Geo Suquillo

Lead Teaching Artist and Charango and Guitar Instructor

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Born and raised in the Chillos Valley on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador, Geo Suquillo started learning to play the Andean flutes (zampoñas and quenas) as well as the stringed charango at the age of 12. He later studied the techniques of charango and flamenco guitar from experts in each tradition.

As a young artist, Suquillo performed with some of the most influential Andean bands and ensembles, including Los Kjarkas, Cuatro del Altiplano, Jayac, and the National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua. In addition to performing, he developed a private teaching studio where he taught guitar, charango, and bandolín, and produced concerts and large-scale events.

Upon moving to New York City in 2007, he began working with the Music Under New York (MUNY) program as a solo guitarist. Inspired by the city’s grassroots music scene, he founded the fusion ensemble called Inti and the Moon, in 2010, along with violinist Concetta Abbate and guitarist Muammer Aryar. The group was later recognized as one of “The Latinx Artists We Loved” by NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2018.

In 2017, Suquillo started teaching charango at INTEMPO, a Stamford, CT based nonprofit that empowers immigrant children through music education and academic support. He was promoted to lead teaching artist a few years later, continuing to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Suquillo has performed at international festivals and prestigious venues, including Sharq Taronalari Festival in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the United Nations, the National Museum of the American Indian, The Shrine, Washington Heights Dominican Festival and Citi Summer Streets festival. A highly sought-after instrumentalist, he remains an active presence in the New York City and tri-state area music scenes.