Dr. Gomez is a first-generation American raised in New York City. His parents were Spanish immigrants who came to this country to provide a better life for his sister and him. They lived in a world-renowned city where a myriad of races, cultures, creeds, preferences, and learning styles were represented in their school and community. He is proud to have grown in a melting pot that provided access to a variety of music, which profoundly shaped his personal and professional life.
As an educator, early on in his career, he thrived both in working with music students in Brooklyn’s urban areas to affluent communities in Connecticut. His teaching opportunities provided him with experience working for multicultural music organizations responsible for assimilation through music. He also had the opportunity to ensure diversity played a vital role in New York City’s music curriculum when developing it with the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gomez has transformed his rehearsal space and music classroom into a learning community that is safe, open, and affirmative. His goal is to create an environment where he challenges his students to be creative, disciplined, flexible, and work cooperatively. Diversity is integral to his learning space. He believes that gaining an appreciation of the rich variety of races, cultures, creeds, preferences, and learning styles ensures that every student’s voice is valued and respected. He also expects his students to share in this critical role of creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Through this union, they can form a spirit of encouraging respect, openness, and awareness that celebrates and values their diversity as they explore music that affirms these principles.