Hi, I'm AxleStar.

My name is Alejandro Estrella — though when I’m performing high-energy rock shows, I go by the stage name Axle Star. I’m a professional guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator with a career that bridges musical theater, touring stages, and music education. I hold degrees in Music Education and Classical Guitar Performance from Northern Arizona University, with a foundation in both classical and jazz that continues to shape my playing today.

Over the years, I’ve performed across North America — from Hawaii to Hartford, and as far north as Edmonton, Canada. I recently toured as the guitarist on the Hairspray National Tour, and have played in regional productions of Kinky Boots, Footloose, SpongeBob the Musical, Big Fish, Six, and The Percy Jackson Musical, to name a few. I’m equally comfortable holding down groove-heavy rhythm parts, navigating intricate acoustic lines, or stepping into the spotlight for a solo. In addition to guitar, I play banjo, mandolin, ukulele, bass, and drums, allowing me to adapt quickly to the needs of any production.

Outside the theater, I’ve performed on cruise ships with Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line, taking on everything from Rat Pack-era big band shows to classic rock sets — wailing through extended solos on Free Bird and Hotel California, or dialing it back for heartfelt moments like Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley) or Time in a Bottle (Jim Croce).

I’m also an educator at heart. I spent eight years teaching middle school band, where my students consistently earned Superior with Distinction ratings. These days, I offer private lessons in guitar and multi-instrumental performance, focusing on technique, tone-building, and musical fluency. I enjoy helping students not just play — but really understand what makes music feel good.

On my YouTube channel, you’ll find performance videos, transcriptions, and full-album playthroughs — including complete run-throughs of Blink-182 albums, one of my all-time favorite bands. My tone setup is built around the Line 6 Helix, and I use a rotating arsenal of guitars including Fender Telecasters, Stratocasters, a Gibson Les Paul, archtops, and modern electrics — all chosen to match the sound and spirit of each performance.

Thanks for checking out my work. Whether you’re here to explore my music, connect about lessons, or talk gear — I’m glad you found your way here.