Biography
Sandro Rodrigues was born on June 8, 1996, in S. João da Madeira, Portugal. He began his formal guitar studies at the age of 10 at the Academia de Música de S. João da Madeira with Professor Carlos Moreira.
In 2011, he entered the Escola Profissional de Música de Espinho, where he studied for three years with Professor Tiago Emanuel Cassola.
In 2014, he moved to Zaragoza to continue his studies at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón under the guidance of Pedro Mateo and Àlex Garrobé. During this period, he also studied Ancient Plucked Instruments with the theorbist Daniel Zapico.
After completing his studies in Spain, Sandro relocated to The Netherlands to further refine his artistry with Maestro Carlo Marchione. He completed his Master’s degree with the highest grade and distinction.
Throughout his career, Sandro has participated in masterclasses with renowned guitarists such as Ricardo Gallén, Judicael Perroy, Dejan Ivanovic, Marco Socías, Marlon Titre, Marco Smaili, Petrit Çeku, José Antonio Escobar, Michailis Kontaxakis, Rafael Aguirre, Roberto Aussel, among many others.
As a performer, he has premiered works by composers including Nuno Peixoto, Bernardo Pérez, and Alberto Caracciolo.
In 2020, Sandro was awarded the Henriette Hustinxprijs and released his debut CD, FANTASIA, with COBRA Records. The album features his own transcriptions for guitar of G. P. Telemann’s 12 Fantasias for viola da gamba.
Currently, Sandro Rodrigues is active as a classical guitar teacher at Academy voor Gitaar (which he founded in 2020), KUMA Muziekschool, and Kunstacademie Noord-Limburg.
Photo by Frederico Vieira - @frederic0vieira
Teaching Philosophy
From the very first moment you pick up a guitar, every detail matters. That first sound, the way the hands rest on the instrument, the way you listen — it all shapes the musician you are becoming. That is why I care deeply about guiding each student’s technique from the very beginning, building a foundation that feels natural, healthy, and expressive.
For me, learning the guitar is not only about mastering an instrument. It is about developing sensitivity, curiosity, discipline, and imagination. By combining solid technique with thoughtful musical understanding, students grow not only as guitarists, but as complete musicians who can truly enjoy and share the art of sound throughout their lives.
My goal is simple and sincere: to help form good guitarists, good musicians, and above all, good human beings.
SANDRO RODRIGUES