Rod was born in Mexico City and started playing piano at the age of 6. He moved to the United States when he was 9 years old and participated in numerous musical ensembles throughout his youth. Receiving an Associate of Arts in Music from De Anza Community College, Rod finished his Music Degree with a BA in Music from Cal State San Marcos.

 

In 1999, Rod moved to Iowa to study with Phil Mattson, a renown jazz music educator. He began teaching piano in 2000 while attending the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he studied Music Composition. His vast travels and musical experiences also took him to Bali, Indonesia, where he studied Balinese music and lived in Bali for two months thanks to a special grant from the Ford Foundation. He has performed with a number of local bands and even got a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2012 with the La Jolla Symphony Chorus.

 

Rod's attention to detail and strong communication skills allow for a dynamic one-on-one experience. For more than 25 years, Rod has taught hundreds of students of all ages and levels. He nurtures and encourages each student to optimize their unique musical journey by first establishing strong music fundamentals and building on their strengths. Over time, the student is able to attain a deep understanding of music and a lifelong connection to the magic of creativity through music.