Justin Sotelo developed an early interest in music, which began with piano studies at an early age. Into his adolescence, he then found himself drawn to more guitar-oriented music (notably the big rock groups of that era and before) and at the age of 13, acquired his first guitar (an electric) - a gift from his parents. It was at that point that Justin discovered the musical instrument that he would dedicate himself to.

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Throughout high school, Justin studied the instrument through private instruction and collaborated musically with his peers. Upon graduating, he had the desire to continue honing his skills and decided to move to L.A. There, he attended an intensive three month guitar program at Musicians Institute, Guitar Institute of Technology. For that period, Justin did nothing but "guitar," which consisted of dedicated practice, private instruction and coursework, participation in numerous sessions and workshops, and being exposed to the likes of Al DiMeola, Peter Frampton, Scott Henderson, Paul Gilbert, Frank Gambale, and Billy Sheehan, to name a few. 



Justin would next continue his music studies at Santa Barbara City College and California State University, Sacramento, where he began taking up an interest in jazz music – notably, the work of guitar greats Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Ted Greene, etc. One highlight from this period was having the opportunity to meet the legendary Joe Pass at one of his final performances before his passing.



Once again, Justin had the desire to push himself musically and found himself back in L.A. - this time, accepted to the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, one of the premiere music schools in the U.S. Here, Justin was immersed in jazz and guitar studies unlike ever before.


In 1996, Justin completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at USC and embarked on his next journey, which landed him on the East Coast. There, he pursued studies in English at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and English Education at Columbia University's Teachers College, where he earned his Master of Arts degree. During this period, Justin made a point of continuing his guitar studies in Baltimore and New York City.

In 1999, Justin returned to California and has since resided in the Sacramento area. For the last 12 years, he has performed regularly with his trio RAN (featuring high school peer Sajit Singh on drums and Sacramento native Oscar Alarcon on bass) and has taught guitar lessons privately. Justin has also made a point of collaborating with other local musicians, taking audio production and ensemble courses, and continuing his life-long study of the guitar.