Meet Juan Carlito” Mendoza | Musician & Educator”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan “Carlito” Mendoza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan “Carlito”, how do you think about risk?

I view risk as an inevitable and essential aspect of both life and career growth. Embracing calculated risks has been pivotal in my professional journey, allowing me to learn, adapt, and achieve meaningful milestones. It’s through taking risks that I’ve encountered valuable opportunities and expanded my capabilities, ultimately contributing to my overall development and success. In addition, with those risks, you will definitely fail, but failure will help you learn what to do and what not to do. Embracing the mantra “Failure leads to success” has empowered me to take risks and simply give things a shot. The unknown on the other side is a realm of possibilities that can only be unveiled through the courage to try.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As both a drummer and music educator, what sets me apart is my passion for fostering a deep connection between rhythm, the elements of music, culture, society and learning. I take pride in creating an immersive and dynamic educational experience that goes beyond traditional methods. My excitement stems from witnessing students not only master technical skills but also develop a profound understanding and appreciation for the artistry of drumming. The ability to instill both technical proficiency and a genuine love for music in my students is what fuels my enthusiasm for education and drumming alike. However, what really inspires me is having students really see the connections through the process. To me, the process is more important than the results and when students make those connections by themselves, it creates a higher level of thinking.

My professional journey has been a nuanced tapestry woven with determination, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. While the path was far from easy, each challenge served as a melting pot for refinement. I navigated obstacles with a mindset that viewed setbacks not as roadblocks but as opportunities for learning and adaptation. Embracing the complexities of my chosen field, I sought out diverse experiences, honed my skills, and forged meaningful connections. Through a combination of dedication, a thirst for knowledge, and a willingness to face adversity, I have arrived at my current professional standing—a place characterized by the culmination of experiences that have shaped me both personally and in my career.

Throughout my journey, growing up in an urban setting taught me that the path to success demands unwavering commitment, relentless hard work, and a steadfast positive mindset. I’ve learned that there are no shortcuts to mastery in any field; one must invest time and effort to truly excel.

My story is one of resilience and determination, and I want the world to recognize that my brand is built on the pillars of hard work, sacrifice, and an unyielding dedication to helping others. Having experienced the transformative power of quality education, I am committed to extending that opportunity to those who may lack resources. My brand emphasizes accessibility to quality music education, and I aspire to leave a lasting legacy of extending a helping hand to those in need.

In essence, I encourage everyone to stay focused, remain hungry for knowledge, and, above all, embrace humility. These principles have guided my journey, and I hope they inspire others to pursue their passions with the same vigor and dedication.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown

Morning: Grab breakfast at a local coffee shop in the West Village.
Midday: Visit the One World Observatory for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of SoHo for shopping and unique boutiques for loved ones or for yourself.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a trendy spot in the Meatpacking District.

Day 2: Central Park and Cultural Delights

Morning: Start the day with a leisurely walk in Central Park.
Midday: Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for contemporary art. (GREAT MUSEUM)
Afternoon: Have lunch at a cafe on the Upper East Side and explore nearby galleries.
Evening: Attend a Broadway show in the Theater District (I would recommend Lion King because I do play drums there when the main drummer is not in)and grab dinner in Hell’s Kitchen.

Day 3: Brooklyn

Morning: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking views.
Midday: Explore Williamsburg, known for its hipster scene and street art.
Afternoon: Enjoy a craft beer tasting at one of the local breweries.
Evening: Dive into the vibrant nightlife with live music in Williamsburg.

Day 4: Manhattan

Morning: Visit High Line! Stroll along the elevated park built on a former railway track, featuring gardens, public art, and views of the Hudson River. Great views, great place to take photos and relax. The architecture is incredible!
Midday: Explore Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and Radio City Music Hall.
Afternoon: Indulge in a culinary adventure at Chelsea Market, offering a variety of food vendors, shops, and unique finds. LOTS of variety.
Evening: Live Jazz music at the Jazz Standard! This location hosts incredible musicians for an affordable price.

Day 5: Farewell with Iconic Views

Morning: Head to the Top of the Rock for stunning cityscape views.
Midday: Explore the shops and cafes at Hudson Yards.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the High Line.
Evening: End the trip with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Chelsea.
This itinerary offers a mix of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, diverse cuisines, and the vibrant atmosphere of different neighborhoods for a memorable week in New York City.

If all else fails, you can literally just take it easy and explore with no plans. There’s ALWAYS something to do in the city (NYC) and the city literally never sleeps. Other places I would recommend are Carnegie Hall, Blue Note Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (amazing views), Madison Square Garden to catch a game or show, etc. There’s so much to do in the city and that’s why I love it! Such a great melting pot of cultures, activities, and food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am very grateful and honored to perform and teach music full-time as my livelihood; however, I am indebted and grateful to many people for helping me realize this goal. First, I would like to
thank the educators that have assisted me with my musical path: John Gronert, Carl Brodbeck, Dr.
Greg Giannascoli, Robbie Robinson, Mark Holub, Frank Nash, Nicolas Cerrato, and many others
who have helped me develop the necessary skills for having a healthy and joyous life in music. I
would also like to thank my colleagues at William C. McGinnis School. It is my privilege to work alongside you, and I am very proud to be an alumnus, all while shaping the next generation of musicians, future leaders, and citizens of this world.

I’d like to give a very special thank you to my parents, Juan and Elis Mendoza. Thank you for always
encouraging, nurturing, and believing in me and my dreams (all while tolerating the noise and
racket I created as a student). Your commitment, not only to me but all of your children, has been
greatly noted, and we all love and appreciate you. I would also like to thank my brother and sister,
Ricardo and Vanessa, for always inspiring me in ways you cannot imagine. In addition, I’d like to thank all of my students who have studied under me over the years (no matter how long it was for) and who have helped me shape my teaching approach, ideas, and concepts. Thank you for letting me test and experiment with concepts in my head and for being my “experimental/case studies,” even when you did not know during your developmental studies. You have helped me more than you could even imagine and have helped me learn the importance of patience, perseverance, flexibility, and the countless practices of the art of teaching.

To my beautiful wife, Paola, thank you for always supporting my dreams, goals, and aspirations. I
am very grateful and lucky to have such an amazing person in my life who is incredibly selfless, kind,
patient, and encouraging. I cannot thank you enough. To my daughters, Daniella and Liliana, thank you for inspiring me to write, work, create, and think outside of the box. You motivate me daily to be the best version of myself, and as the years go on, I hope to help you achieve your dreams and goals. You have been the biggest blessings in my life, and I just want to thank you for your existence and perpetual love. Finally and certainly not least, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this would be possible.

Website: www.carlitomendoza.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/juancarlitomendoza

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlito_dozer

Facebook: www.facebook.com/juancarlitomendoza

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@JuanCarlitoMendoza

Other: www.tiktok.com/@juancarlitomendoza1

Image Credits
Elle Jaye