Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Garcia Lyons
Hi Antonio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Santiago de Querétaro, MX. My journey as a musician begins when I was about 7, I took piano lessons for 4 years. I wasn’t particularly interested in pursuing piano mainly because my parents wanted me to play at church and I had no interest in religious music. At about 10 years old I picked up my father’s guitar which was a very organic decision.
After many years of being self taught I decided I would pursue lessons for classical & flamenco guitar. My first girlfriend was a flamenco dancer and she influenced my passion for Spanish guitar.
I moved to Utah when I was 20 years old. While I was attending the university at UVU I realized the classical guitar program was quite limiting as far as helping me prepare for a career as a performer. The educational & cultural programs seemed to be completely disconnected from the reality of the music industry.
In 2013 I decided to head back to Mexico to study flamenco guitar under Juan Rosas in the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende, MX. A couple of years later I returned to Utah and began working as a performing musician at least part time, I also designed my own course as a teacher where the guitar served as a self discovery instrument and not just a musical resource.
My main realization as an artist was not to become a flamenco or classical guitar musician but to explore artistry in between those to genres which shared a common denominator: The Spanish guitar.
Now I teach & perform full time as a destination event musician, where I have found fulfillment as a performer without following traditional methods learned at school.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been tremendous obstacles for me including breaking two of my fingers, sustaining multiple injuries from playing for so many years, working at many jobs before I was courageous enough to leap for my dream.
I have learned to pay the price to do what I do, which includes learning the business behind my artistry and separating the artist from the business owner which happens to be the same person.
Collaboration and a strong passion for personal development has turned out to be just as meaningful to me as the musical journey itself.
I practice yoga frequently as well as go to the gym to maintain my body ready to perform on a regular basis because if I don’t I cannot practice or perform.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in teaching & performing Spanish guitar music for events. I am proud that I have stuck with this discipline for over 25 years.
I believe what sets me apart is my obsession to get better consistently not only in my craft but more importantly as a person. I have learned to look within for answers and follow my instinct more so than my rational mind.
I love philosophy and being able to teach, inspire & perform music understanding the guitar is just a mirror that reflects back the energy and life experience I put into it.
How do you think about happiness?
Knowing I am doing the work and paying the price to discover my potential is the most fulfilling part of the journey. Helping & connecting with like minded individuals in the community has been equally rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antoniospanishguitar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniospanishguitar?igsh=ZjhrcmE3YWF2OTBo&utm_source=qr
