Education
Gabriel received his Ph.D. in Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art from the Universidad de Sevilla and M.M. in Piano Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory. He has received many titles of Professor, including one in piano, French horn, music theory, and a title of Superior Processor in piano, all from the Conservatorio Superior de Málaga (Spain). He completed summer courses in the interpretation of Music, Music History, and Analysis at Yale University, as well as summer courses in Composition and Film Scoring at New York University’s Steinhardt.
Performance and Teaching Experience
Gabriel has given solo piano, chamber music, and collaborative piano recitals throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin American countries. He has performed as a concerto soloist with orchestras in the U.S., Spain, and Latin American countries. He can be heard on his albums, Live at Armstrong Concert Hall and Piano Favorites.
Gabriel has been on the faculty at the Pablo Ruiz-Picasso Conservatory in Málaga, Spain, and the piano department at Shenandoah Conservatory, and was a visiting Professor at the Universidad de Sevilla, Spain.
One of his compositions, “Magnificat in D Major” for choir, four vocal soloists, piano, and orchestra, was commissioned and premiered by the University of Sevilla Symphonic Choir and Orchestra in 2013. Gabriel also composes works for the stage, piano solo, chamber ensembles, vocal ensembles, orchestra, short films, and documentaries.
He is currently the organist for The Cathedral of St. Matthew’s in Washington, DC.
At Levine
Gabriel has been a member of the Levine faculty since 1996.
“The school environment provides a large variety of support courses and activities for students interested in developing their musicianship outside of private instruction. Theory courses, performance classes, student recitals, competitions, and jam sessions are all offered under the same umbrella.”
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“My approach to teaching is to create a relaxed environment where the student feels comfortable and stimulated to learn and create music in the studio. I strongly encourage students to analyze the music they are learning and know how music is created, rather than simply reproduce the notes on the paper. I encourage students to improvise at the piano and to learn chord notation, even those in classical tradition. I keep my lessons highly organized with two notebooks, the student notebook with student’s notes on what to prepare and how, and the teacher notebook which helps me prepare any additional material required for the following lesson.”
More About Gabriel
When not teaching, performing, or composing, Gabriel enjoys sea-kayaking in the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay, biking on trails in the DC area, and running. Learn more about Gabriel on his website.