Meet Alvaro Pastor

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alvaro Pastor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alvaro below.

Hi Alvaro, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve always felt that my purpose was deeply connected to music, but over time, I realized it wasn’t just about playing an instrument. It was about what music can create in others. From a very young age, music became a space where I could be completely honest, and I discovered that this honesty could truly resonate with people. Connecting through art, evoking emotions, offering presence—sometimes without saying a single word—gave me a reason to keep going deeper.

My purpose has revealed itself little by little through every experience: on stage, in rehearsals, on the road, and in every moment I share with someone. Today, I see it as a balance between personal expression and service: creating something that moves people, that leaves a mark, and that acts as a “generator of humanity.”

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Right now, I’m working on my first EP, something I’ve been dreaming about for many years. For a long time, I played guitar for different artists across a variety of genres, and this feels like a natural step forward, finally sharing my own voice and artistic vision. I’m also frequently hired as a guitarist for live shows and recording sessions, working as a “hired gun” across styles ranging from country to rock, jazz, folk, and pop. I love the challenge and versatility that comes with adapting to different musical worlds, it keeps me inspired and constantly learning.

This summer, I’ll be touring throughout the United States with Cody Robbins, an incredible country singer and one of my closest friends. Playing with him has been a deeply rewarding experience, both musically and personally.

I came to the U.S. in 2022 after receiving a scholarship to study at Snow College, and today, I’m proud to be part of the faculty as a professor. That journey, from student to educator, has profoundly shaped the way I view music: as something to be shared, passed on, and constantly evolving.

If there’s one thing I hope people take from my work, it’s that music can be a bridge, between cultures, feelings, and moments in time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe the three most important qualities in my journey have been curiosity, emotional awareness, and adaptability.

Curiosity was what kept me growing: I always wanted to understand more, improve, and find new ways to express something through music. I believe it’s the driving force behind artistic development.

My advice: never stop asking questions or exploring. Even what seems simple can hide a deeper idea if you’re paying attention.

Emotional awareness helped me connect with what I do and with those around me. Music, for me, is a form of honesty, and that honesty comes through in how you play, how you listen, and how you share. For those starting out: pay attention to what you feel, that’s part of the instrument too.

And finally, adaptability. In this journey, I’ve found myself in many different roles: as a leader, as a collaborator, as a student, as a teacher. Being able to move naturally between those spaces is key to staying relevant and continuously inspired. My advice: embrace change, sometimes it’s what reveals your true place.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to collaboration! One of my favorite artists is Gustavo Santaolalla, and his ability to move across genres has been a huge inspiration for me. I’m interested in collaborating with artists from any genre, as I believe the beauty of music lies in its ability to cross boundaries and create something new and unexpected. If anyone is interested in working together, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through my social media channels.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Cody Robbins (Guitar)

Rich Dixon (Former teacher and friend)

Eric Marienthal (Saxophone legend)

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