For William Garcia, music isn鈥檛 just a passion鈥攊t鈥檚 a calling, a lifeline and a way to serve others. At 36, the Venezuelan-born cellist has followed a remarkable path that led him from a hospital lab to the stage of the Mary Pappert School of Music.
Before arriving in Pittsburgh, William spent years building a career in health care while he held a position in a professional orchestra. He worked as a lab manager in a hospital, earned a graduate certificate in public health management and taught as a university faculty member in Venezuela. 鈥淚 was grateful to support people, especially in underserved communities,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 always the most prestigious setting, but it was meaningful.鈥�
Yet, despite professional success, he found himself missing something deeply personal鈥攎usic. 鈥淎t some point, I realized I had to reconnect with that part of myself,鈥� says William, who began training in voice performance and resuming cello, diving back into a world that once brought him joy.
Years later, that clarity led William to 91制片厂, where he has completed
an Artist Diploma in Performance and is preparing to graduate with a Master鈥檚 in Music Performance, studying under renowned cellist Adam Liu, an adjunct in the music school. 鈥淗e鈥檚 more than a teacher鈥攈e鈥檚 like my American
Dad,鈥� William says. 鈥淗e doesn鈥檛 just teach you how to play better鈥攈e challenges you
as he challenges himself. From technique to career readiness, he鈥檚 helping me prepare
for the professional world in every way.鈥�
William credits 91制片厂 for his confidence and trusting himself. His education at the music school also has opened new doors. 鈥淭he school gives us connections to the professional music world,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd playing in orchestras around Pittsburgh, taking interviews and learning how to engage an audience鈥攖hose experiences have taught me so much.鈥�
His commitment to service remains strong. In May 2024, William returned to Venezuela to lead a masterclass for nearly 100 young cellists in Trujillo. Many lacked access to teachers and instruments, so William collected donated strings and supplies to bring with him.
His class, titled Prepare Your Mind and Unleash Your Musical Potential, focused on
emotional intelligence and mindset. 鈥淚t was about more than technique,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t
was about showing them what鈥檚 possible. For me, it was very inspiring.鈥�
Outside the practice room, William performs as a soloist in a local church and dances actively with Los Sabrosos Dance Company鈥檚 salsa team. 鈥淏oth are essential to my growth and well-being,鈥� he says.
William鈥檚 perspective on life is also shaped by a powerful personal experience: at 13, he suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgery. 鈥淒octors told my mom I wouldn鈥檛 survive鈥攐r that I鈥檇 be blind. But here I am, and I can see. I鈥檓 literally a miracle,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat made me see life differently. You need to live it day by day and recognize that every step forward matters.鈥�
His motto? 鈥淢ore positive than a proton.鈥� It鈥檚 a phrase that captures his optimism, strength and gratitude.
As Garcia looks ahead, he envisions a future where performance and teaching go hand in hand.
鈥淔or me, music is life. As a musician and as an artist, we can make a real contribution through music,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about teaching the notes, but teaching in a way that influences someone鈥檚 life. That鈥檚 one of my goals鈥攖o keep performing, to keep growing and eventually to give back through teaching.鈥�