Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Maldonado.
Hi Israel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started playing in a kid’s band at age 7 where I learned how to read music, and at age 10 I started playing the classical guitar. We moved to the US in 1989 middle of my freshman year and I joined the marching band.
After high school I went to Palomar College and transferred to San Diego State where I took a Samba Drum class that changed the course of my career I started playing in a Brazilian band in 1996 then I learned how to play different styles from meeting different musicians. I got to tour the US with Agua dulce, and at the same time, I was playing in restaurants with Latin guitarists. I taught guitar at Elementary Schools and High Schools. Eventually, I learned how to DJ in 2008 and now I offer Music and DJ Services everywhere in town.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was hard moving from Tijuana to Carlsbad, I struggled with that for a while. Music has always got me through rough parts of my life. The struggles along the way have been business-wise, but I’ve been learning as I go.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Weddings and Corporate Events, and I’m known for being a versatile musician.
I am most proud of having great kids (Andres and Xavier) and the fact that I make a living doing what I love. What sets me apart from others is that I speak 3 languages fluently which I can incorporate into my work. I also Teach Music Part Time (my 2nd Passion).
What does success mean to you?
Being able to have peace in life and Balance work with Pleasure.
Being able to pay my Bills and have fun in my free time. For me the fact that I can Play guitar or DJ and get paid pretty I good I would think is somewhat of a success. I come from a very poor part of Tijuana and to be able to get to where I am I feel I’ve exceeded expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: israelmaldonado.com
- Instagram: @izzyguitar
- Facebook: Israel Maldonado Music
- Twitter: @izzyguitar_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHN5YU6xanWD_wwaTmmUCQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/israel-maldonado-music-san-diego?osq=israel+maldonado+music
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/israel-maldonado-2
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=israel+maldonado+music+reviews&client=firefox-b-1-e&sxsrf=ALiCzsbWLuTmmKbMDKZA8ntWggesVR8ZpA%3A1667418449294&ei=UcliY57EEenbkPIPr9al0AE&ved=0ahUKEwjesPLioZD7AhXpLUQIHS9rCRoQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=israel+maldonado+music+reviews&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnC4AQP4AQEyBRAAGKIEMgUQABiiBDIFEAAYogQyBxAAGB4YogTCAgoQABhHGNYEGLADwgIGEAAYFhgewgIFEAAYhgPCAgUQIRigAcICBRAhGKsCwgIIECEYFhgeGB2QBgJI8hpQ7gRYhxhwAXgByAEAkAEAmAGoBKAB2xSqAQkyLTQuMi4xLjHiAwQgQRgA4gMEIEYYAIgGAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lrd=0x80deaaf91e9cd0cb:0x2cbadc47c3b7da04,1,,,
Image Credits
Stormie Kadar Smile, Elfego Becerra, and Brady Cooling
