Octavio taught himself to sing and play guitar, bass, and drums when he was 12 years old. These private studies inspired him to take music courses and join college ensembles when he graduated high school. He soon after received his bachelor’s and graduate’s degree in Music Composition at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where he learned to write music and play jazz piano. During his time at CCPA, he had the opportunity to study with top local musicians such as Roger Harris, Alejandro Cortes, Scott Mason, Jim Gailloreto, and Henry Johnson. During his graduate studies he focused on honing his piano skills in a variety of different groups, and he also served as a graduate assistant in the Musicianship department. By lecturing weekly in undergraduate music theory and aural skills courses Octavio discovered a passion for teaching and mentoring young musicians. Through this diverse background in composition, jazz, and teaching, Octavio makes it his mission to inspire, cultivate, and protect all students’ passion for making music.
