Conversations with Carlos Bedoya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Bedoya.

Hi Carlos, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an immigrant from Medellin, Colombia, and I never imagined that I would have come to the US to create a whole new life. In reality, I was originally planning on majoring in software engineering. In fact, during my 10th year of high school, I was already taking a college class in software. However, life changed suddenly when my mom married, and we moved to the US. I had already an interest in music, and since I moved to a new country, with a new culture and new people, I lost all my friends and felt very lonely. I turned to music and to my guitar, and I became much closer to it. I went to high school and realized that they provide music lessons that count towards your graduation classes, and I was fascinated to learn theory, piano, and even an orchestral instrument (cello). My teachers at the time recognized my talent in music and recommended that I consider majoring in music. I was very inspired by them, and I decided to become a professional musician. I auditioned and got into a music college and since then, I have established myself as a rising concert guitarist that has given concerts and masterclasses throughout the US and Central and South America.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been difficult but enjoyable nonetheless. The language barrier, the cultural shock, and the sudden change in environment were very rough for me. I am super glad that I had music to hold onto and that it allowed me to meet friends, role models, and even my current wife!

Along with these obstacles, it is also important to recognize that one of the major difficulties is the ability to financially make it as a musician. Even though I have had to rely on my credit cards and student loans for a long time, I am still confident that if I continue working hard toward my dreams, I will be able to achieve financial stability and comfort. I am very lucky that at the moment, I no longer have to pay for school because I was able to get an Assistant Instructor position which allows me to work and study towards my doctorate degree in Indiana University.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a classical guitarist, and that is not quite as common as any other type of guitarist. Classical music is a small niche and it caters towards a small audience when compared to popular music. I am the type of guitarist that plucks the strings of the heart that seeks to awake deep emotions through stage/audience communication. I strongly believe that I can change the world in a positive way by playing music and awaking such strong emotions in the audience that it would allow them to become more sensible and empathetic. I believe music is that powerful, and I believe that exploring those feelings and emotions allows humans to evolve and mature emotionally. Aside from this metaphysical experience, I can also change the world by teaching music to people. In this way, they can spend their time expressing themselves and growing as human beings.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I expect to land a university teaching position. I hope to be able to continue sharing music through performance and sharing the gift of music through teaching nationally and internationally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carlosbedoyaguitar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbedoyaguitar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBedoyaGuitar
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@CBedoyaGuitar

Image Credits
Photos by Nathan Crase, Alex Molina, and Samantha Smith