AFA News

AFA Alum Sixto F. Montesinos attended the Summer Music Festival from 2000-2002 and played the flute and piccolo in the AFA Symphony Orchestra. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Instrumental Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California, and also a freelance professional conductor in the Bay Area.

How were you introduced to music?

I started music at a very early age when I was 4 years old at the Yamaha Institute of Music in Mexico City. I don’t think I was ever “introduced to music”. I think music was always there from the moment I was born. My parents are both extremely devoted to music so it was always playing in our house.

Do you have a favorite genre you like to compose, perform, or program?

You know this is a hard question but I’ll try to answer anyway. I am a huge fan of the music of Stephen Sondheim because it is so cleverly and wisely written. I also really enjoy conducting anything by Dvorak. Most recently, I’ve been a big advocate and supporter of the incredible music of Mexican composer Juan Pablo Contreras.

What are some things you learned as an AFA student that you have carried into what you are doing now?

I learned that when you study music, one of the most important things you need to succeed are teachers that inspire you and believe in you. That is exactly what I had at AFA. I was constantly in awe of my flute teacher, Kirsten Kiki Larsen, and all her friends in the Meliora Winds. I am also very much indebted to conductor Barbara Scowcroft who was so kind and supportive. I was so young and I did not know how to count in 12/8 or understood dotted rhythms so I learned to “play” my part by ear from the recording. Barbara was so encouraging, she was never ever frustrated or discouraged with me because I was just figuring things out. She always smiled when I made mistakes that I was eventually able to fix (on not!).

What do you enjoy most about teaching and performing?

I love that quote from The King and I that says “When you become a teacher, by your pupils you’ll be taught.” and that’s what I love about teaching. I’m constantly learning and growing as a person with my students. It’s a very fulfilling life to live if you do it right.

What would be your advice to a young musician thinking about a career in the arts?

I advise them to start making lots of friends! I still keep in touch with my AFA friends and some of them are doing incredible things in the Arts. We often help each other out. Sometimes, I invite them as guests at my college, other times, they invite me. ETC It’s very important to network and maintain those wonderful relationships. For example, if you are a flutist, make friends with other flutists in your area. Sometimes, they will send gigs or students your way! This is a great way to have a wonderful and supportive network of friends and at the same time bring opportunities for your career. Also, my advice is to keep calm and carry on, there will be times when you want to quit because this is not an easy career, but remember that opportunities will come your way when you least expect them. Also, Sondheim says “Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor” in Into the Woods and I live by that. When those opportunities come your way, jump in 100+%! while they are still there!

This interview has been edited and condensed.