Carlos Sanchez

Program Director, Bass/Cello Instructor, Luthier

Carlos began his own musical studies as a child at El Sistema, the Venezuelan National Youth Orchestra that preaches a message of social action through music and provides free musical instruction to students throughout the country. At the age of 11, Carlos began attending the José Luis Paz Conservatory of Music in Maracaibo, Venezuela before becoming the youngest musician ever accepted into the Maracaibo Symphony Orchestra at the age of 15. At age 18, he earned a spot in the Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra. In 2012, he joined the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, the highest-level orchestra in the country. There, he was conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. Carlos has played at iconic venues around the world including Carnegie Hall, Berliner Philharmonie, Royal Albert Hall, and Musikverein Hall in Vienna.

Carlos joined UpBeat as a bass and cello instructor in 2020. He quickly became a cherished member of the staff and a beloved role model to his students, infusing each lesson with playfulness and joy. Carlos was hired as Program Coordinator while continuing to teach bass and cello. As Program Coordinator, he developed close relationships with his students and their caregivers to support them beyond their musical talents.

Carlos was a child who found his home in a music program, and he works each day to ensure that his students have that same safe and supportive place in which to grow as musicians and as people.