Carlos Zapien has played piano nearly his entire life, but when he learned in 2000 that he had carpal tunnel syndrome in his left arm, he thought he would have to give up piano – and music – forever.
But with the encouragement of colleagues and friends, Zapien found a way to keep making music: singing.
In a matter of years, he was producing and teaching the same quality of music he had with the piano, and was getting noticed from some of the most respected voices in music.
Zapien, a University graduate student, is set to graduate with a master’s degree in vocal performance in August.
From there, he plans to travel to Germany to study under famed vocalist Maestro Francisco Araiza after being personally invited by Araiza last year.
“I think that when you have a dream, you have to pursue because things can happen,” Zapien said of his life. “You have to be constant. You have to work hard.”
His vocal teacher, associate professor of voice Eric Mentzel, said Zapien has a natural gift for singing and music.
“He’s a very sharp musician,” he said. “He’s not someone who learns the notes, but really the first time he sings something it comes out right away with all the performance qualities that make it beautiful.”
Mentzel also said being invited by a musician like Araiza was a great honor, and that there are few opportunities to study under prominent musicians in Europe.
“There really are only a small number of conservatories,” Mentzel said. “I know that people who are very famous singers like Araiza have many people applying to study with them.”
“Carlos has a great zest for life,” said Sharon Paul, chair of vocal and choral studies. “I think coming from Mexico, he came here looking for an education, and I think he really found his passion while he was here.”
Born in 1979 to a poor family in the Mexican state of Sonora, Zapien fell in love with music because of his grandfather, who was a violinist.
“None of his children or grandchildren were interested in music at all,” he said. “I was the only one who had the desire to learn music.”
He began piano lessons when he was five, and he also learned to play the organ.
One day at a church service, the organist didn’t show up. Seven-year-old Zapien took his place and played the massive instrument even though his feet could barely touch the pedals.
But the crowd was enticed by the boy who could play such complex music, and he soon began earning money for his family through his performances.
“Immediately, I was hired to play in weddings, and I was able to make some money,” he said.
His life took a drastic change at age 11 when his father permanently left the house, leaving Zapien to support his mother and sister.
They moved to Mazatlan when he was 13 so that he and his mother could work. His mother got a job at the local library that paid just $150 a month while Zapien studied and played piano in a popular tourist restaurant.
“It had been my desire to study in the U.S. to get some formal training,” he said, “but I thought it was only a dream, and it was never going to come true because I had no financial resources.”
Everything changed when a group of tourists from Eugene heard him play and became inspired to help Zapien reach the U.S.
“I needed a waiter to translate,” he said, laughing. “They heard my playing and my story, and they became interested in me. They offered to help me reach my dream.”
After several months, the group helped Zapien receive a visa. In 1999, at age 19, he left his family and came to Eugene.
“It was very intimidating,” he said. “Customs are different, food is different, traditions, language – everything.”
He enrolled in the University that year after receiving a scholarship to learn English through the American English Institute, located in Pacific Hall, and a scholarship to play piano at the School of Music and Dance.
Spending four hours a day in the library memorizing words and grammar, Zapien steadily learned English while sharpening his skills at the piano.
In 2000, Zapien learned that he had carpal tunnel syndrome in his left arm and that he would have to stop playing piano professionally.
“I thought that I had to stop learning music,” he said. “I was seriously thinking about changing to political science.”
But after the conductor of the school’s choir urged him to start vocal lessons, he reluctantly began to focus on his voice.
“I was encouraged by the instructors here,” he said. “I (performed) for the faculty, and I was accepted into the school. That’s how it all started.”
During the following years, he worked towards his bachelor’s degree with the help of Mentzel, whom Zapien said was a great influence.
“Much of what I have accomplished here is through him,” Zapien said. “I thank him for his guidance and support.”
Zapien received his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance in 2004 and was offered a graduate teaching fellow position to teach voice. This past year, he taught 12 seniors in a vocal performance studio.
“I had an opportunity that the school gave me to teach and to get some professional experience in the college level,” he said.
In 2005, he traveled to Austria to participate in Araiza’s master class. Upon completing the course, Araiza personally offered to teach Zapien this year.
He plans on studying with Araiza beginning in September and staying for two years. The only challenge left is finding money to go.
“The financial part is difficult, but I hope I can find more help,” he said. “I hope I can get sufficient funds to take advantage of this opportunity.”
As a person who has overcome many of his most substantial obstacles in life, Zapien said there is no substitute for hard work in music and in life.
“If you are talented you will have work, but you need to be serious about your desires,” he said. “Nothing is granted in this life; you have to fight for it.”