Meet Ronnie Andrade | Music Teacher & Musician
We had the good fortune of connecting with Ronnie Andrade and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ronnie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Music has always been around me. My parents came here from Honduras and El Salvador, so my first language was Spanish, and after my years in elementary school, I became bilingual. I remember my father always playing his guitar in the house, listening to rock and roll, classic rock, Bee Gees, and Elton John.
My mom would listen to romantic Spanish music such as Julio Iglesias, Juan Gabriel, José Luis Perales, and Joan Sebastian. I had a range of cultural and musical influences in our house. My music journey began in 5th grade with the trumpet. I grew up in the church and got inspired by the worship leaders. Wanting to be up on stage with them, I taught myself piano. After high school, I decided to continue my studies in piano and voice. I attended the Canzion Institute in Houston. Later on, I went to Texas State to get a degree in Music Education with a minor in Jazz as a first-generation college graduate.
I have finished my 6th year of teaching as an elementary music teacher, K-5th. I am now continuing my path as a performer and educator as a graduate student. I am attending Texas State University for Jazz Performance in Piano. I have received the 2024 Merrick Merit Fellowship scholarship and am currently a graduate assistant for the jazz department. The decision to pursue this path was not easy, but I am glad I am choosing this path. The doors and opportunities continue to open.
In Houston, I have worked as a keyboardist and solo musician, and throughout the years, I have been fortunate to perform outside the city. There is also a nonprofit organization called “Art in the Heart,” where I can teach music lessons. I joined in 2023, and their support for the community and myself is beyond admirable. I’ve seen them grow, and they enjoy bringing creative minds together and helping others have that creative outlet. That same year, I joined a wedding company named the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, which allows the opportunity to perform outside the city and state. The growth opportunities are inspiring.
I am most thankful to God and my church family at Greater Faith for being caring and supportive in this journey. I continue to speak with teachers/coaches who have been a blessing. Because of them, opportunities continue to rise as an educator. I am blessed and excited about my studies and look forward to becoming a professor and continuing performer.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an educator certified in EC-12th and recognized as an elementary music teacher. I am also a freelance musician and artist. I like to arrange piano covers and post them on streaming sites and social media. I enjoy performing them in my sets and seeing how people engage with them.
I sing and write songs and released a demo in 2018. As my career develops, I look forward to creating my first full album of original songs. I am proud of my “Colora” album as it is an original album of instrumental guitar music. What sets me apart is my work ethic, consistency, and determination.
These traits have helped me deliver positive results.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to take a friend to explore Houston,
Monday- I would take them to the city parks named Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park for kayaking or walking. We would grab sushi at Hando and then head to Cidercade for arcade games or catch a movie at iPic theatres.
Tuesday- We would explore Chinatown and go food hopping since there are so many good places. From there, a trip to the Galleria would be nice since there are many shops and a skating rink inside. After, a night of karaoke would be fun at Christian’s Tailgate.
Wednesday- We would go to Sheldon State Park since it offers diverse natural habitats and has live alligators! We would then go to The Post for lunch since they have a variety of cuisines and are a great spot for pictures. For sundown, live music at places like Axelrad, Sambuca, The Gypsy Poet, or the Rustic would be some places that come to mind.
Thursday- We would explore Latin dishes from tacos to pupusas in Galena Park then drive to Kemah Boardwalk and explore the theme park. It has rollercoasters, boats, and live entertainment.
On the weekends, the options expand.
Friday – We would drive to Freeport to spend a day at the beach. Spend the evening at Pete’s Piano Dueling Bar downtown or Gloria’s in midtown for salsa music.
Saturday- We would drive to Galveston and explore the beaches. We would check in at the Galvez Hotel because it has a beachfront, a haunted backstory, and live music during the afternoon. We would head to B Jiggers in the evening because they have live bands and are an excellent spot for a night of music.
Sunday – We would take a stroll at The Woodlands Mall. The Woodlands Mall is known for its attraction to the market street and the waterway.
Houston has many more places worth exploring, but these are just a few that stand out.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am grateful for my church family at Greater Faith. They are always caring and supportive in everything I do. I see how they treat others. I see how much they care and are always ready to help. I love the supportive community in the church and how much they love God. I came across this church in 2021 as an audition for a music director and keyboard/piano role. They have a great vision, and I wanted to be a part of that. That same year, I ended up sick, and to my surprise, the church was there every part of the way to make sure I was okay. The people in this establishment have a heart of gold, and I am most grateful to be there.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronnieandrademusic/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonnieAndradeMusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronnieandrade9076
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
