When discussing his life journey, he frequently uses terms like “blessed” and “miracle.” As he recounts his path from a financially struggling young boy in his homeland of Ecuador to a renowned piano artist and eventually the dean of [ppp1], you begin to grasp the reasons behind his sentiments.
His colleagues highlight his significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Central Florida since he joined the university in DeLand in 2021, referring to him as a blessing in return.
For Garcia, slated to perform at a sold-out concert on March 25 with the [ppp2], the concept of “giving back” transcends mere ideology—it embodies a sacred mission for him.
He emphasizes, “Music possesses the transformative ability to impact lives. I always felt a profound responsibility to give back, just as others had done for me.”
Since his relocation to Central Florida, Garcia has actively engaged with the Orlando Philharmonic board, established a collaboration with [ppp3], initiated a program enabling Stetson students to experience Carnegie Hall, and launched a music festival set to premiere this summer. Additionally, he envisions the establishment of a new performing arts center at the university.
“We are, fundamentally, a unified community,” he asserts. “By fostering connections and fostering collaborations, we move closer to our shared goal: nurturing the next generation of budding artists and enriching Central Florida with more music.”
This trajectory represents a remarkable distance from his origins in Ecuador, a fact that Garcia appreciates deeply, acknowledging the indispensable support he has received along the way.
‘Fortunate Breaks’
Garcia’s parents consistently provided unwavering support and aspired to offer him a better life beyond their means. He recollects how his father, through one-on-one interactions during drives, imparted valuable life lessons to help him mature.
“My father used to pull over a couple of blocks away from home, mentor me, and discuss the essence of leadership,” he reminisces.
His mother, a persuasive figure, recognized the importance of English proficiency for her son’s future success. However, at the age of 12, struggling academically with no resources for a tutor, Garcia faced adversity. A scholarship from London-based Lloyds Bank provided some relief, but it was running out.
Garcia vividly recalls his mother’s determined visit to the British embassy, where she directly appealed to the United Kingdom’s ambassador.
“The ambassador granted me a scholarship,” Garcia recounts. “They funded six years of English education for me. I was truly fortunate.”
Simultaneously, his reputation as a young piano prodigy was burgeoning. Commencing his musical studies at the age of 6, he made his debut with the National Ecuadorian Symphony Orchestra at 15.
Although selected to perform at a prestigious music event in Japan, financial constraints posed a significant obstacle. How would he manage the airfare?
On this occasion, his mother approached Continental Airlines [later merged with United Airlines] and explained their predicament to a corporate official. The response was unexpected: “As long as he remains a student, we will cover his air travel expenses”—not just to Japan, but to any destination.
“It felt like a miracle,” Garcia reflects.
‘Debt of Gratitude’
Following his graduation from the National Conservatory of Music in Ecuador, the English lessons and sponsored flights proved invaluable: Through the Kennedy Center’s Fellowships of the Americas program, he received a grant to pursue advanced studies in the United States at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
“I arrived here and never looked back,” states Garcia, who attained U.S. citizenship in 2013.
He was granted a seven-year tuition waiver at the Peabody Institute, where he obtained master’s and doctoral degrees. At the age of 25, upon completing his studies, he became the youngest Latin American to earn a doctorate in piano performance from the institution.
Grateful for the support he received on his journey towards a career in music, Washington Garcia is now committed to assisting others in a similar manner.
‘Fostering Unity’
In Central Florida, post his tenure as the founding director of the School of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Garcia is dedicated to creating opportunities for his students at Stetson University.
For instance, his collaboration with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra led to Stetson music students performing at a Philharmonic concert on May 11.
Melody Lynch, the president of the orchestra board, acknowledges, “Dr. Garcia has expanded our partnership with Stetson University significantly. His wealth of musical expertise and knowledge enhances the OPO board of directors.”
At Opera Orlando, general director Gabriel Preisser commends Garcia’s initiative in establishing a new program that enables Stetson students to serve as apprentices with the company for academic credit.
“He approached us with the idea, which is quite rare,” Preisser remarks. “He comprehends the significance of partnerships, collaborations, and professional prospects for his students. He is truly an asset to our community.”
The program is set to enter its second year, with upcoming auditions scheduled.
Garcia emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “It provides me with an exceptional opportunity to fulfill my life’s mission, which is to foster unity among people.”
His aspirations extend beyond Central Florida. A program he introduced allows students to compete for an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall. The previous performance by Stetson’s students at the venue was a sell-out, he mentions.
In July, Garcia will launch a new festival on campus for students. Ensembles from across the nation will showcase their talents, Grammy-winning musician José Valentino will conduct classes on entrepreneurship and production, and a community day will feature performances at local hospitals and senior living facilities.
Numerous events will be open to the public, and Garcia anticipates that the broader music community will take notice.
“This initiative enhances our national visibility,” he affirms. “It propels Stetson from being a hidden gem in Florida to a nationally recognized treasure.”
Preisser is confident that Garcia is the individual capable of achieving this vision.
“Stetson is a well-kept secret, and I believe he will elevate its prominence,” Preisser asserts.
‘A Fulfilling Journey’
Garcia praises a Stetson program that funds student initiatives, such as participation in conducting workshops or specialized opera programs—a reminder of the financial aid he received during his own journey. Moreover, he personally meets with every applicant to Stetson’s School of Music, as a gesture of gratitude to those who invested their time in him.
He harbors a personal investment in nurturing the next generation of musicians, owing to his two sons, aged 5 and 7. Music is already an integral part of their lives—the older son has commenced piano lessons—owing in part to their mother, Valeria Aguilar, who is also a trained pianist. While she currently serves as the vice president for fixed-income solutions at the financial-services company BNY Mellon | Pershing post earning an MBA.
“She assists with their math homework,” Garcia quips. The family resides in Lake Mary, leading a typical family life replete with ferrying children to various activities, alongside enjoying the perks of residing in Central Florida, such as visits to theme parks.
“At present, I’m more well-versed in Disney music than classical compositions,” Garcia jests. “I’m a devoted fan.”
He reminisces about playing chess and relishing cooking, activities that took a backseat with the advent of family responsibilities.
“My wife and kids are the most precious gifts in my life,” he acknowledges.
While Garcia admits to a paucity of sleep presently, he harbors grand visions for the future: the establishment of a cutting-edge performing-arts center featuring “the most acoustically superior auditorium on any college campus in the state” for Stetson. Although still in the nascent stages of brainstorming, with a financial feasibility study underway, he remains optimistic.
“It has the potential to revolutionize the entire community,” he asserts.
Prior to embarking on this ambitious endeavor, he is scheduled to perform at the Philharmonic concert. Despite his lack of nerves before the performance, he quips, “I’m more concerned about my 5-year-old and 7-year-old breaking something!”
Yet, these moments of reflection underscore the significance of music, particularly for young individuals. He cites his younger son, who, being susceptible to nervousness, serves as a prime example.
“He reaffirms what I have always believed: Music fosters skills in children that not only enhance academic performance but also impart real-world skills,” Garcia observes. “In his case, it bolsters his self-assurance.”
He endeavors to instill in his son the values of learning and persistence as the cornerstones of success.
“Mistakes may occur,” Garcia acknowledges, “but the ability to navigate through them, rectify, and persevere is crucial.”
These are the lessons that have guided Garcia throughout his journey, alongside a deep sense of gratitude for the support he received along the way.
“I express my gratitude to God for blessing me with this journey,” he reflects. “My life has been nothing short of a miracle.”