We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ludwig Izaguirre. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ludwig below.
Hi Ludwig , 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?
Finding my purpose has been a gradual journey shaped by various experiences and influences throughout my life. From a young age, I was surrounded by music thanks to my father, who is a musician. His passion ignited a spark in me, and I began playing instruments early on. This exposure laid the foundation for my love of music, but it wasn’t until I started to explore different genres and styles that I truly began to understand my purpose.
As I delved deeper into my musical studies, particularly in classical guitar and later in bass, I realized that music was not just a hobby for me; it was a calling. The moment I decided to pursue music professionally was pivotal. I wanted to use my skills to connect with others, evoke emotions, and share stories through my art.
Studying at Berklee College of Music has further solidified my purpose. Being surrounded by diverse talents and perspectives has opened my eyes to the profound impact music can have on people’s lives. Participating in projects like the Srisley Trio and engaging with various cultural influences has also enriched my understanding of my role as a musician. I aspire to represent Latin American music, bridging cultures and experiences through the universal language of music.
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?
My name is Ludwig Izaguirre, a Honduran bassist. I’m currently pursuing studies in Musical Performance and Music Production at Berklee College of Music, where I have been awarded a partial scholarship and grantee of the Secretariat of Cultures, Arts, and Heritage of the Peoples of Honduras. In 2024, I had the honor of receiving the Spring Awards, nominated by the bass department at Berklee, recognizing both my musical and academic achievements.
My musical journey began at an early age. When I was 4 years old, my father, who is also a musician, noticed my natural abilities for music. My parents decided to hire an instructor to help nurture my talent. During my teenage years, I realized that I wanted to be a musician for the rest of my life, which led me to study classical guitar since Honduras didn’t offer many contemporary music programs at the time. I graduated as a classical guitarist from the National School of Music, but when I turned 16, the bass started calling to me. I decided to study it on my own, immersing myself in its depth, and when it came time to apply to Berklee, I did so as a bassist.
Since then, my experience has expanded significantly. I’ve performed as Principal Bassist for the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) and participated in various chamber music settings and orchestras. In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to perform with the Srisley Trio at the Detroit Jazz Festival and take part in the Charleston Competition. With the Srisley Trio, we focus on representing Latin America through Latin jazz, blending multicultural influences and bringing a sense of pride for my country, Honduras, to every performance.
Our project in Honduras with the Srisley Trio holds a special place in my heart, as we are connecting with local audiences through our performances and educational initiatives. Outside of the trio, I’ve also contributed to various recording projects, broadening my artistic reach.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been discipline, curiosity, and adaptability. These have shaped who I am as a musician and have allowed me to overcome the various challenges that come with pursuing a career in music.
First, discipline is crucial, especially when you’re developing yourself as a musician. From a young age, I dedicated hours to practice, whether it was classical guitar or, later, the bass. Consistent practice not only sharpens your technical skills but also builds the mental endurance needed to navigate the complexities of music. Additionally, I focused on learning various skills, stills, to become a better player and better team worker.
Second, curiosity has always been a driving force in my life. From a young age, I was constantly asking questions, wanting to understand every aspect of music theory, rhythms, and different musical styles. This curiosity pushed me to go beyond surface-level learning, as I wanted to deeply comprehend how music worked in all its forms. I was also curious about exploring options in my personal life, such as deciding to pursue education abroad. This decision was motivated by my desire to become a better musician and a better person.
Lastly, adaptability has played a significant role in my journey. Moving to a foreign country with different customs, a new language, and a different culture was challenging at first. It was difficult to connect with people and feel at home. However, this experience taught me the importance of being open to new environments and learning how to navigate them. In music, adaptability is just as important. I strive to have the ability to fit into any musical style and collaborate effectively with others.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Many people have played a significant role in helping me throughout my life and career. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible professors such as Gerson Hernandez, German Barahona, and Fernando Huergo at Berklee, who have guided me musically and academically. My close friends in Honduras and at Berklee have also been a constant source of support and inspiration.
But above all, the most important and consistent support has come from my parents, Edwyn Izaguirre and Carmen Martinez. They’ve been my pillars from the very beginning. My father, also a musician, recognized my potential at a young age and, along with my mother, made sure I had the guidance I needed to pursue my dreams. They’ve supported me through every challenge, whether it was early music lessons, performances, or the decision to study abroad. Moving to the U.S. was a major step in my career, but it also came with a lot of personal challenges. Adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life was not easy, and there were moments when I struggled to find my footing. Throughout it all, my parents were always there, offering their unwavering support and encouragement. They’ve helped me navigate every obstacle, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Their belief in me and their dedication to my growth have been the driving force behind all of my achievements. They’re not only the reason I’m able to follow my passion but also the reason I’ve been able to overcome the personal, financial and professional challenges I’ve faced. I owe everything to them, and their love and guidance continue to be my greatest source of strength.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lud_iza02/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ludwig.izaguirremartinez
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ludwigizaguirre3238
Image Credits
Judá Izaguirre Jairo Velazquez
