ALL THINGS ELGIN
Meet Musician & Mentor
Bruce Alverez
Location: Studio 22 -119 W 2nd St.
Interviewer: Brian McKinney
Photo: January Ruiz
Brian: Today we're talking with Bruce Alverez, the owner of Studio 22 Music Academy in Elgin.
Brian: Bruce, your recent Winter Showcase at The Lightnin’ Bar has been the talk of the town. Those performances were phenomenal.
Bruce: Thank you! Yes, the showcases were incredible. The students worked so hard, and it was amazing to see them shine and get that real stage experience.
Brian: How often do you hold student showcases?
Bruce: I aim for twice a year, but I’m trying to do them every four months now. It gives students the chance to perform on a real stage, which is so important for their growth and confidence.
Brian: How many students do you have enrolled in Studio 22?
Bruce: Right now, about 30 but we’re looking to grow in 2025 by bringing on new instructors and more students. I teach guitar, bass, piano, and drums. Our new instructor teaches accordion.
Brian: Why Studio 22? How did you come up with the name?
Bruce: Easy, my son and daughter were born on the 22nd of the month.
Brian: I like that. So tell me, how did your musical journey begin?
Bruce: Well, when I was a kid living in Monterey, Mexico. My grandfather was a professional musician. He was always playing music at home, and I was the only grandson who took to music. While my cousins were outside playing, I’d be sitting with him, playing, and listening to music. That’s really where it all began for me.
Brian: What a great experience! What kind of music did your grandfather play?
Bruce: He played a lot of classical music on the piano, but my family, like many in Mexico, was surrounded by music. It wasn’t just classical—it was everything: traditional, pop, rock. All kinds of music filled our lives. One of my biggest influences was my uncle. He introduced me to a wide range of styles, from traditional Mexican music to classic rock.
Brian: How did his mix of traditional and rock music shape your style?
Bruce: It broadened my horizons. I grew up appreciating the structure of classical music, but my uncle’s taste in rock introduced me to a freer, more expressive way of playing. It gave me balance as a musician.
Brian: I noticed right away—you’re a left-handed guitarist. I’ve known a few lefties over the years, and everyone seems to approach it differently. What’s your setup?
Bruce: I’ve seen some lefties play upside down, but I string my guitar like a right-handed player, so the low E string is where the 6th string belongs. It’s what felt natural for me.
Being left-handed is more of a fun fact about me than a defining factor in my musical journey. That said, it does offer a unique advantage for my right-handed guitar students. When they sit across from me, they see a mirror image of the fingerboard, which helps them better understand finger placement and technique.
Brian: Finding left-handed guitars is always a challenge
.
Bruce: I know. Back in Monterrey, it was hard to find left-handed guitars. Even here in the U.S., Guitar Center doesn’t always have a lot of options. But they’re out there.
Brian: Let’s shift gears to your teaching. How has being bilingual affected your experience as a teacher and a musician?
Bruce: Teaching in English was an adjustment at first. Back in Mexico, I co-owned a music academy for 10 years, where we built a strong and thriving program. Moving to the U.S. required me to adapt—not just to a new environment but also to teaching in a different language. Working with students who didn’t speak Spanish, pushed me to expand my approach.
Explaining musical concepts in English took time to master, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to connect with a much more diverse group of students, and it’s helped me grow as an educator. Now, I view the guitar as a kind of universal translator—it connects us no matter the language.
Here in Elgin, my bilingual background has been invaluable. Some families feel more comfortable learning in Spanish, while others prefer English, and being able to teach in both languages ensures that music remains accessible to everyone. I’ve seen how this inclusivity makes a real difference, creating an inviting and supportive environment for all my students.
Elgin is an amazing town—it’s full of people who truly care about music and fostering young talent. I’ve loved building connections here, and events like the Winter Showcase are a beautiful reflection of this community spirit. They remind me just how much Elgin values not only music but also the growth and creativity of its young artists.
Brian: What would you say is the most rewarding experience you’ve had as a teacher?
Bruce: There are so many, but one that stands out is a 62-year-old student who loves my band, Los Kurados. Now he’s started his own punk band. We’ll be performing on the same bill together in February. It’s amazing to see students grow into their own.
Brian: Do you do pro bono work?
Bruce: Yes, I’m always open to helping the community. We’ve participated in events at the Elgin Depot Museum and played some free shows from time to time. Plus, we’ve had scholarships sponsored by some community members and local organizations.
Brian: That’s incredible, Bruce. Studio 22 is clearly more than a music academy—it’s a real community hub. This last showcase was a testament to that. I was talking to January Ruiz, our photographer, and she couldn’t stop raving about how much she enjoyed capturing those moments. She mentioned that the collaborative energy in the room was contagious—it really made her job special that night.
Bruce: That’s wonderful to hear. For us, music is about so much more than just teaching lessons or perfecting a technique. It’s about heart—about creating opportunities for people to express themselves, connect with others, and build something together. Whether it’s on stage during a showcase or behind the scenes in rehearsal, it’s those shared moments that bring people together and make it all worthwhile.
Brian: Well said. Bruce, it’s been a pleasure talking with you. Your passion for music and teaching is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what Studio 22 does next.
Bruce: Thank you, Brian. It’s been great talking with you too.
Note: Studio 22 is open Mon.-Thur.5-8 and Sat.11-2
512-709-5482. On Instagram.
The Elgin Chronicles
