Drum circles, in particular, have a special place in his heart since his musical journey started with percussion. Guzman says these are another way to reach a large amount of people at once. If the client is OK with it, Milo will come along, too.
On top of providing these services for his clients, he started busking on several street corners in Toronto. Bringing out his djembe or cajon--instruments of West Africa and Peru--Guzman would perform all day to “keep the passion going.”
“It’s just so raw and it captures the essence of the performer, you know?” the charming musician said as he adjusted his sunglasses.
After busking on the streets of Toronto for a while, Guzman heard about the TTC Musicians Program, but discovered that they do not accept percussion performers. Excited that he had more reason to build his guitar and singing skills, he scored an audition because he was one of the first people to apply in person.
“[The audition process] is pretty tedious. You have to look out for the call and be one of the first of 175 applicants to hand in your application in person at the TTC head office. I was like, 150 something,” he explains. “That doesn’t mean you get a license, that only means you get an audition!”