Video

Selected Works


FLY EATER (Animated Film by Natalie Zamudio)

Original Music by Javier Castillo

Deep Breath, By Javier Castillo 

Piano: Paul McGraith

Double Bass: Brian Stack 

Notes: I originally wrote Deep Breath for electric guitar and electronic piano; later evolving into a grand piano and double bass duet that opened my graduate recital in May of 2024.

The piece is about taking a chance on one's self during uncertain times. When I was composing Deep Breath, I had made the decision to apply for graduate school, even though we were in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. 


The First Steps, By Javier Castillo

Cello: Angela Marvin

Notes: This was the first composition I wrote during my first semester of grad school at Cal State Long Beach/Bob Cole Conservatory of Music.

The First Steps is a homage to Johann Sebastian Bach and his famous unaccompanied Cello Suites. When I was an undergrad student studying classical guitar, I learned all the movements from Cello Suite No.1. It was a difficult but rewarding experience.


Espíritu, by Javier Castillo

Piano: Álvaro Cáceres Muñoz 

Notes: Espíritu was originally written for harp in 2022. My intentions at the time were to present the piece as originally intended for my graduate recital, but I was unable to secure a harpist. I rearranged it for piano instead, and was happy with the end result (a testament to Alvaro, who performed the piece so wonderfully here).

Espíritu was written as a tribute for both my late mother and grandmother, Rosa Hernandez and Prudencia Cerritos.

The Burnight Suite, By Javier Castillo

I. Applied

II. But Was It, Though?

III. Closure

Clarinet: Reyneelyn Cameros

Flute: Summer Wilson

Notes: The Burnight Suite is a three movement suite inspired by The Burnight Center building in Cerritos College. The Burning Center was demolished in 2020, and it was once the home of the music department at Cerritos College. It was where I honed my skills as a undergraduate musician and where I learned nearly everything I know about music. 

I owe a lot to my time being a music major at Cerritos College, and I wanted to write something in tribute to a place that was like a second home to me.

Soledad (Luchando En La Era De Soledad), By Javier Castillo

Alto Saxophone: Andrew Rosenbaum

Trumpet: Arturo Jimenez

Guitar: Javier Castillo

Piano: Dan Glickman

Drums: Gabriel Harvey

Notes: Soledad (Luchando En La Era De Soledad) is an amalgamation of jazz/funk/classical influences. I may have borrowed elements from one's of Mozart's famous works.

Cumbia Collision, by Javier Castillo

Clarinet: Janet Connie Cisneros

Trombone: Gaby Gongora

Trumpet: Andrew Rosenbaum

Trombone: Will Tuttle

Percussion: Tyler Arakaki, Reynelynn Cameros, Gabriel Harvey, Summer Wilson, Freddy Villalobos, Julian Young

Piano: Daniel Glickman

Bass Guitar: Angel Torres 

Notes: Cumbia Collision is the culmination of my project report for completion of my Masters in Music degree. It blends Latin American folk music (specifically Cumbia), with classical music in the style of Minimalism. 

My sources of inspiration for Cumbia Collision come from my upbringing, my past musical experiences, and college studies.

Amor De Un Rato/Las Dos Existencias, by Javier Castillo

Dance Choreography/Voice: Selene Aurora Mendoza

Dancers: Cambria Anderson, Hilary Bucup-Menjivar, Joanne Olivo 

This is a collaborative effort between students of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music and the CSULB Department of Dance. 

The dance tells the story of a person dealing with the internal struggle between their traditional Latino upbringing, while embracing their queer identity. 

Burnight Suite, by Javier Castillo

I. Applied (Debut performance, 2023)


Clarinet: Reyneelynn Cameros

Flute: Summer Wilson


The Burnight Suite was inspired by the Burnight Center, the former home of the music department at Cerritos College. 

I also took inspiration from George Gershwin's Three Preludes.  

The first movement is named after the applied music program, An audition-only program for students interested in taking college music level courses.

The First Movement and Never Again (2014 Performance)

Composed and Performed by Javier Castillo and John Santamaria

Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles, arranged by Javier Castillo

Performed by The Cerritos College and Cypress College Guitar Ensembles, 2013