"It is so exciting to head the department at such an exceptional and respected school. It is a personal, serious and committed environment of staff and students, not to mention a beautiful campus in the new music and arts haven that is Pasadena," says Akoni, 37, who is also a Pasadena resident. Educated at UC San Diego and Berklee College of Music (where he studied with jazz luminaries Jerry Bergonzi and Rick Peckham), his extensive performance history includes LeAnn Rimes, George Duke, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Babyface, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. Akoni has toured internationally, making dozens of television performances along the way.

Akoni says, "One of my main priorities is to seek out the best and the brightest in the guitar community and bring them to LA Music Academy." The school has secured a number of scholarships and incentives for advanced and otherwise high potential students wishing to attend. He adds, "I am thrilled to be a part of the school and the program during this amazing period of growth" Akoni's other plans include helping to build the roster for the school's new Artist in Residence program, whose ranks already include noted guitarist Carl Verheyen.