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Mauricio Cespedes
About Mauricio
Dr. Cespedes is a former alumni of Interlochen Summer Camp, and has been a faculty member since 2019.
He has been a project manager for various environmental projects. Some of them include the introduction of renewable energy technology in communities in Bolivia. Project Manager with the Bolivian National Protected Areas Services (SERNAP) where he researched mining activities within the territory of Protected Areas in Bolivia. Also, he participated in the introduction of management programs, development of incentives to alternatives to mining activities. Dr. Cespedes implemented policies and program to reduce the emissions of heavy metals, dust, water control and deforestation.
Dr. Cespedes was a laboratory assistant at Flowers Chemical Laboratories in Maitland, Florida. His work included analysis of water and soil samples for metal detection.
Dr. Cespedes experience as an educator include tutor of Environmental Studies at Miami Dade College in Miami-Florida.
Dr. Cespedes also has degrees in music performance from University of Florida, Michigan State University and Florida State University where he got his Doctoral in Musical Arts.
Currently, Dr. Cespedes is a conductor/principal viola of the Orlando Philharmonic where he lives with his wife Emily, and two kids Michael and Maggie.
I’m passionate when it comes to teaching. I get excited when I think on the positive impact that I can have in my classroom. Keeping my students engaged will make a difference in their lives. I remember that while being at college, I learned the value of having a teacher who is invested and genuinely wants to see you succeed. I bring this value to every class I teach. Some other values I carry with me when teaching are consistency, development of strong fundamentals, tolerance and perseverance. Attendance and participation are two aspects that can make a difference in the learning process. Creating connections and learning strong fundamentals are essential in order to understand new concepts. As an instructor, I believe that the organization of my course material is the first key to making an effective course whether is in person or online. Lastly, creating a safe and enthusiastic environment is essential for students to be successful as artists and individuals.
Recipient of the “Everyday Hero” award, Channel 13, Orlando, Fl, 2017
Recipient of the “Rising Star Alumni Award”, New World School of the Arts, Miami, Fl, 2017
Concerto Competition Winner, Ibero American Symphony, Caracas, Venezuela, 1998
Concerto Competition Winner, New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL, 2002
Recipient of the Performance Award, Osaka International Chamber Music Competition, Osaka, Japan, 2004
Recipient of the “Huascar Cajias de la Vega Award”, La Paz, Bolivia, 2010
- This distinction recognizes Dr. Cespedes as “a soloist of an international level and musical ambassador for our country.”
B.A., Environmental Engineering - Bolivian Tech University
B.A., Music Performance - University of Florida
Certificate., Lake/River Ecology and Geography, Western Colorado and Michigan State Universities.
M.A., Music Performance - Michigan State University
D.M.A., Music Performance - Florida State University