Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Benjamin Maldonado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrew Benjamin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Learning the importance of building relationships, I have found that learning from your peers and seeking mentorship has tremendous value! You’re not alone, and you don’t have to de things alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into music by being in a rock n roll band for a decade, those years were spent learning about recording, songwriting, teaching and how to execute your vision. That band was bootcamp for everything that I do today!

I have 3 professional hats and each hat has a title name. “Musician”, “Songwriter” & “Educator”.
Each one is a separate service, all of them together complete my brand. As a Musician whether it is a live or recording gig, my job is to play for the artist and play for the song. To play what is needed and to perform it perfectly and quickly. As a songwriter my job is to create or add sections or melodies that take the song across the finish line! As an educator, I run a business called Blue Box Music in the Long Beach Area where I provide top quality private music lessons, to people eager to learn guitar or other instruments!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was in my mid 20’s and my band at the time had just ended. I knew I had to pivot to make a living but definitely didn’t want to do anything where a guitar wasn’t in my hands. Fate struck and I got my first teaching position! quickly after landing the gig I learned that I had to sharpen my tools as a teacher but that I could also do this on my own. And just like that, a few years later I opened up my own store where I could teach privately during the day while also pursing other music projects.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I don’t think there is anything better then writing a song and performing it live. Watching people enjoy something you had a hand in creating is like nothing else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blueboxmusicstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamandrewbenjamin/

Image Credits
Emily Smith Photography David Ruelas Photography Atlantic Studios West