This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Miami (OH) chapter.
When Dr. Thomas Garcia isn’t showcasing his musical talents in performances throughout the United States and Brazil, you might see him teaching Miami students in the ethnomusicology department.
This multi-talented Miami professor has made his mark as an author, guitarist, and conference speaker. Taking home major awards, receiving a degree from The Julliard School, and becoming a published researcher are just a few of his accomplishments to date. Garcia specializes in Brazilian music and his recent book published in 2005, “Choro: A Social History of a Brazilian Popular Music”, has received glowing reviews.
HC: You have taught at schools around the county, including University of West Georgia and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; what brought you to Miami University?
TG: I saw the job opening for an ethnomusicology position at a great university with a graduate program and it was a perfect fit for me. Also, Miami is a very well balanced school with emphasis on your major, thematic sequence, and Miami plan courses.
HC: As an author, musician, conference speaker, and professor how do you manage your time?
TG: I don’t sleep a lot. There are times where I spend more time researching than teaching, and the university allows me to be flexible in where I invest my time.
HC: What do you recommend to students for balancing their time?
TG: Miami plan isn’t easy and being a student is a full-time job. The best students spend their time on studies during the week as well as the weekend and put in the hours.
HC: What helps you to discover inspiration for your music and writing?
TG: Travel. I have spent lots of time in Europe and taught in Luxemburg for two years. Traveling gives me inspiration. I am a Brazilian citizen by birth and a United States citizen by choice. I live in both worlds and I like living in both.
HC: Where did your passion for Brazilian music stem from?
TG: My mother is a concert pianist and my father is an avid music lover, so I grew up in a home filled with music. I was told I could do anything in life besides be a musician, so naturally I chose to be a musician. Reverse psychology.
HC: If there were one piece of advice you would give to Miami students what would it be?
TG: For music students: practice. For other students: the amount of effort you put in here is reflective to the rest of your life.
HC: What is one thing you still have not done that you would like to accomplish?
TG: Continue to travel, specifically around Europe and to improve as a teacher, scholar, and musician.