We recently had the chance to connect with Maestro Kemuel Roig and have shared our conversation below.
Kemuel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
There are two things that make me lose track of time. The first one is practicing the piano. It’s a routine I’ve built over many years, and it’s still a vivid part of my daily life. I once heard that artists are not born, but created, and I truly believe in that principle. What defines an artist is discipline, consistency, and hard work.
The second thing is composition. Composing is my gateway to dream and to imagine a world that only I have the key to create, my own world. It’s a joy and an honor to share that world with others through every recording and concert.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kemuel Roig, and I’m a pianist, composer, and educator originally from Cuba, now based in the United States. I’ve dedicated my life to music, performing, composing, and teaching. My work bridges classical, jazz, and Afro-Cuban traditions, blending the discipline of technical mastery with the freedom of improvisation.
I’m also the founder of Pianodemia, a virtual piano academy where I share everything I’ve learned with students around the world. The goal behind it is simple, to make high-quality piano education accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
What makes my artistic journey special is that I see music as a language of the soul. Whether I’m recording an album, performing on stage, or teaching a student online, I always strive to connect emotionally, to make people feel something real.
Right now, I’m working on new music and several international projects that blend my roots with contemporary jazz and improvisation. For me, every note is a chance to tell a story, to give something meaningful back to the listener.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve had the honor of learning very closely from mentors who have been true keystones in my career, people like Shelly Berg (Dean of the Frost School of Music, University of Miami), Martin Bejerano, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, John Daversa, and Brian Lynch.
I’ve also had the privilege of sharing the stage and learning from incredible artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Al Di Meola, Alain Pérez, and Aymée Nuviola, among many others. Each of them taught me not only about music but about work ethic, passion, and humility.
But some of my greatest teachers have also been those I grew up listening to and studying intensely, artists whose recordings became my classrooms. I’ve spent countless hours analyzing the music of Chick Corea, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Fred Hersch, Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett, and Bud Powell, to name a few. I’ve actually had the honor of meeting Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, and Fred Hersch among other.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t ever give up! Life will bring many challenges, but every struggle has a purpose. Building discipline, separating yourself from distractions, and dedicating your life to your craft requires strong principles, patience, and love for what you do. There will be moments when the path feels lonely, but stay faithful to your calling, it’s all worth it in the end. And above all, create more. Never stop creating, because that’s where your true joy and purpose live.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One of the projects I’m deeply committed to is Pianodemia.com , my virtual piano academy. Teaching has always been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Through Pianodemia, I have the opportunity to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years with students from all over the world.
What makes this project so special to me is not only the music itself, but the connection it creates, seeing younger generations discover their own passion, discipline, and creativity through the piano. Watching a student grow, develop their sound, and fall in love with music is something truly inspiring.
Pianodemia is more than an academy, it’s a community of people who believe that music can change lives. Being part of that transformation, even in a small way, is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will remember me as someone who lived with purpose, passion, and faith, someone who gave his heart fully to music and to others. I’d love for my story to be one of perseverance, humility, and love for God and people.
I hope they say that through my music, I made them feel something, peace, joy, or inspiration, and that I helped others believe in their own potential. More than success or recognition, what matters to me most is leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and dedication to the craft.
If my life and music can continue to inspire even one person to follow their calling and never give up, then I’ll know my purpose was fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KemuelRoig.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemuelroig
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kemuelroigofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kemuelroig
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZJJTYGhxNqzqUqCLJoBbQ?si=jVzkNFghT769yhzMZ5ZH2w
Image Credits
Malu Sore
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
