Short Bio

I had to write this for a grant application so I might as well post it here as an update to what I'm doing:

Issac Garcia-Munoz graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2007 and upon graduation was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship grant for a one year independent study of musical instrument building in Latin America. As a TJW Fellow, Issac apprenticed with instrument builders in Argentina, Chile and Guatemala. By building a classical guitar and a bombo leguero (bass drum) he learned traditional woodworking techniques used by luthiers. Issac also studied how Joaquin Orellana made sound utensils (instruments derived from the marimba) to create a musical landscape and worked with the Rafael Landivar University to promote youth orchestra concerts showcasing these sound utensils.

Upon return, Issac worked for three years as an electrical engineer at Broadcom Corporation, where he gained experience in the network industry. Issac is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Computer Music at the University of California San Diego with the goal of blending traditional techniques and new technology in the creation of musical instruments.

Issac began his involvement with the Universal Language Orchestra in the last session of 2011. Previous experience teaching children ages 6-12 comes from being a summer science camp volunteer at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California. He is now helping his colleague Joe Mariglio develop curricula and instruments for the next two sessions of the ULO.