Raised in a deeply religious home in Puerto Rico, Efraín Del Pilar wasn’t allowed to listen to much beyond Christian music. But outside those walls, he absorbed the rhythms of his heritage—danza puertorriqueña, bomba, plena, aguinaldos, salsa, and merengue. That contrast—strict limits at home and cultural richness in the world—would later shape his musical identity in profound ways.
When he moved to the U.S., first in Florida and later in Los Angeles, he faced a new kind of transition: mastering classical music in an English-speaking world after learning everything in Spanish.
“I had to retrain my ear and mentally translate everything I’d learned,” Efraín recalls. “Even now, I still catch myself navigating that linguistic and cultural divide.”
But those challenges made him sharper—more intentional. They helped him develop a language all his own.
🎼 Discovering the Cello
Efraín didn’t start with the cello. He was initially studying flute and had completed minors in clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Wanting to branch out from the woodwind family, he chose cello—thinking it might feel similar to guitar.
“I couldn’t have been more wrong,” he laughs. “But I threw myself into it completely.”
In just three months, he was playing in his college’s advanced orchestra. Within six, he performed Haydn’s C major cello concerto. It was a turning point.
“The reaction I got to my cello performance was different. People connected with it on another level. I knew I had found something real.”
🎯 Precision and Philosophy
Though Efraín is driven by passion, his musical growth was rooted in relentless discipline.
“I still practice every day—even if it’s just scales while watching a movie,” he says.
But one piece of advice from mentor Nilda Betancourt reshaped how he approached his craft:
“Before you play, study the score. Understand the harmonies. Solfège the notes with a metronome. And always record yourself—because how you hear it as a performer isn’t how the audience hears it.”
That shift in mindset—from just playing to fully interpreting—gave him an edge that still guides him today.
🏛️ Carnegie Hall and Unexpected Moments
One of Efraín’s proudest moments came when he performed Saint-Saëns’ cello concerto at Carnegie Hall—only to be surprised afterward by a visitor: Yo-Yo Ma.
“He said, ‘Very well done.’ If I had known he was in the room, I probably wouldn’t have been able to play,” Efraín admits.
Yet, his most emotional performance wasn’t in a grand concert hall—it was at a close friend’s funeral.
“To this day, I can’t play that piece again. It’s just too emotional.”
💡 ADHD, Humor, and Creativity
Efraín credits his creativity in part to what he calls his “ADHD powers.”
He challenges himself by playing violin pieces on the cello, just to keep things fun. He also writes variations on pop melodies and movie themes, blending entertainment with technique.
His time with the Los Angeles Cello Quartet gave him a new platform for arranging, collaborating, and expanding his musical range.
“Four cellos—it doesn’t get better than that.”
✊ Advice for Emerging Musicians
For musicians from Caribbean or Latino backgrounds, Efraín’s advice is straightforward:
“Be humble. Be flexible. Be on time. Practice relentlessly. Polish your work. And learn how to network—whether for lessons or gigs.”
And don’t shy away from cultural influence—embrace it.
“Puerto Rican genres like danza are already classical. I hear the rhythms of bomba and plena in orchestral music. It’s all connected.”
🌎 Expanding Through Place and People
Living in Florida and Los Angeles exposed Efraín to global musical traditions. His network now includes musicians from Russia, Israel, Hungary, and beyond.
“It wasn’t a challenge—it was an expansion.”
That diversity—blending with his Puerto Rican foundation—has helped him shape a distinct voice that resonates across genres.
❤️ What He Hopes You Feel
When people hear him play, Efraín’s goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
“I want them to forget everything else and just feel the music. When someone says, ‘That was so beautiful I cried,’ I know I did my job.”
🔮 What’s Next
Efraín is currently involved in remote recording projects for bands, soundtracks, and even video games. He’s also preparing for a deeply personal recital at his alma mater.
“Everything else is still in ‘pending contract’—but I’m excited.”
With a voice forged from discipline, heritage, and soul, Efraín Del Pilar is building bridges through music—one note at a time.
You can follow his journey here on instagram.
@efracello #cello #cellist #musician #practicemusic #stringinstruments #mezzofortecello ♬ original sound – EfraCello
