We are so grateful for our community of incredible music educators! Education is one of our most precious assets here at ACG and we would like to take this opportunity to spotlight some of the amazing people we have the privilege of working with. Click here to learn more about ACG Education.
One of the coolest moments we get to experience here at ACG is watching students in our Education programs grow into professional musicians and educators themselves and come full circle back into our programs.
This week we had the opportunity to speak with two young men whom we met through our programs in their youth and who are now part of our Education programs as educators!
Rey Rodriguez began his journey in his 6th grade guitar class at Bedichek Middle School, under the direction of ACG’s current Director of Curriculum, Phil Swasey! He continued in our programs throughout High School at Crockett, under the direction of Ron Hare.
During his time at Crockett, the idea of being a professional musician started to come true for Rey. He shared,
“The first time I really connected with ACG was probably when I had my very first lesson with Jeremy Osborne during my sophomore year in high school.
“At first it was a little intimidating. Not because Jeremy was scary, in fact he was one of the nicest people ever, but because I felt like I wasn’t good enough to be around someone as good as him. I wanted to be an amazing guitarist and really push my boundaries. I wanted to make sure that he knew I was taking it seriously, especially because I normally couldn’t afford lessons and I wanted to take as much knowledge as I could away from him.
“He was very kind and flexible, but also knew exactly what he wanted out of his students. He taught me how to file my nails and was able to show me how to express myself through the guitar. I had a great time learning from him!
“I am the only musician in my family and it was kind of rough trying to find my way through the musical sphere. Thanks to my amazing teachers and friends, who are also musicians, I was able to see just how happy having a career in music can be. Being a musician always pushes you to be the best you, and I really like that aspect of being one.”
Rey pursued a music degree at UT Austin after his time in our programs and began his teaching career there as part of the UT Austin String Project. He had some beautiful things to say about his experience teaching,
“I love seeing others enjoy music. I know that may be a bit cliche, but seeing someone’s face light up as they play their first song or after overcoming a hard challenge is amazing. You see the positive effect that music has on others and through teaching I am able to help students expand their capabilities! If they can overcome the challenges that music throws at them, what’s stopping them from achieving any other goal in life?”
Beginning in September, Rey will become one of our Education Associates here at ACG! He’ll also be Co-Director of our South Austin Guitar Ensemble (SAGE) with his Middle School director Phil Swasey, as well as directing the ACG Choir Community Ensemble. Rey shared,
“I was a member of the ACG Youth Orchestra my senior year of highschool. It was so much fun! There were some exceptional musicians in that ensemble. I really looked up to them and it pushed me to become a better musician.
“Joe Williams was an amazing leader and he really shaped how I approached ensembles once I began teaching at UT string project. My first time conducting an ensemble with ACG was during our recent ACG summer camp. I conducted the HOME ensemble and it was amazing and very rewarding. The kids were incredible musicians and I couldn’t have gotten any more lucky with my first time conducting for ACG.
“I would have never believed anyone if they told me I’d be able to work with Phil Swasey one day. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to and someone who’s always been an amazing mentor and person. I’m extremely excited and can’t wait to see what we do with SAGE this upcoming season!”
Francisco de la Rosa began his journey at the prime age of five years old in El Paso, TX! We had the privilege of connecting with him in our program at Akins High School.
Francisco shares,
“When I was five years old, I received my first guitar after begging my parents to buy me a toy guitar from a street vendor at the border crossing of Juarez and El Paso, on our way back from visiting family in Mexico. By ten years old I had outgrown that guitar, and I received my first full size acoustic guitar as a birthday gift. I taught myself by ear until I was 15, at which point I received the privilege of learning Classical guitar at Akins.
“My time at Akins really changed my life. It was truly an inspirational time in my life when Travis Marcum and Jeremy Osborne were my guitar teachers. They really gave me a sense of belonging in the guitar class, and I made some of the best friends and memories in that class.”
Francisco has been performing and volunteering for ACG events since 2009. After graduating from Texas State with a Bachelor of Classical Guitar Performance in 2021, he joined the ACG team as a teaching artist.
“I was always inspired by my experiences with Dr. Marcum and Mr. Osborne. However, as mostly a Rock performer for a good portion of my life, I didn’t view myself being much of a classical educator growing up. Nonetheless, all this changed after teaching private lessons and conducting ensembles and watching many inspiring guitar teachers in the classroom. Teaching really grew on me. Just like guitar class helped me come out of my shell as a shy teenager, teaching helped me find out I had another calling, and that was to help other young performers find their hidden talents, like others did for me.
“What I enjoy the most about teaching is giving back to my community and seeing students enjoy playing guitar. Being an educator is my chance to create a safe and accepting environment for my students, where they experience the joy of music and the sense of belonging to a team. I enjoy this the most because someone did this for me, and now it’s my turn to help others.”
This fall, Francisco will begin his new position as the full time guitar instructor at Bedichek Middle School! We’re so excited to have him there. He shared,
“I am extremely honored and thankful to have earned this position with AISD. What I look forward to the most is the ability to advocate for my students, create a community with students, parents, family, and staff to enjoy guitar music together in events at Bedichek and other community events. My goal is that students can learn that music is powerful and can serve their community in many positive ways. Another thing I look forward to is collaborating with all my guitar education friends I have made through the years as an ACG teaching artist. These educators have all been my mentors and a huge inspiration to this next stage of my life.”
As we welcome Rey and Francisco into their new roles, we are reminded of the profound impact music education can have on both individuals and communities. Their journeys from eager students to inspiring educators underscore the transformative power of dedication, mentorship, and the arts. We look forward to witnessing the incredible contributions they will make in our programs and to the lives of their students. Thank you for being a part of our ACG family and for supporting the next generation of musicians and educators. Together, we continue to create a vibrant and nurturing environment where passion for music thrives.