Christian Rodriguez is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from San Diego, California. His musical journey began in middle school on the violin, before discovering the plectrum banjo and jazz guitar early in high school. During that time, he attended the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory under the direction of Gilbert Castellanos and Ian Buss, an experience that shaped his early development as a jazz musician. In his senior year, Christian received two scholarship from the San Diego Jazz Party, which opened the door to performing alongside artists such as Chuck Redd, Dan Barrett, Danny Coots, Duke Heitger, Harry Allen, Jason Fabus, Jason Wanner, Jon-Erik Kellso, Ken Peplowski, Peter Washington, Richard Simon, Rossano Sportiello, Sam Rocha, Vinny Raniolo, and Houston Person.

After graduating from high school, Christian attended Grossmont College, where he performed in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Big Band, and performed at the Oceanside Jazz Festival from 2022 to 2024. In 2023, he transferred to UCLA on a full scholarship and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Global Jazz Studies in 2025. At UCLA, he studied with Clayton Cameron, Michael Weir, and Jacques Lesure, and had the opportunity to meet jazz legend Herbie Hancock.

Rodriguez is currently pursuing his Master of Music in Jazz Studies at San Diego State University. His musical path has taken him across the country, including travels to New York City, where he has met and learned from world-renowned guitarists such as Pasquale Grasso, John Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Jonathan Stout, Vinny Raniolo, Jimmy Bruno, Ken Smith, Ron Jackson, and Olli Soikkeli.

Rooted in tradition but always evolving, Christian Rodriguez continues to explore the intersections of jazz guitar and the rich musical culture that shaped him.