Today we’d like to introduce you to David Reyes
Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for the arts. I started acting at the age of five, joining a small theater group where I performed for five years. But by the time I turned nine, my focus shifted primarily to music. As a child, I’d often play drums on buckets, fashioning drumsticks from tree branches, and spend hours singing along to my favorite tunes. Coming from a family of musicians, I was fortunate to have their full support in pursuing my musical interests.
In fourth grade, I was accepted into the prestigious Havana Music Conservatory in Cuba, where I studied both piano and percussion, ultimately graduating with a degree in Music Performance and Education.
After moving to the United States, I briefly lived in Los Angeles, where I played with Latin bands at private events and collaborated with local musicians. I then relocated to Florida, where I balanced teaching music during the week with performing in local bands on the weekends. I was a piano teacher at Key Point Christian Academy, which was a great experience that deepened my love for teaching.
My move to West Palm Beach opened up exciting new opportunities. I connected with a talented musician who introduced me to the music of the Gipsy Kings, and we embarked on a tour with one of the band’s French guitarists and singers, performing in the U.S., Mexico, and the U.K.
As I continued teaching, I realized how much I truly enjoyed it, which led me to start my own music academy. Andantino Music Lessons was born, and we now offer private one-on-one music lessons across Palm Beach County. Over the past four years, we’ve hosted numerous piano recitals, bringing joy to families and helping our students grow and thrive as musicians.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely had its challenges. While I’ve always been passionate about music, there have been obstacles to overcome along the way. One of the biggest struggles was adjusting to a new country and culture when I moved to the U.S. After leaving Cuba, I had to navigate the challenges of finding work and building a network in a completely new environment. Starting from scratch in a new country wasn’t easy, but it was also a huge learning experience.
Building my own music academy also came with its difficulties. Starting a business requires a lot of time, effort, and resources, and there were moments when it felt overwhelming. But with perseverance, I managed to find creative ways to make it work and grow the academy, all while continuing to perform and teach.
Balancing all of these aspects—performing, teaching, and managing the academy—has at times been demanding, but it’s been worth it. Through the struggles, I’ve learned to be adaptable, resourceful, and patient, and those lessons have been invaluable in both my personal and professional life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Andantino Music Lessons?
I’m the founder of Andantino Music Lessons Academy, where I offer personalized, high-quality music lessons designed to help each student unlock their full potential. Whether your child is just starting out or is looking to further develop their skills, I’m here to guide them through a tailored learning experience that supports their growth as both a musician and a confident, creative individual.
What sets me apart is my commitment to understanding each student’s unique learning style, interests, and abilities. I adapt my teaching to meet your child where they are, whether they’re exploring classical, contemporary, or jazz music. My goal is to nurture not just their technical skills, but also their love for music and their confidence in expressing themselves.
I’m also currently pursuing an additional degree in Music Education, which allows me to continually enhance my teaching methods and bring fresh, innovative approaches to my students. This dedication to my own education reflects my belief in lifelong learning, and it ensures your child benefits from the most up-to-date teaching techniques.
In addition to lessons, I encourage all of my students to participate in recitals throughout the year. These performances provide an invaluable opportunity for them to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of sharing their music with family and friends.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes, I’ve definitely taken some significant risks along the way. One of the biggest was when I first started my academy in Miami. After growing to over 20 students, I made the decision to relocate to West Palm Beach. Starting over in a new city from scratch was a big leap, but I felt it was necessary for personal and professional reasons.
The move was driven by the need to be closer to my family, who required my support at the time. It was a major risk—leaving behind a stable foundation and starting over again with no guarantees about how it would turn out. There were many uncertainties and moments of doubt, but looking back, it was the right decision. The move allowed me to be close to my family while still building and maintaining a healthy, growing business.
For me, risk-taking is about balancing your long-term vision with the immediate challenges. While it’s never easy, I believe that calculated risks are necessary for growth and progress. I try to trust my instincts, and when the outcome isn’t certain, I focus on what I can control—putting in the hard work, staying adaptable, and learning from every experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andantinomusiclessons?igsh=cmF4anhuNW9ieHpq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andantinomusiclessons?mibextid=LQQJ4d
