"If LAMAS did not exist, I don't think I would be playing classical guitar or studying the music I do today; nor would I have the ability to write music." – Jason Castillo

Jason Castillo is a young musician residing in Los Angeles who's career and music studies began at age 12, in 2002, at LAMAS. It was here, with the help of his guitar instructor, James Hober, where Jason discovered his gift for music. He quickly developed a passion for songwriting and composition in various genres of music such as progressive rock, metal, movie score, orchestral compositions, classical solo guitar, and chamber music. His goal is to write music for others to enjoy; through his music he wants to "positively change and effect the listener, not only on a musical level, but on an emotional level as well."

Jason's passion for songwriting has led him to work with multiple musical projects. He currently plays lead guitar with progressive metal act, Symetrica. He is also a classical guitarist/songwriter performing at various venues such as The Japan America Theater, United University Church at USC, and the Galaxy Theater.

"I can't possibly thank LAMAS and my instructor, James Hober, enough for directing me into music, composing and performing. I can now aspire to attend a fine music conservatory or college after high school which I am planning to do in the very near future to continue my musical journey as a career." – Jason Castillo

In 2007, he thrilled the Stars for the Arts 2007 audience at the George & Sakaye Aratani Japan America Theatre with the performance of his own composition, Imagery, to the right:

Recently, Jason's virtuosic talent has been recognized at two different music competitions. In March 2008, he won third place at the Regional District 5300 Dan Stover Memorial Music Competition where he proudly represented his sponsor, Rotary Club of East Los Angeles. Then, in April 2008, he won second place at the Jack Gard Music Competition.

More to come...

Dream: His Burden of Becoming is Jason's current solo project. It is a rock opera telling the life story of a troubled individual named "Dream".

Dream was born into a well functioning family, but he did not know that his mother suffered a fatal disease. After his mother dies, his father decides to run away, while he is still a young boy, forcing him to become an orphaned child. He is adopted by two evil stepparents and as he grows up with them he remembers life with his biological parents by mentally reliving his memories through his dreams.

The music to Dream: His Burden of Becoming contains a wide variety of genres from progressive rock/metal, orchestral pieces, ballads, folk, jazz, classical, and theatrical score. Jason Castillo will entirely write, compose, and record all instruments on all compositions. There will be multiple vocalists (to be announced) on the album singing as different characters of the concept.

To learn more about and listen to sneak peaks of Jason's Dream: His Burden of Becoming, please visit his myspace: Jason Castillo - Dream Burden of Becoming.