ALL ABOUT SAMUEL ORTIZ

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Samuel Ortiz is a passionate guitarist, performer and music educator whose artistry blends classical training with the rich musical traditions of his homeland. He began playing the guitar at the age of 13, exploring classical repertoire and traditional Puerto Rican music while still in school. His early performance experiences with school ensembles and cultural groups laid the foundation for a lifelong career in music.

 

Samuel holds a BA in Music Education with a focus on classical guitar from Antillean Adventist University, where he studied under Dr. Jacques Landry. He later earned an MA in Music Education from the University of South Florida. Over the years, he has continued his studies with world-renowned guitarists including Pepe Romero, Jason Vieaux, Ana Vidovic, Andrew York, Denis Azabagic, and Olga Amelkina-Vera.

 

As an educator, Samuel brings his expertise to multiple institutions. He currently serves as Director of Guitar Studies at the Lois Cowles Harrison School for the Arts and is an adjunct professor of guitar at Florida Southern College. He has previously taught at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, Antillean Adventist University Music Academy, and Blue Noche Arts and Music Academy. He also plays a vital role in his local school system as the All-County Guitar and Guitar Night Facilitator for Polk County Public Schools.

 

In the professional music community, Samuel is an active presenter, session coordinator and lecturer at the Florida Music Educators Association All-State Conference. He is also a founding member of the former Puerto Rico-based jazz group Midnight Sun Jazz, co-created with Aldo Briano and Raquel Borges.

 

As a recording artist, Samuel has released four studio albums that reflect his wide-ranging musical interests: 

·       Initium (2015) – A personal selection of classical guitar favorites.

·       Nuances (2018) – A blend of classical, jazz, contemporary, and Latin-American works.

·       Magnum Mysterium (2019) – A collection of sacred hymns for solo guitar.

·       Jibarito (2021) – A heartfelt tribute to Puerto Rico music and culture.

 

Whether performing, recording, or teaching Samuel is committed to inspiring others through the power of music, bridging traditions and communities one note at a time.