Pianist
Carol Ruiz - Bio
Carol Ruiz is an active pianist and teacher. She was born in Barcelona and has been living in the Netherlands since 2004. She came to the Netherlands to study at the “University of the Arts” (HKU) in Utrecht. After her final Master’s exam she was appraised as “having tremendous artistic possibilities”.
Alan Weiss, Winner of the public at the International Queen Elisabeth music competition in 1978 and receiver of the 4th prize: “She has at the root of her musicality a harmonious personality and warm communication given to very few. Truly a “blessed spirit” for music!”
"Carol is piano, straight from the heart"
Carol Ruiz - Interview
When did you start to get interested in music?
My interest in music started at the age of 7, thanks to my music teacher at primary school. She motivated me to go to the Conservatory.
If you were an advertisement, which would your slogan be?
“Carol is piano, straight from the heart”
Which is the part you enjoy the most about music?
My passion is to continuously listen and search for the perfect legato and the most breathtaking tone.
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… In which aspects has music helped you?
Music has helped me in many ways, has taught me to listen, to be patient, to work hard, to always want to be better, to be disciplined…but also to open my heart as well as my ears.
It also has helped me process my feelings in many occasions. And it has brought me to amazing places where I met amazing people whom inspired me and made me the person I am today.
What does music mean to you?
Music is my life. Is not something that I do, is what I am.
Who are your idols?
Alicia de Larrocha, one of the most important pianists ever. From Barcelona and also a true honest artist.
Alan Weiss, my teacher in HKU. He inspired me, and still does.
All the musicians that keep fighting to be better everyday, and never give up, even when it gets really hard…and it does…I get touched and inspired by their ferocity and their high level.
If you didn’t like music, what would you like to do?
My hobby is to edit videos. I also love graphic design and architecture. I admire beautiful things. I probably would be a designer or an architect if not a musician.
Do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new artists? Why?
Social media did bring publicity to another level, but it brings a lot more competition also…and artists must concentrate on much more things than their own art…We have to be able to do a lot of things to promote ourselves, and that’s quite challenging.
What would your idyllic life as an artist be like?
I’d like to perform more often, and in better venues; and combine that with only one day teaching. You learn a lot from teaching, and I love it, but it can take too much energy as well and turn easily in a routine…I hate routine, and I want to keep the focus I need to practice, be creative and bring myself to the next level as a pianist and as an artist. Just keep evolving.
Carol Ruiz - Projects
Do you want to know more about Carol Ruiz? You can find some projects below.