

Thursday

Hip-Hop/Soul/R&B

🎤 Hip Hop, Soul, and R&B Thursdays @ Music City Underground 🎶

Every Thursday night, dive into the heart of the underground with weekly rotating performances featuring a fresh mix of musicians, cyphers, and DJs that keep the energy alive. Whether you’re here for smooth R&B vibes, soulful vocals, or fire hip-hop beats, The Music City Underground has it all.

Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM

Saturday

Tribute/Decades

Paying Tribute to All Your Favorite Artists Across the Eras!

Step into a time machine of music and let the decades take you on an unforgettable journey! Relive the hits from the ’60s to the ‘2000s with incredible tribute performances that’ll have you dancing all night long.

Doors open at 6 PM.

Performances kick off at 7 PM.

Monday

The Motown Sound

The best of Motown and soul favorites!

From timeless classics to deep cuts that defined an era, keep the dance floor alive with the irresistible rhythms and smooth sounds that made Motown legendary. Don’t miss a night of soulful vibes and nonstop energy!

Door Opens: 6 PM
Live Performance Begin: 7 PM – 10 PM

Wednesday

Rock, Folk, Blues, & Country Night

Rock, Folk, Blues, & Country at Music City SF

Experience a thrilling variety of Rock, Folk, Blues, and Country music every Wednesday night! A high-energy event featuring live bands and DJs across six stages! From rock anthems to country classics and everything in between, this night promises non-stop entertainment and unforgettable performances.

Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances: 7 PM – 11 PM

Deborah Barsotti
Education director deb@musiccitysf.org

More info coming soon!

Aprill Lacey
Executive Director Aprill@musiccitysf.org

A completely revamped Music City Entertainment page is on the way — stay tuned!

Music City SAN FRANCISCO: THE PODCAST

Listen wherever you enjoy your podcasts!

Partners

National talent booking

Aprill Lacey is Music City SF's Talent Buyer for Major Acts, helping bring top tier talent to our storied venues for can't-miss VIP events .

Contact Aprill for booking inquiries!

national talent booking at music city

Our karaoke page is almost here! For now, use the Book Rehearsal button to book your private karaoke room!

The MCSF podcast is almost here! In the meantime, you can book our state of the art studio to record your podcast right here at Music City.

DIY is almost here! For now, please use the rehearsal booking button on the right side of this pop-up.

Bevs & bites

COMING SOON

SF MUSIC
HALL OF FAME

Visit and learn how the legends of West Coast Hip-Hop, Thrash Metal and the Psychedelic sounds of the Summer of Love came to be some of the most iconic musicins of the world!

THE GALLERY

A collection of 90+ high quality large-format photography prints, dominate the wall of the Music City Hotel hallways.

Each print is accompanied by original written tributes by prominent national writers like Ben Fong-Torres [Rolling Stone Magazine], Emma Silvers [KQED], Joel Selvin [SF Chronicle], and more. Accompanying audio tour component is included.

BRICK WALK

Amazing Names of San Francisco.

At the entrance to our building, we have put together over 300 bricks of amazing acts, venues, journalists, photographers, and other that were associated with the SF music scene over the last 60 years.

SF MUSIC
HALL OF FAME

Visit and learn how the legends of West Coast Hip-Hop, Thrash Metal and the Psychedelic sounds of the Summer of Love came to be some of the most iconic musicins of the world!

THE GALLERY

A collection of 90+ high quality large-format photography prints, dominate the wall of the Music City Hotel hallways.

Each print is accompanied by original written tributes by prominent national writers like Ben Fong-Torres [Rolling Stone Magazine], Emma Silvers [KQED], Joel Selvin [SF Chronicle], and more. Accompanying audio tour component is included.

BRICK WALK

Amazing Names of San Francisco.

At the entrance to our building, we have put together over 300 bricks of amazing acts, venues, journalists, photographers, and other that were associated with the SF music scene over the last 60 years.