Dr. Carlos Castilla (School Director-Guitar Instructor)

From the vibrant cultural hubs of Latin America to the concert halls of the United States, Dr. Carlos Castilla has spent his career redefining the reach of the classical guitar. As a celebrated soloist and chamber musician, his artistry is rooted in a world-class academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Music from the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, under the guidance of Maestro Jaime Arias Obregón, before moving to the U.S. to complete both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Guitar Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Southern Mississippi under the guidance of Dr. Nicholas Ciraldo.

Dr. Castilla’s influence as an educator is as vast as his performance career. He has shared his expertise at a variety of higher education institutions, holding teaching positions at Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, North Carolina State University, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and Coastal Carolina Community College. Before his move to the U.S., he also served as a guitar professor at Universidad del Atlántico in his hometown of Barranquilla, where he founded the Philharmonic Society of Barranquilla to champion regional arts and culture.

Today, Dr. Castilla is a cornerstone of the North Carolina arts community. He is the owner and director of the Fayetteville School of Music, and he serves as the President of Camellia Camerata, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and performance of chamber music across North Carolina. His visionary leadership in these roles was recognized globally in 2023 when Musical America Worldwide named him one of the Top 30 Music Professionals in the United States.

Beyond the classroom and his leadership roles, Carlos is a prolific recording artist. He is widely known for his work with Duo Guitiano, an acclaimed guitar-piano duo alongside pianist Amanda Virelles, dedicated to reviving and performing rare masterpieces for the ensemble. Whether performing solo, leading a non-profit, or mentoring the next generation of musicians, Dr. Castilla remains a driving force in the modern musical landscape.

Carlos recordings of solo and duo repertoire are available on all streaming platforms.