It was a pleasure to meet Carmen Rodríguez this past summer at the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention!  She and I talk about growing up in Panama, the experience of coming to the United States to study, her professional ambitions, and much more! About Carmen Rodríguez: Carmen Liseth Rodríguez began her music studies in 2008 at the Instituto Nacional de Música in Panama. In 2016, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance at the Universidad de Panamá. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Music at Louisiana State University. In Panama, she taught in several music programs for children in different provinces. Carmen has participated in the music festival Alfredo de Saint Malo in Panama, Bavarian Basscamp in Germany, and the Orquesta Juvenil Centroamericana. She won the second prize in the Young Artists Solo Competition at the Louisiana Bass Fest 2017. Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:   Robertson & Sons Violins For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!