Today we’d like to introduce you to Harrison Candelario.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up playing the clarinet, bass clarinet, singing, and eventually learning how to play the piano. From a young age, I realized that music is a vital part of humanity and our culture — it tells our stories and makes us, us. I knew I wanted to make an impact on the world, and connect with people, and music has allowed me to do just that. Music has also served as a critical tool for self expression throughout my life. I create music to tell a story. As a jazz vocalist and songwriter, my work lives at the intersection of vulnerability and authenticity. I write and perform from lived experiences, offering honest and unfiltered storytelling so listeners know that they are not alone in their experience. For me, music is more than a performance; it is connection, affirmation, and shared humanity – connecting people across cultures and building bridges between past and present, tradition and innovation, individuality and community because I believe that [all] of our stories matter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely had some ups and downs, between balancing a professional public-facing career in the music industry and attending school to the pressures that come with the unpredictable nature of building a career in the music industry, the path to success is far from a straight line.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“Recording Academy™ member since 2024, Harrison Candelario is a DownBeat™ award-winning jazz and r&b vocalist and songwriter whose music blends classic jazz sensibility with contemporary rhythm and blues. His work has been recognized by the GRAMMY® Museum with the Quinn Coleman Scholarship for “shaping the future of music through innovation, storytelling, and impact” (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences).
A passionate performer and music industry professional, Harrison values collaboration, education, and artistic community – serving as a GRAMMY® U Ambassador to engage, educate, and empower the next generation of music creators and professionals. He was also named a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Songwriter of the Year in 2023 for his original song, “What Did I Do?”, and was awarded the Patricia Wilde Music Scholarship the following year, reflecting his commitment to meaningful storytelling and musical excellence.
Harrison is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Jazz Performance at the Eastman School of Music, with a minor in Audio Music Engineering at the University of Rochester. He also studies music business via the Recording Academy’s Mentorship Program.
Harrison’s performance resumé includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kilbourn Hall, and City Field, as well as major jazz festivals, such as the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Harrison has also toured extensively throughout France, Switzerland, and Monaco.
In 2025, Harrison released his first widely distributed original vocal track, “Misunderstood,” which was submitted for GRAMMY® consideration for a GRAMMY® Award for Best R&B Song” (Harrison Candelario Music Artist Bio).
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a fickle creature, and has definitely played a role to some degree. However, for me, I believe it’s less about luck, and more about how much time you spend on your craft that determines your success.
Pricing:
- I offer virtual lesson in songwriting, contemporary voice and piano for $75.00/hr.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_header&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkl2Q1NWU1NlMDJ6YkJ1VHVUcVV5WllLYzl3Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttaXRQQjZIX0NyUHowdmdCbldhclYtOTdBX3k5UUMzeV9hUEJnSFhnNzk3UDdQSHJ5anpxY1JJQkZteFRzcF9YVHJDU0xaNlhpS0FKdDMzWkI4NmIwdUMtM3NSLW9NZ1VEd1VTcU9ZUk5LYTVpYzhTZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fharrisoncandelamusic.wixstudio.com%2Fhcm1%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf6FFkM6s9Ce-DV4TaulL5B3bGV6EY-UOHieLIU8xtqNEOTEAjYrNOY9P96-w_aem_kV95y3T3AvQA6FQPwGoFSA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisoncandelario?igsh=MTd0OGpuMzJqeHNnZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@harrison.candelario?ra=m
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6p7CKLfnDQxMLIRpfWdMra?si=_4U6j0IJT92Yq5Tla7Miig
