Native Peruvian pursues passion for musicDecember 18, 2017

On August 15, Miguel Ardiles, age 18, arrived in Midland from Lima, Peru.  He didn’t know much English, but studying music in the United States had been a dream of his for quite some time.  Fortunately, his aunt Edith Ardiles lives in Midland, and welcomed Miguel into her home so that he could attend Midland College and pursue his passion for playing the guitar. 

“I started taking guitar lessons in Peru when I was a child,” said Ardiles.  “My mother had cancer, and I would practice while she would sit or lie on the couch listening.  I think it soothed her.”

While in Peru, Ardiles studied guitar with the famous Andean guitarist Raul Garcia Zarate, who is best known for popularizing the Peruvian song “Adiós Pueblo de Ayacucho.”

“Raul Garcia Zarate was the best teacher in Peru,” explained Ardiles.  “He helped me to develop my own style, which is Peruvian and Classical fusion.  I played in my first concert when I was 12—just two months before my mother passed away.  She was too sick to attend the concert, but the concert was videotaped.  I was able to show the video to my mother, and she was very proud.”

While guitar is Miguel Ardiles’ favorite instrument, he also plays the piano, tuba, trumpet and saxophone. 

“Music is appreciated much more in the U.S. than it is in Peru,” said Ardiles.  “That’s why I wanted to study here, even though my father didn’t want me to come to the U.S. because it is so far away, and he thought I was too young.  Fortunately, my aunt was able to convince him to allow me to live with her in Midland.”

Ardiles said that he really enjoys living in Midland. He is active in Stonegate Fellowship and is looking forward to playing the guitar with Stonegate’s worship team.  Ardiles is also an avid table tennis player and plays on a Midland College intramural team every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the college’s Scharbauer Student Center.

Miguel Ardiles successfully completed seven classes during the fall semester.  While he wants to pursue a degree in music, he also wants to study business administration so that he can manage the day-to-day operations of his music career.  At Midland College, he is studying music with adjunct instructor Mary Miller.  During the fall semester, he performed several recitals, which garnered the attention of various college faculty members.

“Miguel is one of my students, and I have admired his diligence and drive to succeed,” said Dr. William Christopher Brown, Midland College associate professor of English and Technical Writing.  “When I heard him play the guitar at his first recital, I was very impressed with his musical style and his talent.”

Ardiles is spending the winter break in his hometown of Lima, Peru, in order to spend the holidays with his father and brothers.  However, he will return to Midland for the spring semester so that he can continue his studies at Midland College.

“I’ve met some really great people who are very supportive of helping me attain my education in music and business,” said Ardiles.  “I fell blessed to be in Midland and attending Midland College.”