Santiago | Teacher #5957
About Santiago
Santiago is a professional musician and educator with a degree in Instrumental Performance from Universidad El Bosque and advanced training through a Berklee Latino scholarship. A multi-instrumentalist proficient in trumpet, piano, and guitar, he brings extensive real-world experience across jazz, rock, Latin, funk, and contemporary genres. Santiago has performed at major festivals and toured internationally with La Real del Sonido. With over 8 years teaching students of diverse abilities and learning needs, he creates inclusive, supportive environments where students develop technical foundations and personal musical expression.
Piano Trumpet Guitar Voice French Horn Drumset Percussions Ear Training Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Dictation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Rock Latin Salsa Rock and Roll Christian Gospel Hip Hop Reggae Rhythm and Blues Ska Rap Punk Baroque
English Spanish
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is based on the idea that music is both a technical discipline and a form of personal expression. I aim to help each student develop their own musical voice by combining solid technical foundations with creativity, curiosity, and confidence. As a professional musician and educator with formal training in instrumental performance from Universidad El Bosque and scholarship studies through Berklee Latino, I integrate academic knowledge with extensive real-world experience as a performer, arranger, and producer across multiple genres. I adapt my teaching approach to the individual needs of each student, emphasizing patience, clarity, and encouragement. Having worked with students of different ages, levels, and learning needs, I believe in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students can learn at their own pace, enjoy the process, and build a lasting relationship with music.
Musical Education
I am a professional musician and music educator with a formal academic background in instrumental performance. I hold a degree in Music with an emphasis in Instrumental Performance from Universidad El Bosque in Bogotá, Colombia. In addition to my university studies, I was awarded a full scholarship to participate in Berklee Latino (Berklee College of Music), where I received advanced training in performance, improvisation, ensemble work, and contemporary music practices under internationally recognized faculty. My formal education has been complemented by continuous professional development as a performer, arranger, and educator, allowing me to integrate academic training with extensive real-world experience across multiple genres and teaching environments.
Awards and Distinctions
Full scholarship recipient – Berklee Latino (Berklee College of Music, 2017), awarded for musical talent and performance excellence. Selected performer in major music festivals and cultural events in Colombia, including Rock al Parque and Rap al Parque, performing with established ensembles in front of large audiences. Recognized as an active professional musician with international touring experience in Canada (2023) and the United States, performing with La Real del Sonido.
Special Skills and Trainings
Special Skills Professional musician, multi-instrumentalist, and educator (trumpet, piano, guitar) with extensive experience in performance, arrangement, music production, and teaching across multiple genres, including jazz, rock, pop, Latin music, funk, reggae, ska, hip-hop, and contemporary fusion styles. Performed at major festivals and large-scale events in Colombia and Canada, including Rock al Parque and Rap al Parque. International touring experience includes Canada (2023) and a United States tour with La Real del Sonido, as well as extensive live performance experience with the same ensemble in major national and international stages. Awarded a full scholarship for Berklee Latino (Berklee College of Music), receiving advanced training in performance, improvisation, and ensemble work with internationally recognized faculty. Extensive experience in music education in both private and institutional settings, including over 8 years working with students with cognitive and developmental learning differences at Fundación PIES (a specialized school for children with special needs), as well as private instruction for students with diverse abilities. Demonstrated strong leadership and large ensemble management skills as director of the school marching band at Gimnasio José Joaquín Casas, leading and training over 100 students simultaneously. Highly adaptable educator with additional expertise in music theory, ear training, improvisation, ensemble direction, and curriculum development, focused on building strong technical foundations while fostering creativity, discipline, and artistic confidence.
Lessons in your home
Santiago is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Burlington, ON
- Grimsby, ON
- Hamilton, ON
- Niagara Falls, ON
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
- St. Catharines, ON
Lessons in a music studio
Santiago offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Santiago can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Santiago is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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