Hector Contreras (Composer/ Pianist/Arranger/Prod

Article by JoAnne Disney - Independent Weekly

November 9 - 15, 2006

Hector Contreras has always had a love for music. At the age of 5 he began playing the piano and composing songs. His parents woul ask him what he was playing and he would say "My song" Contreras is a native of Los Angeles, Moving to Pasadena 5 years ago with his wife, Emilie. She is not only his biggest fan and supporter, but is in charge of their music production company, Emiliesgarden Music Production.

Contreras admits that practicality overshadowed his dream for a time. He felt he needed to concentrate on his education. So Contreras obtained his Bachelors degree in Accounting from Cal State, Los Angeles and a Master degree in Education from San Francisco University. He became a teacher with the Compton Unified School District. He worked there for almost 20 years and left to work with the Count Juvenile Court System for about 10 years.

However, through the years his passion for music remained strong. He study music composition at the University of Southern California and advance studies with Dr. Albert Harris. And this year(2006 ), Contreras lifelong dream has become a reality! He has produced 3 CD's one is AfroCuban/Jazz and two New Age Music CD's are amazing (www.hectorcontreras2.com and www.hectorcontreras3.com) a total of 14 latin jazz songs and 18 new age songs. All composed by Contreras. He has written well over 200 musical themes. In high school, his first band was a rock and roll band called "Laggerios" Then while he was a senior in high school he played with the Al MESA Latin Jazz Quartet, also with Orquesta "SIVA (Latin Funk). They were the opening act for the Rolling Stones in 1974. In talking with Contreras about his amazing talent, he say, I am just a conduit. All creativity comes from the inner-spirit. Contreras songs are being heard on the radios world-wide. For more information about Hector Contreras or to purchase his CD's visit:
http://www.emiliesgarden.com
CDBaby Sites:
www.hectorcontreras1.com - Latin Jazz
www.hectorcontreras2.com - Soundscapes
www.hectorcontreras3.com - New Age CD II